Mathematics

Program Details

If you love the language of math, solving complex problems, and exploring abstract concepts, then starting your college career by earning a Transfer Pathway A.A. in Mathematics at Inver Hills adds up in a number of ways.

After completing your A.A., you can transfer as a junior to a four-year school and complete your bachelor's degree with far less student loan debt.

According to U.S. News & World Report: “Math majors study algebra, calculus, geometry, and the different equations needed to solve problems. They also learn how to think and apply that foundation to an array of larger, more complex problems. German mathematician Carl Friedrich Gauss called mathematics ‘the queen of the sciences’ since it sheds so much light on the physical reality.

“Mathematics majors can use their degree in a variety of careers and industries. Their skills and knowledge translate well to industries ranging from computer science to finance to biotech. Some go on to academia, but to teach at the collegiate level, most colleges and universities require further education, including a master’s degree and usually a Ph.D.

"Math majors can pair their undergraduate degree with a teaching degree, which allows them to teach math in secondary schools. Others go on to a range of other roles, like computer systems analysts, cryptographers, actuaries and statisticians. However, some of these jobs require further education, too.”

As a graduate of our Transfer Pathway A.A. in Mathematics program, you'll find not even the sky will be a limit on your array of career options.

Mathematics at Inver Hills

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Transfer Information

Earning your Mathematics Transfer Pathway A.A. at Inver Hills, gives you the ability to transfer to any of the following baccalaureate programs at Minnesota State's seven universities:

Student Clubs

Math League

Math League at Inver Hills was created for three purposes:

  1. Encourage student involvement with mathematics
  2. Promote the enjoyment and appreciation of math
  3. Encourage students to participate in math competitions
Student Mathematics League Exam

Every fall and winter, the American Mathematical Association of Two Year Colleges (AMATYC) sponsors a national competition featuring a Student Mathematics League (SML) Exam.

The SML Exam is designed as follows:

  • Exam lasts one hour and is administered on one day during a set period
  • Exam level is precalculus mathematics and below
  • Questions may involve precalculus, trigonometry and analytic geometry as well as probability and statistics
  • All questions are multiple choice or short answer
  • Students are allowed to use a graphing calculator as long as the calculator does not have a QWERTY keyboard (no TI-92 calculators allowed)
  • Number of correct and incorrect answers determines scoring
  • Each correct answer receives two points while an incorrect answer deducts half a point
  • No points are deducted for unanswered questions
Practice Sessions

At the end of each semester, our Math department holds SML Exam practice sessions once a week for an hour. Ask your instructor for more details. We have snacks while we go over old exams and discuss problem-solving strategies. Most math instructors offer extra credit for attending and/or taking the SML Exam.

Awards

Awards are given for the top five scorers at the campus, state, and national levels for individuals and teams. Inver Hills was a former Minnesota state champion—and we hope to be champs again soon.

Mathematics at Inver Hills Adds Up

What you’ll accomplish as a student in our Mathematics department:
  1. Appreciate the power and beauty of mathematics
  2. Apply higher-order problem-solving and modeling strategies
  3. Speak the language of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
  4. Dial in the skill set needed for dozens of great careers requiring topflight math skills
  5. Study mathematics in a learning-support environment that puts you first
  6. Work directly with expert, student-focused mathematics faculty
  7. Benefit from small class sizes
  8. Develop the practical, real-world skills of a mathematician
  9. Practice teamwork and collaboration with likeminded classmates
  10. 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.