Harper College

Software Development Certificate

Become a software developer or computer programmer

Program facts business icon


  • Credit hours: 23
  • Stackable to degree: No
  • Potential job outcomes: Software developer, programmer

Take the first step towards a successful career in software development by completing this 23-credit-hour certificate program. You’ll develop the skills and knowledge needed to obtain an entry-level position in the software development field.

Courses include business software packages, computer information systems, computer logistics and programming technology, database systems, computer science and Web foundations. All classes are taught by multidisciplinary faculty who are experts in their fields. Many courses are offered online or in blended formats, giving you added flexibility.

Harper College features three large open computer labs that 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.

Certificate program requirements

This 23 credit-hour certificate program is designed to prepare students for business software development. The student will be prepared for an entry-level software development position.

Required:

Number Course Title Credits
CAS 160 3

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:  Spring 2024

CIS 101 3

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

Class Schedule:  Spring 2024

CIS 106 1 3

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:  Spring 2024

CIS 143 2 3

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:  Spring 2024

CIS 206 and

Description:  Introduces application development and problem solving using a currently popular programming language. Includes variables, conditions, loops, functions, strings, lists, dictionaries, sets, error handling, classes, file data, Internet data, databases, and code documentation.

Prerequisite: CIS 106 or CSC 121 with a grade of C or better.

Class Schedule:  Spring 2024

CIS 216 or

Description:  Introduces object-oriented application development and problem solving using a currently popular programming language. Includes objects, classes, exception handling, unit testing, encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, data structures, data serialization, GUI applications, and web frameworks.

Prerequisite: CIS 106 or CSC 121 with a grade of C or better. Recommended: CIS 206 and WEB 110, or equivalent experience.

Class Schedule:  Spring 2024

CSC 121 3and

Description:  Introduces a disciplined approach to problem solving and algorithm development. Introduces both procedural and object-oriented design strategies; selection, repetition, and sequence control structures; containers (mathematical manipulation, searching, sorting, etc.); and file manipulation. Emphasizes program design, testing, and documentation using good programming style in a high-level, object-oriented programming language. Emphasizes mathematics, engineering, science, and computer science applications. Designed as the first of a sequence of courses (CSC 121, CSC 122, CSC 216, and CSC 217) for students majoring in Computer Science. IAI CS 911

Prerequisite: CIS 106 (Computer Logic and Programming Technology) and MTH 103 (College Algebra) with grades of C or better; OR MTH 140 (Precalculus), or MTH 200 (Calculus I, IAI MTH 901), or MTH 220 (Discrete Mathematics, IAI M1 905, IAI CS 915) with a grade of C or better, or placement into MTH 200 mathplacement.php

Class Schedule:  Spring 2024

CSC 122 4 8

Description:  Uses an object-oriented approach to introduce the design and implementation of large scale problems. Introduces data structures: arrays, files, sets, pointers, lists, stacks, queues, trees, and graphs. Introduces program verification and complexity. Builds on previous knowledge of searching and sorting to help introduce the student to recursion as well as give practical examples of complexity analysis. Emphasizes mathematics, engineering, science, and computer science applications. Designed as the second of a sequence of courses (CSC 121, CSC 122, CSC 216, CSC 217) for students majoring in Computer Science. IAI CS 912

Prerequisite: CSC 121 (Computer Science I, IAI CS 911) and either MTH 134 (Calculus for Business and Social Sciences, IAI M1 900-B) or MTH 200 (Calculus I, IAI M1 900-1, IAI MTH 901) with grades of C or better.

Class Schedule:  Spring 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:  Spring 2024

WEB 150 3

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:  Spring 2024

1 - Students should have a strong mathematics background prior to enrollment in software development courses. The prerequisite for CIS 106 is placement into MTH 101 or higher; MTH 103 or higher is recommended.

2 - The prerequisites for CIS 143 are CAS 160 or CIS 101 or WEB 110 with a grade of C or better, and placement into MTH 101 or higher.

3 - Students completing CIS 106 and (MTH 103 with a grade of C or better, or placement into MTH 140 or higher) and consent of CSC department chair will be accepted into CSC 121.

4 - Please contact the CSC department chair for information and prerequisite approval.

Resources

Next steps

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

Last Updated: 12/5/23