Engineering programs at Inver Hills Community College prepare students for further education at various Minnesota universities
Engineering

Engineering is creative problem-solving to improve the human condition. Using theories as well as scientific and mathematical applications, engineers imagine, design, create and improve the world around us. Engineers and the various engineering fields are essential components of virtually everything we take for granted in modern civilization. You name it and you can bet engineers and engineering are involved. More engineers are needed to meet the challenges faced by the next generation.

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Engineering

Contact Information

Joan Z. Carter, P.E.
Engineering Faculty

jcarter@inverhills.edu
651-450-3251
B130

Admissions Team

admissions@inverhills.edu
651-450-3000
College Center

The Engineering department at Inver Hills stands out as a wise starting point if you are interested in pursuing a bachelor's degree in engineering including civil, electrical, or mechanical at the following universities:

Engineering Information Sessions

Interested in learning more about the multitude of opportunities and pathways you have with our engineering program? 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., Engineering Fundamentals Degree – 60 credits

The A.S. in Engineering Fundamentals prepares students for transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a bachelor’s degree in engineering, including civil, electrical, mechanical, or other engineering disciplines. The program covers courses typically offered in first and second years of an accredited engineering curriculum in the United States. Students are strongly encouraged to become informed of the rules and requirements related to the major department at the four-year college or university to which they plan to transfer. This program also prepares students seeking employment with a strong foundation in engineering principles and practices. Students are advised to work with academic advisors and counselors to complete a course plan.

Coursework   Program Planning Guide

Engineering Core Curriculum – Choose 13-14 credits

Course Number Title Credits
ENGR 1110 Introduction to Engineering 4 cr
ENGR 2000 Thermodynamics 4 cr
ENGR 2020 Statics 3 cr
ENGR 2024 Mechanics of Materials 3 cr
ENGR 2025 Dynamics 3 cr
ENGR 2041 Linear Circuits I 4 cr
Total Credits: 13-14

Liberal Arts Curriculum – 46-47 credits

Course Number Title Credits
MATH 1133 Calculus I 5 cr
MATH 1134 Calculus II 5 cr
MATH 2219 Multivariable Calculus 5 cr
MATH 2221 Introduction to Linear Algebra 3 cr
MATH 2222 Introduction to Differential Equations 3 cr
CHEM 1061 Principles of Chemistry I 5 cr
PHYS 1081 Calculus Based Physics I 5 cr
PHYS 1082 Calculus Based Physics II 5 cr
ENG 1108 Writing and Research Skills 4 cr
COMM 1100 Interpersonal Communication 3 cr
MnTC Goal 5, 6, 8, 9 OR 10 elective   3 or 4
Total Credits: 46-47 credits
Course Descriptions

ENGR 1000  Orientation to Engineering   1.0 cr

Provides information on engineering majors and engineering functions, aptitudes and skills engineers need, the Inver Hills A.S Engineering Fundamentals program, and programs at transfer institutions. Topics also include essential skills for academic and career success, and ethics in engineering practice. Recommended for any student considering engineering or wanting to explore engineering as a career choice.

ENGR 1110  Introduction to Engineering   4.0 cr

Introduces students to the fundamentals of engineering in a hands-on setting. Topics include: skills necessary for practicing engineers, elements of electric circuits, micro-controller programming, computer programming for problem solving, and fundamentals of engineering graphics. Students will complete a substantial project using the engineering design process, write a brief design report, and give a final project presentation. Prerequisites: A grade of C or higher in MATH 0940 or placement into MATH 1118 or placement into MATH 1127 or higher. ENGR 1000 and ENG 1108 strongly recommended.

ENGR 2000  Thermodynamics   4.0 cr

Provides a foundation in the fundamental concepts of thermodynamics using a macroscopic approach. Topics include: Properties, equations of state, processes, cycles for reversible and irreversible thermodynamic systems. Modes of energy transfer. Equations for conservation of mass, energy, and entropy balances. Application of thermodynamic principles to engineering systems. Prereq: Grade of C or higher in MATH 1133 and CHEM 1061. PHYS 1081 strongly recommended.

ENGR 2020  Statics   3.0 cr

Provides a foundation in engineering analysis of rigid bodies in static equilibrium. Topics include: Force and moment vectors. Free-body diagrams, systems, equilibrium, analysis of forces acting on structural and machine elements, friction, centroids, and moments of inertia. Prerequisites: A grade of C or higher in MATH 1133. PHYS 1081 strongly recommended.

ENGR 2024  Mechanics of Materials   3.0 cr

Provides a foundation in deformable body mechanics and strength of materials. Topics include: stress, strain, and the relationships between stress and strain. Analysis of bodies subjected to axial, torsional, bending, shear, internal pressure, and combined loadings. Mohr's circle, beam deflection, stability of structures, and column buckling. Analysis of statically indeterminate structures.

ENGR 2025  Dynamics   3.0 cr

Provides a foundation in kinematics and kinetics of particles, system of particles, and of rigid bodies, includes Newton's Laws, Energy and Momentum methods. Other topics:Plane motion of rigid bodies and Mechanical vibrations. Prerequisites: ENGR 2020, MATH 1134, PHYS 1081.

ENGR 2041  Linear Circuits I   4.0 cr

Analyze circuits using Kirchhoff's laws and node-voltage and mesh-current methods, circuits containing op-amps, inductors, and capacitors, first- and second-order circuits, Thevenin circuits. Use measurement tools and equipment to perform experiments with circuits and electronics. Prerequisites: A grade of C or higher in MATH 1134 and PHYS 1082.

ENGR 2042  Linear Circuits II   4.0 cr

Continues analytical techniques for linear circuits. Topics include circuit analysis using phasors, single phase and three phase, AC power, delta and wye connected three phase circuits, transformers and magnetic coupling, series and parallel resonance, complex power and frequency, and two port networks such as transistors. Prerequisites: A grade of C or higher in ENGR 2041

ENGR 2043  Introduction to Digital Circuits and Logic Design   4.0 cr

Provides an introduction to digital logic and logic design. Topics include binary systems, logic gates, Boolean algebra and functions, Karnaugh map, design of combinational and sequential logic circuits, adders, decoders, multiplexers, comparator counters, registers and memories. Students cannot receive credit for both ENGR 1060 and ENGR 2043. Prerequisites: A grade of C or higher in ENGR 2041, or consent of instructor.

ENGR 2250  Special Topics in Engineering   cr

Provides an opportunity for deeper exploration of special topics in engineering or undergraduate research experience in engineering.

Transfer Information

After earning your A.S. in Engineering Fundamentals at Inver Hills, you will be fully prepare you to earn a bachelor's degree in engineering including civil, electrical, or mechanical at the following Minnesota universities:

You are strongly advised to plan carefully with an Inver Hills academic advisor or counselor to tailor your degree to meet the requirements of your chosen four-year college or university.

Inver Hills has an Engineering A.S. articulation agreement with Minnesota State University, Mankato, Integrated Engineering through Twin Cities Engineering hosted at Normandale Community College.

Meet the Faculty

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Clubs & Organizations

Student Clubs

Engineering Club

Purpose: Promote technical talent and creativity with projects related to engineering while providing opportunities for building your professional network and exploring different engineering disciplines.

Meetings every Thursday from 2-3 p.m. in S134. All are welcome.

Professional Organizations

Engineering professional organizations advocate for engineers while providing avenues to professional development as well as networking connections to other engineers.

Gallery

Sam Westlake: Engineering Club Presentation

Sam Westlake Engineering Club Presentation

Exploring Engineering 2018

Exploring Engineering 2018
Employment Information

Careers in engineering are linked to a tremendous variety of subdisciplines from microfabrication to infrastructure to telecommunications to engines. As an engineering major at Inver Hills, you will develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for rewarding careers that can help change the world for the better.

  • Your skill set will also include:
  • Understanding the scientific method
  • Setting up experiments
  • Using scientific equipment
  • Applying laboratory techniques and procedures
  • Gathering, organizing and analyzing data

The list of potential jobs in the engineering field is vast. The list below represents only a fraction of the careers available:

  • Aerospace engineer
  • Agricultural engineer
  • Automotive engineer
  • Biomedical engineer
  • Ceramics engineer
  • Chemical engineer
  • Civil engineer
  • Computer hardware engineer
  • Construction engineer
  • Electrical engineer
  • Environmental engineer
  • Facilities engineer
  • Geological engineer
  • Industrial engineer
  • Logistics engineer
  • Manufacturing engineer
  • Marine engineer
  • Materials engineer
  • Mechanical engineer
  • Nuclear engineer
  • Plastics engineer
  • Power engineer
  • Process control engineer
  • Product engineer
  • Quality assurance engineer
  • Research and development engineer
  • Security engineer
  • Structural engineer
  • Systems engineer
  • Test engineer
  • Turbine engineer
  • Welding engineer

Below are just a few examples of possible career paths that can start with an A.S. in Engineering Fundamentals from Inver Hills.

Additional resources

Why Inver Hills?

Traditionally, engineering as a field has six major branches with numerous subdisciplines as well as at least 40 degree offerings. Working directly with Inver Hills engineering faculty (not university teaching assistants, or TAs) in labs and classrooms with fewer students offers you the opportunity to explore what you really want to do with your engineering degree.

In 2018, more than 20 Inver Hills engineering students were accepted at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, the University of St. Thomas, and Minnesota State University Mankato to study engineering in a variety of branches, including:

  • Civil engineering
  • Mechanical engineering
  • Aerospace engineering
  • Electrical engineering
  • Computer engineering
  • Chemical engineering
  • Biomedical engineering

Five key reasons why Inver Hills is a smart choice for future engineers

  1. Inver Hills is a proven pathway to a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Engineering. Our students work directly with faculty during their first two years in college, giving them the time and hands-on experience they need to decide which branch of engineering they wish to pursue before transferring to a four-year college or university.
  2. Our students take challenging first- and second-year math, science and engineering courses, allowing them to earn an Associate of Science (A.S.) in Engineering Fundamentals before they transfer as juniors to a four-year engineering program.
  3. Inver Hills is a teaching college. That means our focus is on teaching, not research. Because you will be working with student-centric instructors dedicated to conveying their extensive knowledge and expertise, you will be better prepared to learn more and earn higher grades. The Engineering Fundamentals program at Inver uses the same textbooks and covers the same material as the four-year program at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.
  4. You will save thousands of dollars by completing your first two years of engineering school at Inver Hills. According to the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, tuition and fees for resident students attending the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, full time for an academic year costs $14,760; for resident students at Inver Hills the cost is $5,332. Inver students often work while taking classes part-time. Conveniently located off U.S. Highway 52 in suburban Inver Grove Heights, our university-style campus is easy to navigate—and you’ll always find a parking place.
  5. Inver Hills Community College is committed to equity and inclusivity. Our campus has a strong tradition of welcoming and encouraging students from all cultural and economic backgrounds. Our Engineering Fundamentals program features an exceptionally engaged, supportive and creative Engineering Club.

Additional resources

D3M (Doug Differt Difference Makers)


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