Engineering Fundamentals

Program Details

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 focused on civil, electrical, chemical, mechanical, or other subdiscipline at the following universities:

University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
University of Minnesota, Duluth
Minnesota State University, Mankato: Mankato and Twin Cities Engineering programs
St. Cloud State University
University of St. Thomas

Engineering at Inver Hills

Click each item below to see content

Transfer Information

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

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 University of Minnesota Office of Admissions, for resident students attending the College of Science and Engineering (CSE) full-time for an academic year costs $15,236 plus a $2,000 CSE surcharge for a total of $17,236. For resident students at Inver Hills the cost is $5,484, or less than one-third the cost.
    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.

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 2–3 p.m. every Thursday. All are welcome.
  • Join Zoom Meeting: https://minnstate.zoom.us/j/96110128738
  • Meeting ID: 961 1012 8738
  • Passcode: Club
Contact

Dr. Joan Carter, PE
Engineering Faculty
Engineering Club Faculty Advisor
651-450-3251

Engineering at Inver Hills Adds Up

What you'll accomplish as a student in our Engineering program:
  1. Follow a proven pathway to a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Engineering
  2. Work directly with industry-wise faculty during your first two years in college
  3. Get the hands-on experience you need to decide which branch of engineering you wish to pursue at the four-year level
  4. Complete the same first- and second-year math, science, and engineering courses you would find at a four-year school, but for less money and more one-on-one time with equally accomplished faculty
  5. Study at a teaching college with student-focused faculty dedicated to conveying their extensive knowledge and expertise
  6. Benefit from small class sizes and collaborating with likeminded classmates
  7. Join our Engineering Club, one of the best, most supportive student clubs on campus
  8. Save money and continue your academic and professional careers with less student debt

According to U.S. News & World Report, national student loan debt topped $1.7 trillion in the second quarter of 2021, or roughly $740 billion more than U.S. total credit card debt.

In Minnesota, 900,000 student loan borrowers owe an average $31,250 in federal and private student debt. That debt translates into an average monthly payment topping $250.

Tuition and fees for one year at Inver Hills costs a little less than $5,500. Compare that to $15,000 to $20,000 at a for-profit college, or $40,000 to $50,000+ at a private college or university. You can complete your first two years at Inver Hills getting a topflight, hands-on education from knowledgeable, caring and experienced faculty and then transfer to a four-year school as a junior all while saving thousands of dollars.