Information Tech., Network Admin. and Cybersecurity
Information Technology Program
Launch Your Career in IT, Networking and Support
The Information Technology program at Harper College prepares you for a career in
data management, information technology, networking and software. You’ll learn from
a multidisciplinary faculty with hands-on industry experience.
Many courses offered in evening and online or blended formats to fit your schedule.
High school students in the Harper College district can earn college credit while
in high school through the dual-credit program.
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Planning for your future begins here.
It only takes 20 seconds to get started!
Earn a Career-Ready Degree
The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree is designed to prepare you for immediate entry into this career field. Coursework
in the AAS may also prepare you to transfer to a four-year college or university.
To learn more, visit our Transfer Information page or see your advisor.
Jumpstart your career by learning new skills through a certificate program. Many of
Harper's certificates are stackable to a degree program through additional coursework.
The National Science Foundation offers a scholarship open to support STEM (science,
technology, engineering and math) students with financial assistance and co-curricular
activities. To learn more, visit the NSF-STEM Scholarship page.
Flexible Program Options
Distance Learning (Earn degrees/credentials by taking classes online)
Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local
area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), cloud networks, servers, and other
data communications networks. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate
correctly with minimal interruption.
Core tasks:
Back up network data.
Configure security settings or access permissions for groups or individuals.
Analyze and report computer network security breaches or attempted breaches.
Identify the causes of networking problems, using diagnostic testing software and
equipment.
Develop and oversee the implementation of information security procedures and policies.
Build, maintain and upgrade security technology, such as firewalls, for the safe use
of computer networks and the transmission and retrieval of information. Design and
implement appropriate security controls to identify vulnerabilities and protect digital
files and electronic infrastructures. Monitor and respond to computer security breaches,
viruses, and intrusions, and perform forensic investigation. May oversee the assessment
of information security systems.
Core tasks:
Assess the quality of security controls, using performance indicators.
Conduct investigations of information security breaches to identify vulnerabilities
and evaluate the damage.
Coordinate documentation of computer security or emergency measure policies, procedures,
or tests.
Coordinate monitoring of networks or systems for security breaches or intrusions.
Install, configure, and maintain an organization's local area network (LAN), wide
area network (WAN), data communications network, operating systems, and physical and
virtual servers. Perform system monitoring and verify the integrity and availability
of hardware, network, and server resources and systems. Review system and application
logs and verify completion of scheduled jobs, including system backups. Analyze network
and server resource consumption and control user access. Install and upgrade software
and maintain software licenses. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning,
and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software.
Core tasks:
Maintain and administer computer networks and related computing environments, including
computer hardware, systems software, applications software, and all configurations.
Perform data backups and disaster recovery operations.
Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve hardware, software, or other network and system
problems, and replace defective components when necessary.
Configure, monitor, and maintain email applications or virus protection software.
Quick facts:
Software Developers
Software Developers
* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Software Developers career profile for most current data.
$128,508 Median Salary
8.6% Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)
4,065 Job Postings
Description:
Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility
programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and
techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software
or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers
to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance
requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually
or coordinating database development as part of a team.
Core tasks:
Analyze information to determine, recommend, and plan installation of a new system
or modification of an existing system.
Analyze user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within
time and cost constraints.
Confer with data processing or project managers to obtain information on limitations
or capabilities for data processing projects.
Confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design systems
and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements
and interfaces.
For more information about starting your college education at Harper, please contact
Admissions Outreach at 847.925.6700 or fill out our request information form.
