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Prepare for a career in the ever-evolving fields of artificial intelligence and cloud computing with this program. The curriculum provides students with a strong theoretical and practical foundation of machine learning, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing. You'll be ready to adapt to the changes in the industry, with classes in natural language processing, Python programming, AWS cloud, and AI applications.
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and cloud computing technologies is fundamentally transforming various industries, leading to innovative applications that streamline processes, enhance productivity, and improve decision-making. These developments foster efficiency and create exciting opportunities for professionals eager to leverage technology for meaningful, real-world impact. As businesses increasingly adopt AI-driven solutions and scalable cloud services, there is a growing demand for skilled individuals who can navigate these cutting-edge fields and drive technological progress.
Upon graduation from the program, students will qualify for entry-level and specialist positions in tech, such as AI engineer, cloud architect, or data scientist. They will also be prepared to transfer to a four-year university to earn a bachelor's degree in a related major.
The Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cloud Computing degree program prepares the graduate with a strong foundation in applied Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Cloud concepts, techniques and applications. Artificial Intelligence is perceiving, synthesizing, and inferring information demonstrated by machines as opposed to intelligence displayed by human beings. Cloud computing is the on-demand availability of computer system resources, especially data storage (cloud storage) and computing power without direct management by the user. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be prepared for jobs in the AI and Cloud sectors.
Program Overview
The 60 credit-hour Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cloud Computer A.A.S. degree program prepares the graduate with a strong foundation in applied Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Cloud concepts, techniques, and applications. Artificial Intelligence is perceiving, synthesizing, and inferring information demonstrated by machines as opposed to intelligence displayed by human beings. Cloud computing is the on-demand availability of computer system resources, especially data storage (cloud storage) and computing power without direct management by the user. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be prepared for jobs in the AI and Cloud sectors.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
First Semester | ||
| AIC 101 | Careers in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Cloud Computing | 2 |
Description: Navigates students through the complexity of artificial intelligence (AI), machining learning (ML), and cloud computing careers. Provides an overview of major categories of work and job classifications, and an understanding of required credentials and existing programs of study to prepare for the workforce or transfer. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 2 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| AIC 110 | Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) | 3 |
Description: Basic concepts and applications of artificial intelligence (AI), including AI project cycles. Focus on issues surrounding AI including ethics, bias, culture, regulations, and professional expectations. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| AIC 140 | Python Programming for AI | 3 |
Description: Provides comprehensive introduction to Python programming. Covers fundamental programming concepts, advanced data structures, and essential libraries and frameworks with emphasis on those directly applicable to AI. Students will gain practical experience in writing efficient Python code, developing algorithms, and utilizing Python for data analysis, and AI/machine learning computing applications. Students will be well-equipped to apply Python programming skills to real-world computing problems with an emphasis on AI/machine learning. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| ENG 101 | Composition I | 3 |
Description: Emphasizes the writing of expository prose. Introduction to the critical reading of nonfiction prose. IAI C1 900 Prerequisite: ENG 093 with a grade of P or other placement options. ESL students need one of the following options: ESL 073 and ESL 074 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 with a grade of B or better and required writing placement test score; or ESL 074 with a grade of B or better and required reading placement test score. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| MTH 102 | General Education Mathematics | 3 |
Description: Focuses on mathematical reasoning and the solving of real-life problems and appreciation, rather than on routine skills. The following topics will be studied: logic and set theory, mathematics of finance and statistics. The course will incorporate the use of calculators and computers. IAI M1 904 Prerequisite: Placement into college-level mathematics. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| NET 105 | Information Technology Fundamentals | 3 |
Description: Provides students with the skills required to identify and explain the basics of computing, IT, infrastructure, application and software, software development, database fundamentals and security. Contains basic computer maintenance and support principles. Includes computer science related topics including programming concepts and principles of software development and database design. Aligns to the CompTIA IT (ITF+) Fundamentals certification. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| Hours | 17 | |
Second Semester | ||
| AIC 120 | Introduction to Machine Learning | 3 |
Description: Introduction to machine learning concepts and Python applications, including data acquisition, supervised and unsupervised learning, and data modeling. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| AIC 130 | Applied Math for Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
Description: Covers the basic concepts and topics relevant to develop an appreciation for the role mathematics plays in AI. In this application0based course, students will learn to apply the concepts of statistics, linear algebra, and probability to the AI Project Cycle. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| AIC 150 | Introduction to Generative AI | 2 |
Description: This course introduces students to fundamental principles, strategies, and practices necessary for working with and developing generative AI. Prerequisite: AIC 110 and AIC 120. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 2 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| NET 121 | Computer Networking | 3 |
Description: Provides students with hands-on experience implementing and maintaining computer networks. Includes networking standards, architecture, models, protocols, operations, security and troubleshooting using current network operating systems. Introduces IP addressing and Ethernet fundamentals. Course prepares students to build simple local area networks (LANs) that integrate IP addressing schemes and foundational network security. Aligns to the CompTIA Network+ certification. Prerequisite: CIS 101 or NET 105 or WEB 110 with a grade of C or better. NET 105 can be taken concurrently with NET 121. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| PHI 130 | Applied Ethics for Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
Description: Examines central ethical questions posed by the design and implementation of artificial intelligence (AI). Students draw on leading ethical frameworks and perspectives to navigate challenges posed by the introduction of AI to a variety of morally significant contexts, such as public safety, medicine, and criminal justice. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| Hours | 14 | |
Third Semester | ||
| AIC 210 | Natural Language Processing | 3 |
Description: Covers the fundamental concepts in Natural Language Processing (NLP) and text processing. Focuses on the knowledge and skills necessary to create a language recognition application. Prerequisite: AIC 120 or AIC 140. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| AIC 220 | Applications of Artificial Intelligence | 2 |
Description: This course is a project-based course that focuses on the application of AI/machine learning concepts, principles learned to solving one or more specific AI case study problems. Students will demonstrate competence to scope, acquire/explore data, model, evaluate, and deploy one or more AI/machine learning solutions in a team environment. Students will create and present code or no-code AI solutions. Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| CIS 211 | IT Project Management | 3 |
Description: Provides students with a comprehensive introduction to Information Technology project management. Includes project selection, initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and closure. Students gain practical project management skills and competencies related to Information Technology project management. Activities are performed using a currently popular project management software package. Aligns to the CompTIA Project+ certification. Prerequisite: CAS 105, CAS 115 and CAS 125 with grades of C or better, OR CAS 160 or CIS 101 or WEB 110 or NET 105, with a grade of C or better; AND math placement into college-level math without support. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| NET 280 | Cybersecurity Fundamentals | 3 |
Description: Provides students with a hands-on foundation of essential cybersecurity concepts, principles, trends, practices, technologies, and compliance. Includes topics related to threats, attacks, vulnerabilities, risk, emerging technologies, security architecture and design, identity, and access management, risk management, cryptography, and secure communications. Aligns to the CompTIA Security+ Certification. Prerequisite: NET 121 or NET 122 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| SPE 101 | Fundamentals of Speech Communication | 3 |
Description: Theory and practice of oral communications. Development of poise, confidence and skill in speech organization and delivery. Emphasis on frequent speaking, development of standards of criticism and selection and organization of material. IAI C2 900 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| SPE 205 | Small Group Communication/Team Work | |
Description: Studies the theory and practice of effective small group communication processes. This is a skills-oriented course that engages students in a variety of group discussions and exercises. Provides practical experience in group communication, as well as providing a theoretical base in small group communication. Emphasizes the power of groups as well as the connection between being an effective speaker/listener in small group situations. Includes consideration of leadership, motivation, decision-making, problem-solving and conflict management. IAI MC 902 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| Hours | 14 | |
Fourth Semester | ||
| AIC 230 | Fundamentals of Azure | 2 |
Description: Students will learn the administration skills and knowledge required to implement, manage, and monitor identity, governance, storage, and compute virtual networks in the Microsoft Azure cloud environment. Aligns with Microsoft Certified Azure Associate. Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| AIC 240 | Amazon Web Services Cloud | 2 |
Description: Provides a basic introduction to cloud computing using Amazon Web Services (AWS), aligning with the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification. Students will gain practical knowledge and skills needed to understand and work with AWS, covering fundamental concepts, core services, security, pricing, and management tools. The course combines theoretical instruction with hands-on labs to prepare students for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam. Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| AIC 250 | Data-Centric Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
Description: The two pillars of artificial intelligence (AI) are code and data. Students will primarily focus on the data aspect of AI. They will learn how to work with data (statistical, text, and visual) and how continuous improvements to datasets improve AI solutions. Students will then learn how to integrate and manage data pipelines with Machine Learning Operations (MLOps). Prerequisite: AIC 120 and AIC 220. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| AIC 260 | Artificial Intelligence for Computer Vision | 3 |
Description: Fundamental concepts in Computer Vision (CV) and image processing, including introduction to necessary Python libraries like OpenCV, OpenVINO, Keras. Focuses on knowledge and skills necessary to create a computer vision application. Prerequisite: AIC 120. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| AIC 290 | Artificial Intelligence (AI) Capstone | 2 |
Description: Students will demonstrate competence to scope, acquire/explore data, model, evaluate, deploy, and present an AI/Machine Learning solution in a team environment. Students will create and present an AI solution. Guidance and support are provided along with graded evaluation and feedback from their faculty throughout the semester. Must be taken during the last semester before graduation. Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
Description: Analysis and description of the structure and dynamics of human society. Application of scientific methods to the observation and analysis of social norms, groups, intergroup relations, social change, social stratification and institutions. IAI S7 900 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | ||
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 60 | |
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For more information about AI and Cloud Computing courses at Harper College, contact Admissions Outreach at 847.925.6700.