Computers in Business Certificate
Learn computer concepts and software for business
Program facts 
- Credit hours: 15
- Stackable to degree: No
- Potential job outcomes: Office manager, administrative assistant
Get an introduction to the business uses of computers with this 15-credit-hour certificate program. You’ll receive a general overview of computer concepts and computer software. This is an ideal program for beginner computer users whose jobs or businesses require the use of a computer.
Take classes in business software packages, word processing/spreadsheet/presentation software, computer and digital literacy, computer information systems and more. All courses are taught by multidisciplinary faculty who are experts in their fields. Many courses are offered online or in blended formats, giving you added flexibility.
Certificate programs are convenient and affordable ways to earn college credit and test out career paths that might be a good fit for you. Harper College features three large open computer labs that are staffed with certified IT Student Support Assistants who can assist with select coursework. You can also get additional experience outside the classroom by participating in a variety of student organizations.
Certificate program requirements
NOTE: This program is being withdrawn. Its inclusion in our catalog is for those students who are finishing the requirements.
This is a 15 credit-hour certificate program designed to familiarize a student with the business uses of computers. The student will gain exposure to computer concepts and computer software. This exposure will be useful to the person whose job or business requires the use of a computer.
Required:
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CAS 105 | Word Processing Software and | |
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Description: Provides an opportunity to become proficient in the use of a currently popular word processing package. Includes editing, formatting, creating tables and outlines and merging data. |
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| CAS 115 | Spreadsheet Software and | |
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Description: Provides an opportunity to become proficient in the use of a currently popular spreadsheet package. Includes creating, editing and formatting worksheets; working with formulas, functions and charts. |
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| CAS 125 | Database Software or | |
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Description: Provides an opportunity to become proficient in the use of a currently popular database package. Includes creating databases, tables and table relationships, maintaining an querying databases, and creating forms and reports. |
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| CAS 160 | Introduction to Business Software Packages | 1-3 |
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Description: Provides an opportunity to become proficient in the use of currently popular software packages or suites. Includes word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation software and the integration of these applications. |
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| CIS 100 | Computer and Digital Literacy or | |
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Description: Provides students with an introduction to computers in society and digital literacy. Includes computer hardware and operating systems, word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, networking, Internet usage, communication and collaboration, computer safety and ethics. This course is not intended for computer information system majors. |
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| CIS 101 | Introduction to Computer Information Systems | 3 |
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Description: Provides students with an introduction to computer and information systems used in business environments. Includes computer hardware and operating systems, word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, database management software, networking and Internet, information systems, programming concepts, and computer security and ethics. IAI BUS 902 |
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Electives: Select nine credit hours from the following:
Students must satisfy prerequisites for each course selected.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CAS 135 | Presentation Software | 1 |
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Description: Provides an opportunity to become proficient in the use of a currently popular business presentation package. Includes editing, formatting, themes, slide masters and presentation effects. |
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| CAS 205 | Advanced Word Processing Software | 1 |
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Description: Provides an opportunity to become proficient in the use of a currently popular advanced word processing package. Includes document sharing, advanced content formatting, references, mail merge, forms and macros. Prerequisite: CAS 105 or CAS 160 with a grade of C or better. |
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| CAS 215 | Advanced Spreadsheet Software | 1 |
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Description: Provides an opportunity to become proficient in the use of a currently popular advanced spreadsheet package. Includes workbook sharing, advanced content formatting, data importing, filtering, charting, pivot tables, forms and macros. Prerequisite: CAS 115 or CAS 160 with a grade of C or better. |
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| CIS 106 | Computer Logic and Programming Technology | 3 |
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Description: Provides students with a comprehensive introduction to computer programming using a currently popular programming language. Includes program logic, program structure, subroutines/functions/methods, variables, conditions, loops, arrays, files/data access, and object-oriented programming. A variety of programs are created throughout the course. Prerequisite: Math placement in MTH 101 or higher. Math_Placement_Grid.pdf |
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| CIS 137 | Computer Internship I | 3 |
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Description: Provides students with coordinated job experience in an information technology professional position such as computer networking or Web design. This course is repeatable up to a maximum of six credit hours. The one lecture hour per week will involve a seminar regarding technology issues. Prerequisite: Minimum of six credit hours of CIS courses with a GPA of 2.5 or better. Consent of program coordinator and internship instructor. |
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| CIS 220 | Topics in Computer Information Systems | 3 |
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Description: Studies selected problems, computer software or computer languages. The exact content and instructional methodology will vary semester to semester depending on the material to be studied. A syllabus or course outline containing additional information with pre-registration materials will be available each time the course is offered. This course may be repeated up to a maximum of six credit hours. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. |
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| CIS 230 | Computer Programmer Internship | 3 |
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Description: Applies computer skills in practical situations and also involves a field project in local computer installation. Open only to computer degree candidates. Fourth semester standing with an overall GPA of 3.0 and 3.5 GPA in computer courses. Prerequisite: Consent of program coordinator. |
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| NET 105 | IT Fundamentals | 3 |
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Description: Provides students with a hands-on introduction to operating systems and related concepts. Includes hardware, software, file systems, directory structures, files and attributes, text editors, applications, and maintenance. Compares and contrasts GUI and command line interfaces in a variety of current operating systems. |
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| NET 111 | A+ Hardware | 3 |
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Description: Provides students with experience installing, configuring, maintaining, upgrading, diagnosing, troubleshooting, and networking recent and current personal computer hardware. Prerequisite: NET 105 with a grade of C or better or concurrent enrollment. |
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| NET 112 | A+ Operating Systems Technologies | 3 |
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Description: Provides students with experience installing, configuring, upgrading, diagnosing, troubleshooting, and networking recent and current personal computer operating systems. Prerequisite: NET 105 with a grade of C or better or concurrent enrollment. |
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| NET 121 | Computer Networking | 3 |
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Description: Provides students with hands-on experience implementing and maintaining computer networks. Includes networking standards, architecture, operations, security and troubleshooting using current network operating systems. Prerequisite: CIS 101, NET 105, or WEB 110 with a grade of C or better. |
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| WEB 150 | Web Foundations | 3 |
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Description: Introduces the foundational skills needed to create web pages utilizing HyperText Markup Language (HTML) and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). Topics include Web design best practices, web site hosting, Internet protocols, graphics, media and security. Students utilize the skills learned to create a business-oriented web site project. IAI MC 923 Recommended: WEB 110 or CIS 106 or GRA 101 are strongly recommended courses in preparation prior to WEB 150. |
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| WEB 170 | Web Graphics and Prototyping | 3 |
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Description: Emphasizes techniques of sketching to develop digital wireframes and mockups to create an interactive prototype of a business-orientated website with the focus on user experience and interface design. Uses current prototyping tools to match industry standards. Explores utilization and best practices of web graphics. Examines usability testing. Prerequisite: WEB 110 with a grade of C or better and prior or concurrent enrollment in WEB 150 with a grade of C or better. |
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| WEB 180 | Web Multimedia | 3 |
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Description: Builds on web foundation skills taught in WEB 150 with a focus on configuring multimedia for the Web, using HyperText Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) and a currently popular animation tool. Students utilize the skills taught to create a business-oriented web site. Prerequisite: WEB 150 with a grade of C or better. |
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| WEB 220 | Flash Multimedia II | 3 |
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Description: |
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