While Inver Hills Community College has always had a robust IT program, they have recently added an exciting new computer science program with 2 dedicated faculty and over 100 students.
While Inver Hills Community College has always had a robust IT program, they have recently added an exciting new computer science program with 2 dedicated faculty and over 100 students. This program provides great options for students who are interested in earning an associates degree and/or transferring to a four year college in the Minnesota State system. The Inver Hills Computer Science Transfer Pathway AS allows students to complete the first two years of a CS bachelor’s degree and then seamlessly transfer, as a junior, to any school in the Minnesota State System, or the University of Minnesota. The Applied AS in Computer Programming is an excellent option for students interested in a career in software development.
 
Inver Hills provides the same robust curriculum as U of M at less than a third of the cost (and less than one sixth of the cost of some local private colleges). Students at Inver Hills also benefit from a personalized, supportive environment, including small class sizes and close student-faculty relationships. All faculty have at least 5 office hours a week, and a tutoring center provides additional support for CS courses. 
 
In addition to the computer science program, Inver Hills provides a transfer pathway degree in engineering fundamentals that provides the first two years of Aerospace, Civil, Mechanical, or other engineering degrees, with the same seamless transfer to the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities or any other regional engineering program. All engineering programs require at least one CS course, and engineering can be another degree option for students who enjoy their high school CS classes. 
 
Outside of the classroom, Inver Hills provides plenty of opportunities for students to connect and build community. There is an active, project-based engineering club for students in STEM disciplines. Past projects of the club include an AR Sandbox; an electric go-kart; working with Prairie Island Native Community to build a greenhouse with solar energy, and sensors; and making miniature hovercrafts: the students designed, 3D printed,  programmed controllers and then had Mario Kart type races. The club is currently working on building websites and planning a hackathon. 
 
Inver Hills Community College provides a lot of excellent options from students interested in exploring a degree in computer science or IT. If you have students who are interested or might be a good fit, they can request additional information through the Inver Hills admissions office you can also contact Joan Carter at jcarter@inverhills.edu with questions about the program.
 
CSTA-MN would like to give a special thank you to Joan Carter, PE and Chair of the Physical Sciences, Engineering & Technology Department at Inver Hills Community College for taking the time to talk with us about CS at Inver Hills!