Making sure computers perform at optimum levels requires intensive hands-on experience. Computers and computational process design merge theoretical studies, experimental methods and engineering applications into one discipline. Computer scientists are good at mathematics, solid on their science and adept at building hardware and software. They enjoy their work and have a broad range of lucrative career opportunities.
Computer programmers refine concepts and troubleshoot problems that occur when programs are converted to code. Programming is exceptionally detailed work that requires rewriting, debugging, maintaining and testing software and programs that direct computer tasks. Programmers are typically fluent in several computer languages.
Learn if a career in I.T. or Computer Science is right for you
Information Technology Information Sessions
Interested in learning more about the multitude of opportunities and pathways you have with our IT programs? Sign up to attend this information session to hear more about how we can get you started toward your bachelor's degree or landing a job after finishing your associate's degree.
Degrees
A.S., Computer Science Transfer Pathway – 60 credits
The Computer Science Transfer Pathway A.S. offers students a powerful option: the opportunity to complete an Associate of Science degree with course credits that directly transfer to designated Computer Science bachelor’s degree programs at Minnesota State universities. The curriculum has been specifically designed so that students completing the pathway degree and transferring to one of the seven Minnesota State Universities* enter the university with junior-year status. All courses in the Transfer Pathway associate degree will directly transfer and apply to the designated bachelor’s degree programs in a related field.
The Computer Science Pathway consists of the Required Pathway Curriculum and select Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) requirements to bring your credit total to 60 credits.
*Universities within the Minnesota State system include Bemidji State University; Metropolitan State University; Minnesota State University, Mankato; Minnesota State University, Moorhead; Southwest Minnesota State University; St. Cloud State University; and Winona State University.
Coursework Program Planning GuideComputer Science Pathway Curriculum – 22 credits
Course Number | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
ITC 2000 | PC Hardware and Software (A+) | 3 cr |
CS 1110 | Computer Science I with Java | 3 cr |
CS 1119 | Computer Programming in C++ | 4 cr |
CS 2200 | Computer Architecture | 4 cr |
CS 2300 | Algorithms and Data Structures | 4 cr |
CS 2350 | Discrete Structures | 4 cr |
Total Credits: | 22 |
General Education Curriculum – 38 credits
Course Number | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
ENG 1108 | Writing and Research Skills | 4 cr |
ENG 1111 OR
ENG 1114 OR ENG 1130 |
Research Writing OR
The Research Paper OR Writing & Research for the Professions |
2-3 cr |
COMM 1100 OR
COMM 1110 OR COMM 2230 |
Interpersonal Communication OR
Public Speaking OR Small Group Communication |
3 cr |
MnTC Goal 3 elective | Recommend: PHYS 1081 | 3-5 cr |
MATH 1133 | Calculus I | 5 cr |
MnTC Goal 5 elective | 3 cr | |
MnTC Goal 6 elective | 3 cr | |
MnTC Goal 7-10 any course | 3 cr | |
General electives | MnTC courses only | 9-12 cr |
Total Credits: | 38 |
Recommended Elective Courses
Depending on Transfer plans, students may wish to consider taking some/all of the following courses as part of the General electives:
- MATH 1134 Calculus II
- PHYS 1081 Calculus Based Physics
- PHYS 1082 Calculus Based Physics II
- PHIL 1120 Symbolic Logic
Full-Time Recommended Course Of Study
Note: Not all courses will be available every semester. For a complete list of Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) Goal Area course choices, please visit: www.inverhills.edu/MnTC
Semester 1 - 15 Credits
Course Number | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
CS 1110 | Computer Science I with Java | 3 cr |
ITC 2000 | PC Hardware and Software (A+) | 3 cr |
ENG 1108 | Writing & Research Skills (Goal 1, 2) | 4 cr |
MATH 1133 | Calculus I (Goal 4) | 5 cr |
Total Credits: | 15 |
Semester 2 - 16 Credits
Course Number | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
CS 1119 | Computer Programming in C++ | 4 cr |
COMM 1100 | Interpersonal Communication (Goal 1, 7) | 3 cr |
MnTC Goal 5 elective | 3 cr | |
MnTC Goal 6 elective | 3 cr | |
General elective | MnTC courses only | 3 cr |
Total Credits: | 16 |
Semester 3 - 15 Credits
Course Number | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
CS 2200 | Computer Architecture | 4 cr |
MnTC Goal 3 elective | 3-5 cr | |
General electives | MnTC courses only | 3-5 cr |
MnTC Goal 7-10 elective | 3 cr | |
Total Credits: | 15 |
Semester 4 - 14 Credits
Course Number | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
CS 2300 | Algorithms and Data Structures | 4 cr |
CS 2350 | Discrete Structures | 4 cr |
ENG 1111 OR
ENG 1114 OR ENG 1130 |
Research Writing OR
The Research Paper OR Writing & Research for the Professions |
2-3 cr |
General elective | MnTC courses only | 3-4 cr |
Total Credits: | 14 |
A.A.S. Computer Programmer – 60 credits
Graduates of this program are well-prepared in software programming and software engineering abilities to help execute a wide variety of information technology projects.
Coursework Program Planning GuideRequired Computer Programmer Core – 27 credits
Course Number | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
ITC 2000 | PC Hardware & Software (A+) | 3 cr |
ITC 1480 | Linux Essentials | 3 cr |
CS 1110 | Computer Science I with Java | 3 cr |
CS 1119 | Computer Programming with C++ | 4 cr |
CS 1127 | Advanced Java Programming | 3 cr |
CS 2200 | Computer Systems Architecture | 4 cr |
CS 2300 | Algorithms and Data Structures | 4 cr |
ITC 2480 | Administering Linux Servers | 3 cr |
Total Credits: | 27 |
Program Electives – 13 credits
Course Number | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Any Computer Science course | ||
MATH 1120 or higher | ||
ITC 2000 or higher | ||
PHIL 1120 Symbolic Logic | ||
Total Credits: | 13 |
General Education Curriculum – 20 credits
Course Number | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
ENG 1108 | Writing and Research Skills | 4 cr |
COMM 1100 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 cr |
MATH 1118 OR 1127 | 4 cr | |
MnTC Goal 5 elective | 3 cr | |
MnTC Goal 6 elective | 3 cr | |
General electives | MnTC courses only | 3 cr |
Total Credits: | 20 |