Harper College
Information Technology, Network Administration and Cybersecurity

Associate in Applied Science - Information Systems

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Learn data management, software and web development

Career options business icon

  • Database administrator
  • IT analyst
  • Network administrator
  • Web developer

Prepare for a successful career in information systems by completing this program. You’ll develop the skills and knowledge needed to obtain an entry-level data analysis, data management, software or web development position in the field of information systems after graduation.

Take classes in business software packages, computer information systems, computer logic and programming technology, computer science, web foundations, Internet protocols and more. Many courses are offered online or in blended formats, giving you added flexibility.

Harper College is a great place to study information systems. 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 plan

The 60 credit-hour curriculum prepares students for various data analysis, data management, software, and web development positions in the field of information systems, or transfer to a four-year institution. Students take courses in information systems, software development, web development, and general education.

Program Requirements

NumberCourse TitleCredits
First Semester
CAS 160Introduction to Business Software Packages3
CIS 101Introduction to Computer Information Systems3
CIS 106Computer Logic and Programming Technology3
ENG 101Composition I3
Mathematics 13
Hours15
Second Semester
CIS 143Introduction to Database Systems3
CIS 206Applied Programming4
CSC 121Computer Science I
ENG 102Composition II23
Information Systems elective(s)3
WEB 110Internet Fundamentals3
WEB 150Web Foundations
Hours16
Third Semester
Information Systems elective(s)8
NET 121Computer Networking3
NET 122Internet Protocols
SPE 101Fundamentals of Speech Communication23
Hours14
Fourth Semester
CIS 211IT Project Management3
CIS 245Data Analysis3
Information Systems elective(s)6
SOC 101Introduction to Sociology+3
Hours15
Total Hours60
1

Students must take at least three credit hours in a mathematics course at the level of MTH 103 or above. MTH 165 or MTH 225 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.

+

This course meets the World Culture and Diversity graduation requirement.

Information Systems Electives

Students must take a combination of at least 16 credit hours, selected from any of the following:

Business Emphasis

NumberCourse TitleCredits
ACC 100Introductory Accounting3
ACC 101Introduction to Financial Accounting4
ACC 102Introduction to Managerial Accounting3
MGT 111Introduction to Business Organization3

Information Systems Emphasis

NumberCourse TitleCredits
CIS 206Applied Programming4
CIS 216Applied Object-Oriented Programming4
CIS 220Topics in Computer Information Systems1-6

Computer Science and Mathematics

NumberCourse TitleCredits
CSC 122Computer Science II4
CSC 214Java Programming4
CSC 216Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis4
CSC 217Assembler Programming and Machine Organization4
MTH 124Finite Mathematics3
MTH 134Calculus for Business and Social Sciences4
MTH 200Calculus I5
MTH 220Discrete Mathematics3
MTH 225Business Statistics4

Networking and Information Assurance Emphasis

NumberCourse TitleCredits
NET 240Linux Server Administration3
NET 260Windows Server Administration3
NET 270Cisco Networking3
NET 280Cybersecurity Fundamentals3

Life Skills Emphasis

NumberCourse TitleCredits
FYS 101First Year Seminar1-3

Web Development Emphasis

NumberCourse TitleCredits
WEB 110Internet Fundamentals3
WEB 150Web Foundations3
WEB 200Web Scripting Foundations3
WEB 235Interactive Scripting3
WEB 250Server-Side Scripting3

Program learning outcomes

  • Apply computer hardware, software, and information systems 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.
  • Analyze business problems and develop corresponding structured code.
  • Design, normalize, and administer relational databases.
  • Initialize, plan, execute, control, and close a project.
  • Apply appropriate statistical methods to a given problem.
  • Demonstrate professional and effective communication skills.

Resources

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

Last Updated: 9/30/26