Harper College

Associate in Applied Science - Information Technology

Begin your IT administration and support career 

Career options business icon


  • Computer support technician
  • Helpdesk technician
  • IT analyst
  • Network administrator

Take the first step toward a successful career in information technology by completing this comprehensive degree program. Choose from two distinct 60-credit-hour tracks to specialize in the area of information technology that’s of most interest to you.

In the computer support program, you’ll develop the skills and knowledge needed to obtain an entry-level position as a computer support technician. Courses focus on information systems and networking. The network administration track concentrates on building the necessary skills for a career in information technology/computer networking. You’ll work alongside multidisciplinary faculty who are experts in their fields. Many courses are offered online or in blended formats, giving you added flexibility.

Harper College is a great place to study information technology. Three large open computer labs are staffed with certified IT Student Support Assistants who can assist with CIS, CAS and NET coursework. Many classes are designed to prepare you to complete IT industry certifications in programming, networking, server administration, security and more.

A.A.S. degree program plans

The 60 credit-hour technical curriculum prepares students for various positions in the field of computer support. The student will take courses in computer information systems, networking and general education.

This sequenced degree plan is one of two options that students may pursue to earn the Information Technology Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree. While there are multiple specializations, this particular degree can be awarded only once.

FIRST SEMESTER:

Number Course Title Credits Category
ENG 101 3 AAS General Education

Description:  Emphasizes the writing of expository prose. Introduction to the critical reading of nonfiction prose. IAI C1 900

Prerequisite: ENG 096 with a grade of C or better. Other placement options: english-placement-grid.php ESL students need one of the following options: ESL 073 and ESL 074 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 and ESL 086 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 and ESL 099 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 with required writing placement test score; or ESL 074 with required reading placement test score.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

Mathematics1 3 AAS General Education
NET 105 3 Program Requirement

Description:  Provides students with a hands-on introduction to information technology and computer support concepts. Includes hardware, operating systems, applications, networking, Internet connectivity and services, security, software development, and database fundamentals.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

NET 111 3 Program Requirement

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.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

NET 112 3 Program Requirement

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.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

SECOND SEMESTER:

Number Course Title Credits Category
CAS 160 3 Program Requirement

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.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

ENG 102 2 3 AAS General Education

Description:  Continues ENG 101. Reading literature and writing of various types of prose. Introduces methods used in writing investigative papers. IAI C1 901R

Prerequisite: ENG 101 with a grade of C or better, or consent of instructor or department chair.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

NET 121 3 Program Requirement

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.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

NET 201 3 Program Requirement

Description:  Provides a comprehensive introduction to service desk and IT service management concepts. Includes service desk operations, roles and responsibilities, processes and procedures, service strategy, service design, service transition, service operation and continual service improvement. Emphasizes communication and teamwork skills through collaborative hands-on assignments and activities.

Prerequisite: NET 105 with a grade of C or better.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

WEB 110 or

Description:  Introduces the fundamental skills and knowledge needed to use the Internet and build basic web pages. Students will learn and understand introductory functions of the web, Internet communications, and project management concepts. Social networking tools and the use of multimedia on the web will be explored. Industry career opportunities will be discussed.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

WEB 150 3 Program Requirement

Description:  Introduces the foundational skills needed to create web pages utilizing HyperText Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), and an overview of the JavaScript language. 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.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

THIRD SEMESTER:

Number Course Title Credits Category
CIS 106 3 Program Requirement

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. mathplacement.php

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

Computer Support elective3 3 Program Requirement
NET 240 3 Program Requirement

Description:  Provides students with a comprehensive introduction to Linux administration. Includes architecture, installation, commands, file systems, data management, user interfaces, administrative tasks, system services, networking, and security.

Prerequisite: NET 121 with a grade of C or better.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

NET 260 3 Program Requirement

Description:  Provides students with a comprehensive introduction to Windows Server administration. Includes installation, server roles, Active Directory, storage, performance and maintenance.

Prerequisite: NET 121 with a grade of C or better.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

SPE 101 2 3 AAS General Education

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

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

FOURTH SEMESTER

Number Course Title Credits Category
CAS 265 3 Program Requirement

Description:  Provides an opportunity to become proficient in advanced features of currently popular software packages or suites. Includes word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation software, and the integration of these applications.

Prerequisite: CAS 160 with a grade of C or better.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

CIS 143 3 Program Requirement

Description:  Provides students with a comprehensive introduction to database concepts. Primary focus is on the relational model of database management and querying databases using Structured Query Language (SQL). Existing relational databases are examined and manipulated, and new relational databases are created.

Prerequisite: CAS 160 or CIS 101 or WEB 110 with a grade of C or better and math placement in MTH 101 or higher. mathplacement.php

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

Computer Support elective3 6 Program Requirement
SOC 101 + 3 AAS General Education

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, inter-group relations, social change, social stratification and institutions. This course meets the World Culture and Diversity graduation requirement. IAI S7 900

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

1 - Students must take at least three credit hours at the level of MTH 101 or above. MTH 165 is recommended.

2 - Students who have previously completed another course which satisfies AAS General Education electives requirements should contact the CIS coordinator before taking this course.

3 - Students must take nine credit hours selected from: CIS 101, CIS 137, CIS 211, CIS 220, FYS 101, MGT 111, NET 122, NET 280.

+ - This course meets the World Cultures and Diversity graduation requirement.

Program learning outcomes

  • Apply computer hardware, software, and information technology concepts and techniques to a variety of business environments.
  • Apply common business productivity software to business functions, including word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation applications.
  • Design, normalize, and administer relational databases.
  • Install, configure, upgrade, and maintain computer hardware and operating systems.
  • Install, configure, and troubleshoot networking devices, protocols, and servers.
  • Provide support for users of operating systems, applications, and information systems.
  • Demonstrate professional and effective communication skills.

The 60 credit-hour technical curriculum prepares students for various positions in the field of information technology/computer networking.

This sequenced degree plan is one of two options that students may pursue to earn the Information Technology Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree. While there are multiple specializations, this particular degree can be awarded only once.

FIRST SEMESTER:

Number Course Title Credits Category
ENG 101 3 AAS General Education

Description:  Emphasizes the writing of expository prose. Introduction to the critical reading of nonfiction prose. IAI C1 900

Prerequisite: ENG 096 with a grade of C or better. Other placement options: english-placement-grid.php ESL students need one of the following options: ESL 073 and ESL 074 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 and ESL 086 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 and ESL 099 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 with required writing placement test score; or ESL 074 with required reading placement test score.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

Mathematics1 3 AAS General Education
NET 105 3 Program Requirement

Description:  Provides students with a hands-on introduction to information technology and computer support concepts. Includes hardware, operating systems, applications, networking, Internet connectivity and services, security, software development, and database fundamentals.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

NET 111 3 Program Requirement

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.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

NET 112 3 Program Requirement

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.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

SECOND SEMESTER:

Number Course Title Credits Category
CAS 160 3 Program Requirement

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.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

ENG 102 2 3 AAS General Education

Description:  Continues ENG 101. Reading literature and writing of various types of prose. Introduces methods used in writing investigative papers. IAI C1 901R

Prerequisite: ENG 101 with a grade of C or better, or consent of instructor or department chair.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

NET 121 3 Program Requirement

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.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

NET 201 3 Program Requirement

Description:  Provides a comprehensive introduction to service desk and IT service management concepts. Includes service desk operations, roles and responsibilities, processes and procedures, service strategy, service design, service transition, service operation and continual service improvement. Emphasizes communication and teamwork skills through collaborative hands-on assignments and activities.

Prerequisite: NET 105 with a grade of C or better.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

WEB 110 or

Description:  Introduces the fundamental skills and knowledge needed to use the Internet and build basic web pages. Students will learn and understand introductory functions of the web, Internet communications, and project management concepts. Social networking tools and the use of multimedia on the web will be explored. Industry career opportunities will be discussed.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

WEB 150 3 Program Requirement

Description:  Introduces the foundational skills needed to create web pages utilizing HyperText Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), and an overview of the JavaScript language. 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.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

THIRD SEMESTER:

Number Course Title Credits Category
CIS 106 3 Program Requirement

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. mathplacement.php

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

NET 240 3 Program Requirement

Description:  Provides students with a comprehensive introduction to Linux administration. Includes architecture, installation, commands, file systems, data management, user interfaces, administrative tasks, system services, networking, and security.

Prerequisite: NET 121 with a grade of C or better.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

NET 260 3 Program Requirement

Description:  Provides students with a comprehensive introduction to Windows Server administration. Includes installation, server roles, Active Directory, storage, performance and maintenance.

Prerequisite: NET 121 with a grade of C or better.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

Network Administration elective3 3 Program Requirement
SPE 101 2 3 AAS General Education

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

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

FOURTH SEMESTER:

Number Course Title Credits Category
NET 270 3 Program Requirement

Description:  Provides students with a comprehensive introduction to Cisco networking, switches, and routers. Includes network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security, and management automation.

Prerequisite: NET 121 with a grade of C or better.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

NET 280 3 Program Requirement

Description:  Provides students with a comprehensive hands-on overview of IT security including network security, compliance and operational security, threats and vulnerabilities, application, data and host security, access control, identity management and cryptography.

Prerequisite: NET 121 or NET 122 with a grade of C or better.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

NET 290 3 Program Requirement

Description:  Provides hands-on experience with cloud technologies and infrastructures. Includes cloud concepts, virtualization, infrastructure, resource management, security, systems management, and business continuity. Emphasizes design and implementation of a real-world infrastructure using multiple cloud service providers.

Prerequisite: Prior or concurrent enrollment in NET 240 or NET 260 with a grade of C or better. Recommended: Prior or concurrent enrollment in NET 270 and NET 280 with grades of C or better.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

Network Administration elective3 3 Program Requirement
SOC 101 + 3 AAS General Education

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, inter-group relations, social change, social stratification and institutions. This course meets the World Culture and Diversity graduation requirement. IAI S7 900

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

1 - Students must take at least three credit hours in a mathematics course at the level of MTH 101 or above. MTH 165 is recommended.

2 - Students who have previously completed another course which satisfies AAS General Education electives requirements should contact the CIS coordinator before taking this course.

3 - Students must take six credit hours selected from CIS 101, CIS 137, CIS 143, CIS 211, CIS 220, FYS 101, MGT 111, NET 122.

+ - This course meets the World Culture and Diversity graduation requirement.

Program learning outcomes

  • Apply computer hardware, software, and information technology concepts and techniques to a variety of business environments.
  • Apply common business productivity software to business functions, including word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation applications.
  • Install, configure, upgrade, and maintain computer hardware and operating systems.
  • Install, configure, and troubleshoot networking devices, protocols, and servers.
  • Explain and support general security concepts, including authentication methods, access control, auditing, and attacks.
  • Provide support for users of operating systems, applications, and information systems.
  • Demonstrate professional and effective communication skills.

 

Resources

Next steps

For more information about information technology courses at Harper College, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.

Last Updated: 3/15/24