Harper College will be closed Tuesday, November 5 in observance of Election Day.
Career options 
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.
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.
| Number | Course Title | Credits | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG 101 | Composition I | 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 P or 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: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
|||
| Mathematics1 | 3 | AAS General Education | |
| NET 105 | Information Technology Fundamentals | 3 | Program Requirement |
|
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. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
|||
| NET 111 | A+ Hardware | 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: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
|||
| NET 112 | A+ Operating Systems Technologies | 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: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
|||
| Number | Course Title | Credits | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAS 160 | Introduction to Business Software Packages | 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: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
|||
| ENG 102 | Composition II 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: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
|||
| NET 121 | Computer Networking | 3 | Program Requirement |
|
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, NET 105, or WEB 110 with a grade of C or better. NET 105 can be taken concurrently with NET 121. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
|||
| NET 201 | Service Desk and Service Management | 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: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
|||
| WEB 110 | Internet Fundamentals 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: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
|||
| WEB 150 | Web Foundations | 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: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
|||
| Number | Course Title | Credits | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| CIS 106 | Computer Logic and Programming Technology | 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 into MTH 101 or higher. mathplacement.php Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
|||
| Computer Support elective3 | 3 | Program Requirement | |
| NET 240 | Linux Server Administration | 3 | Program Requirement |
|
Description: Provides students with a comprehensive introduction to Linux Server administration. Includes installation, configuration, and administration of a Linux Server environment. Covers user management, hardware and software configuration, and security as well as network services configuration. Includes creating simple shell scripts, booting into different run levels, controlling services, identifying processes, and virtual machines. Aligns to the CompTIA Linux+ Certification. Prerequisite: NET 121 with a grade of C or better. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
|||
| NET 260 | Windows Server Administration | 3 | Program Requirement |
|
Description: Provides students with a comprehensive introduction to Windows Server Administration. Includes installation, configuration, administration, and security of a Windows Server environment. Learn to configure network services including DNS, DHCP, ADS, printing, and network routing. Implement and manage Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) in on-premises and hybrid networking infrastructure and manage storage and file services. Aligns to the Microsoft Administering Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure Certification. Prerequisite: NET 121 with a grade of C or better. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
|||
| SPE 101 | Fundamentals of Speech Communication 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: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
|||
| Number | Course Title | Credits | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAS 265 | Advanced Business Software Packages | 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: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
|||
| CIS 143 | Introduction to Database Systems | 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: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
|||
| Computer Support elective3 | 6 | Program Requirement | |
| SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology + | 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: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
|||
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.
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.
| Number | Course Title | Credits | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG 101 | Composition I | 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 P or 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: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
|||
| Mathematics1 | 3 | AAS General Education | |
| NET 105 | Information Technology Fundamentals | 3 | Program Requirement |
|
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. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
|||
| NET 111 | A+ Hardware | 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: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
|||
| NET 112 | A+ Operating Systems Technologies | 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: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
|||
| Number | Course Title | Credits | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAS 160 | Introduction to Business Software Packages | 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: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
|||
| ENG 102 | Composition II 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: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
|||
| NET 121 | Computer Networking | 3 | Program Requirement |
|
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, NET 105, or WEB 110 with a grade of C or better. NET 105 can be taken concurrently with NET 121. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
|||
| NET 201 | Service Desk and Service Management | 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: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
|||
| WEB 110 | Internet Fundamentals 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: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
|||
| WEB 150 | Web Foundations | 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: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
|||
| Number | Course Title | Credits | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| CIS 106 | Computer Logic and Programming Technology | 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 into MTH 101 or higher. mathplacement.php Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
|||
| NET 240 | Linux Server Administration | 3 | Program Requirement |
|
Description: Provides students with a comprehensive introduction to Linux Server administration. Includes installation, configuration, and administration of a Linux Server environment. Covers user management, hardware and software configuration, and security as well as network services configuration. Includes creating simple shell scripts, booting into different run levels, controlling services, identifying processes, and virtual machines. Aligns to the CompTIA Linux+ Certification. Prerequisite: NET 121 with a grade of C or better. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
|||
| NET 260 | Windows Server Administration | 3 | Program Requirement |
|
Description: Provides students with a comprehensive introduction to Windows Server Administration. Includes installation, configuration, administration, and security of a Windows Server environment. Learn to configure network services including DNS, DHCP, ADS, printing, and network routing. Implement and manage Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) in on-premises and hybrid networking infrastructure and manage storage and file services. Aligns to the Microsoft Administering Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure Certification. Prerequisite: NET 121 with a grade of C or better. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
|||
| Network Administration elective3 | 3 | Program Requirement | |
| SPE 101 | Fundamentals of Speech Communication 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: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
|||
| Number | Course Title | Credits | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| NET 270 | Cisco Networking | 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: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
|||
| NET 280 | Cybersecurity Fundamentals | 3 | Program Requirement |
|
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. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
|||
| NET 290 | Cloud Computing | 3 | Program Requirement |
|
Description: Provides students with hands-on experience in cloud computing. Examines cloud applications, security protocols as well as associated services and deployment models. Reviews system virtualization and its relation to cloud-based computing. Covers managing cloud resources, from planning, provisioning, implementing and deploying cloud based applications. Introduces cloud system disaster recovery. Includes best practices for cloud migration, governance, and networking. Aligns to the CompTIA Cloud+ Certification. Prerequisite: Prior or Concurrent enrollment in NET 240 or NET 260 or NET 280 with grades of C or better. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
|||
| Network Administration elective3 | 3 | Program Requirement | |
| SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology + | 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: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
|||
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.
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.