Harper College

Associate in Applied Science - Information Systems

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 60-credit-hour degree 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.

F = Fall only course S = Spring only course U = Summer only course

FIRST 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

CIS 101 3 Program Requirement

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:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

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

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

SECOND SEMESTER:

Number Course Title Credits Category
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

CIS 206 or

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:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

CSC 121 4 Program Requirement

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:  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

Information Systems elective3 3 Program Requirement
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
Information Systems electives3 8 Program Requirement
NET 121 or

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 122 3 Program Requirement

Description:  Provides students with a detailed examination of Internet addressing and protocols. Includes IP addressing, routing, IP, ICMP, ARP, TCP, UDP, DHCP, DNS, HTTP, FTP, and SMTP. Uses protocol analyzers to monitor and examine network traffic.

Prerequisite: CIS 101 or NET 105 or WEB 110 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
CIS 211 3 Program Requirement

Description:  Provides students with a comprehensive introduction to Information Technology project management. Includes project selection, initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and closure. Hands-on activities are performed using a currently popular project management software package.

Prerequisite: CAS 105, CAS 115 and CAS 125 with grades of C or better, OR 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

CIS 245 3 Program Requirement

Description:  Introduces data analysis using current statistical computing and graphics software. Includes descriptive statistics, probability, sampling, regression, and hypothesis testing of large data sets used to make data-informed decisions.

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

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

Information Systems electives3 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 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.

3 - Students must take a combination of at least 16 credit hours, selected from any of the following: Business Emphasis - ACC 100, ACC 101, ACC 102, MGT 111; Information Systems Emphasis - CIS 206, CIS 216, CIS 220, CIS 230, CIS 243, CIS 244; Computer Science and Mathematics Emphasis - CSC 122, CSC 214, CSC 216 (S), CSC 217, MTH 124, MTH 134, MTH 200, MTH 220, MTH 225; Networking and Information Assurance Emphasis - NET 240, NET 260, NET 270, NET 280; (Students pursuing the Networking and Information Assurance emphasis must complete NET 121 in the second semester and move WEB110/WEB 150 to the third semester.) Life Skills Emphasis - FYS 101; Web Development Emphasis - WEB 110, WEB 150, WEB 200, WEB 235 (S), WEB 250 (S)

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

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

Next steps

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: 3/15/24