School Details
In 1964, Harrisburg Area Community College became the first community college in Pennsylvania. The first class was welcomed in September of the same year. Its mission is to “provide educational and cultural opportunities to the community we serve.” HACC has become one of the largest undergraduate colleges in Pennsylvania.
HACC offers a variety of associate degrees that transfer to four-year programs, as well as career degree programs. Certificate and diploma programs are also available. Many of these programs are available online. HACC online degrees have been available through innovative partnerships since 2004. Today, online learning is both flexible and affordable.
Accreditation & Licensing
Harrisburg Area Community College is accredited by:
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
The Associate in Applied Science in General Studies from Harrisburg Area Community College is an online liberal arts degree. This degree in liberal arts is ideal for those seeking careers that require broad skill sets and in which a regular program is not available. It is also a great path for those who are undecided on their career paths. There is a great deal of flexibility with this program, allowing students to tailor the coursework to meet their career interests and needs. You will gain a broad liberal arts foundation with knowledge and skills in the Humanities and Arts, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Mathematics, Natural and Physical Sciences, Computer Literacy, and Wellness.
The curriculum is built around several major areas of general education including
- Communication
- Technology
- Literacy
- Critical Thinking
- Cultural Awareness
Harrisburg Area Community College offers an online Associate in Arts in Liberal Arts degree program. This degree in liberal arts can serve as a pathway to careers in a humanities field. Students can transfer their credits to a four-year college or university and work towards a bachelor’s degree in any humanities subject, including music, languages, and art. You can also transfer your credits to a specialized program at a four-year institution, allowing you to pursue a specific artistic goal.
The coursework in this liberal arts degree develops the skills and knowledge needed to help you prepare for careers in areas that include:
- Architecture
- Film
- History
- Literature
- Philosophy
- Religion
- Theatre
Harrisburg Area Community College offers an online Diploma in Architecture degree. This degree in architecture is ideal for analytical and visual thinkers who are interested in the technical aspects of buildings. It provides students with foundational skills in the fields of architecture or construction. The curriculum teaches students about construction documents, materials and methods of construction, building codes, and technology in the field. You will learn to use Computer-Aided-Drafting (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) software, preparing you to enter the workforce as a CAD/BIM operator who assists with the preparation of construction documents for a wide variety of building types.
Business
The online AAS in Building Construction Management degree program from Harrisburg Area Community College prepares students for careers in constructions management, including scheduling, safety planning, estimating, budgeting, contract administration, and construction supervision. Graduates possess the knowledge and skills needed to:
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
- Estimate quantities and costs for the bidding process in a construction project, schedule a basic construction project, and use current technology related to the construction process
- Interpret construction documents (contracts, specifications, and drawings) used in managing a construction project
- Apply basic principles of construction accounting
- Discuss basic surveying techniques used in building layout and basic principles of ethics in the construction industry
- Identify the fundamentals of contracts, codes, and regulations that govern a construction project
- Recognize basic construction methods, materials, and equipment, basic safety hazards on a construction site and prevention measures, and basic principles of structural design, mechanical, electrical, and piping systems
- Discuss the application of principles of sustainability to construction
The AAS in Business degree program from Harrisburg Area Community College is designed to provide students with the skills necessary to enter the workforce in entry-level positions within business as well as provide upward mobility in a variety of business settings. There are three concentrations available online to suit students' personal interests and professional goals:
- Accounting
- Management
- Marketing
The online AS in Business Administration degree program from Harrisburg Area Community College is designed for students aiming to transfer to a four-year institution in pursuit of a baccalaureate degree in a business-related field. Students gain a strong foundation of general education courses, as well as specialized business courses in areas such as:
- Accounting
- Business Law
- Economics
- Business Software
The online Associate in Science in Communication is a journalism degree from Harrisburg Area Community College. A degree in journalism is ideal for individuals who enjoy finding ways to communicate messages, express ideas, and engage with others. Courses will help students gain critical thinking skills, communicate verbally or through writing, engage in diverse relationships, express ideas persuasively and ethically, and use technology to create messages. You will learn to analyze significant issues in the history, theory, and criticism of communication while gaining basic skills needed in various communication fields. This journalism degree allows students to choose a concentration based on their interests and career goals from these options:
- Human Communication
- Public Relations
- Journalism
This Associates degree can be used to enter the workforce or students can transfer their credits to four-year colleges or institutions to pursue bachelor’s degrees in their concentrations.
The online Building Construction Management Certificate program from Harrisburg Area Community College is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions as construction inspectors, quantity take-off technicians or estimators, and project managers. Graduates possess the knowledge and skills needed to:
- Estimate quantities and costs for the bidding process
- Schedule a project
- Effectively use current technology
- Interpret construction documents (contracts, specifications, and drawings)
- Apply basic principles of accounting
- Relate to industry ethics
- Identify project fundamentals
- Recognize basic construction methods, materials, and equipment
- Understand safety issues and accident prevention
The online Professional Bookkeeping Certificate from Harrisburg Area Community College prepares students for the national exam sponsored by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers and a rewarding career as a full-charge bookkeeper in a variety of industries and businesses. Graduates of the program are able to:
- Perform all functions of accounting for sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations
- Implement an effective system of internal control
- Show proficiency in operating microcomputer-based accounting systems and developing solutions to accounting problems using computerized spreadsheets
- Access the Internet and operate websites and databases in order to retrieve and analyze business information
- Analyze financial statements, recognize potential problems, and suggest appropriate solutions
- Complete bank reconciliations and track all needed payroll information for businesses
Computer Science & IT
The Associate in Science in Geospatial Technology is an online GIS degree program from Harrisburg Area Community College. This degree is designed for students who are interested in working with maps and geography along with rapidly changing technology. With this online geography degree, you will learn to use GIS and remote sensing software while developing the skills that will help you form conclusions in geospatial technology. Courses cover topics such as:
- Geospatial Programming
- Cartographic Design
- Data Acquisition & Remote Sensing
- Geographic Information Systems
You will learn to perform engineering, geological, and environmental applications of geospatial technologies while practicing inductive and deductive reasoning and communication skills. Students also learn fundamental business concepts related to geospatial technology as they prepare to enter the geospatial technology field where they will face the issues, challenges, and projects found within the industry.
Harrisburg Area Community College offers an Associate of Arts in Computer Information Systems with a concentration in Database Analyst, an online Database Administration degree program. If you are interested in working with computer software, hardware, and networks, this program may be for you. In as little as two years, this program prepares students for entry-level positions in numerous settings, including:
- Business
- Computer consulting firms
- Educational institutions
- Government agencies
- Healthcare organizations
You will gain the skills and knowledge needed to manage database management systems and to develop database systems through entire life cycles. Courses will cover such topics as database administration, database programming, database backup and recovery, data warehouse, and more.
Harrisburg Area Community College offers an Associate of Arts in Web Development & Design, an online web development degree that gives students the knowledge and skills required to design and develop professional websites and applications. Students may select from one of the following tracks:
- Web Application Development
- Interactive Web Media
- General Web Studies
Regardless of the track you choose, all students receive foundational courses in web development and design. This includes learning to design high quality webpages for various uses, to publish websites with effective design and content for various platforms, and to create interactive and multimedia content for web use. You will learn to use modern standards for HyperText Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) and JavaScript. From this foundation, you can choose the track that best meets your career interests and goals.
Harrisburg Area Community College offers a Computer Information Systems Certificate with a Database Analyst concentration that is designed to prepare students for successful careers in the technology field. This online database administration degree program will also update your skills in database management and administration, so you remain competitive in the workforce. Foundational knowledge and skills will be established in computer software, hardware, and network communication. You will then focus on courses that focus on managing database management systems and developing database systems through entire life cycles.
Courses you are likely to complete include:
- Network Communication Technology
- Intermediate Spreadsheet Application
- Intro to Systems Analysis & Design
- Database Administration
- Database Programming
Harrisburg Area Community College offers a Certificate in Web Development & Design, an online web development degree that gives students the knowledge and skills required to design and develop professional websites and applications. Students may select from one of the following tracks:
- Web Application Development
- Interactive Web Media
- General Web Studies
Regardless of the track you choose, all students receive foundational courses in web development and design. This includes learning to design high quality webpages for various uses, to publish websites with effective design and content for various platforms, and to create interactive and multimedia content for web use. You will learn to use modern standards for HyperText Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) and JavaScript. From this foundation, you can choose the track that best meets your career interests and goals.
Healthcare
Prepare for a career working with the aging population with this gerontology online degree. Learn to become a caregiver for the elderly, promoting their quality of life.
The curriculum offers an in-depth study in global aging, long-term care leadership, and management, covering such topics as:
- Gender and aging
- Global aging
- Nutrition
- Psychology
- Life-cycle development
While gaining the knowledge and skills needed for an entry-level position, this online gerontology degree provides students with a great deal of flexibility. Study when and where it is convenient.
Advance your career with this online health science degree. Designed for those who already have a degree and want to advance their skills in specific areas, this degree enhances students’ knowledge and skills in health science. Choose a concentration that matches your career goals and interests from the following:
- Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA)
- Management/Marketing
- Radiologic Imaging
- Social Services
If you decide to further your education, there are transfer opportunities available to obtain a bachelor’s degree.
With flexible online learning, you can study when and where it is convenient.
Combine business and healthcare with this healthcare administration online degree. Prepare for an entry-level management position within healthcare or if you’re already working as a healthcare clinician, this program prepares you to advance to a management position. Courses teach management, marketing, and accounting principles and how they apply to healthcare.
Graduates may find medical practice management or medical office management positions in areas that include:
- Practitioner offices
- Holistic health practices
- Long-term care facilities
- Wellness centers
This online healthcare administration degree can be used to earn a bachelor’s degree faster and more affordably. If you are already a healthcare professional with an active credential, you may qualify for the associate degree in health science.
Help others live their best lives with this online health and wellness degree. Learn to help people, employers, communities, healthcare systems, and governments understand the importance of healthy lifestyles, preventing disease, and supporting wellness. Complete courses in such areas as:
- Biology
- Psychology
- Human services
- Gerontology
- Marketing
- Management
There are two concentrations available: Workplace Wellness and Community Health. The Workplace Wellness concentration teaches students to design and implement wellness programs for employers and employees. The Community Health concentration focuses on teaching students to advocate within health agencies and healthcare systems and connect individuals to services and resources in communities.
The online Diploma in Gerontology prepares students to improve the quality of life of the aging. HACC’s program is designed for those who have a compassionate nature and want to make a difference to others. Coursework emphasizes excellent communication and problem-solving skills and teamwork. Subject matter provides an in-depth study in international aging and long-term care, along with life-cycle development and psychology.
Harrisonburg Area Community College offers an online Gerontology Certificate to help students improve the quality of life for the aging population. For those who are innate caregivers, this program will enable them to work in a field that helps others live more productively and happier. Problem-solving and communicaiton skills are emphasized throughout coursework, alongside teamwork. Subjects cover aging, long-term care, psychology and sociology.
Psychology & Human Services
The online Associate in Arts in Social Sciences is a humanities degree from Harrisburg Area Community College. With this degree in humanities students can choose a specialization within the humanities field and transfer their credits to a four-year institution. This program can serve as a foundation for a bachelor’s degree in such areas as:
- Anthropology
- Economics
- Geography
- History
- Political science
- Public administration
Courses teach students about fundamental concepts in social science including terminology, methodologies, perspectives, approaches, processes, and more. In addition, you will learn about current problems and issues in humanities and about how these factors affect cultures, the environment, beliefs, and more at various levels.