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Ivy Tech School of Information Technology

Computer Science

Challenge yourself.
Problem solve.
Make an impact.

What You'll Learn

In its simplest terms, computer science is all about computers and computational systems. Computer scientists do everything from software design and development to modeling data and information processes. 

Computer science is an expanding field with tons of opportunities across various sectors, including tech, government, and science and research. If you enjoy solving problems or tinkering with tech in your spare time, this could be the program for you. 

As a Computer Science student, you’ll: 

  • Implement and understand the properties of algorithms.
  • Discover the social context of computing.
  • Learn the history and evolution of machines and the social impact of computers.
  • Learn and uphold the code of ethics in computing practice.
  • Draw upon math and science skills. 
  • Strengthen your problem-solving abilities and learn to apply computing principles to identify solutions. 
  • Practice effective communication and teamwork.  
  • Develop a foundational understanding of design, architecture, operation, and the use of digital devices. 
  • Design, implement, and evaluate computing-based solutions. 
  • Become competent in the representation of data, fundamental data structures, algorithms, and algorithmic strategies.
  • Learn fundamental programming concepts, including functional, object-oriented, secure/defensive, event-driven, and reactive programming.
  • No prior computer experience or knowledge is required.

 

Career Options

A Computer Science associate degree can take you in various directions. Computer Scientists often work in offices or laboratories. As technology changes, these professionals must stay up-to-date with industry shifts and be ready for new challenges. Whether you want to develop video games or use your skills in a research field, you’ll have many options.

Here’s what you could do with a Computer Science education: 

  • Cloud Support Engineer
  • Computer and Information Research Scientist
  • Data Analyst
  • Database Administrator
  • Information Security Analyst
  • Mobile Application Developer
  • Network Administrator
  • Quality Assurance Analyst
  • Software Engineer
  • Systems Analyst
  • Technical Writer
  • UI/UX Designer
  • Video Game Developer
  • Web Developer

COMPUTER SCIENCE TOOLKIT

Leverage our Toolkit to access resources and information related to educational opportunities, competitions, certifications, programming languages, tools, blogs, forums, projects, volunteering, freelancing, events, professional associations, and jobs in Computer Science.

Toolkit

Degree Types Offered

Credential Type Associate Degree – Transferable or Career-Ready Short-Term Certificate – known as a Certificate (CT)
Associate of Science (AS) Transfer as a Junior (TSAP) icon Computer Science Fundamentals
A Good Fit If...
  • A career working with computers and data sounds interesting to you
  • You want to get started in the industry in as little as two years
  • You wish to transfer to a four-year university after completing your associate degree
  • You want to learn skills quickly that will get you started in the industry in less than year
  • You want to earn a certificate in the process of completing your associate degree
Where Offered See 6 locations See 5 locations
Length of Program 60 credit hours
4 semesters
19 credit hours
2 semesters
Cost2 $10,703 $3,389

Credential Type

A Good Fit If...

Where Offered

Length of Program

Cost2

Associate Degree – Transferable or Career-Ready
Associate of Science (AS) Transfer as a Junior (TSAP) icon
  • A career working with computers and data sounds interesting to you
  • You want to get started in the industry in as little as two years
  • You wish to transfer to a four-year university after completing your associate degree
See 6 locations 60 credit hours
4 semesters
$10,703
Short-Term Certificate – known as a Certificate (CT)
Computer Science Fundamentals
  • You want to learn skills quickly that will get you started in the industry in less than year
  • You want to earn a certificate in the process of completing your associate degree
See 5 locations 19 credit hours
2 semesters
$3,389

Associate Degree – Transferable or Career-Ready

  • The Associate of Science in Computer Science degree program is designed for individuals with no previous computer science education and can launch your career in this high-demand industry.

    APPLY NOW   Request More Info

    Transfer as a Junior

    Complete your AS in Computer Science then pursue a bachelor’s degree through our Transfer Single Articulation Pathways (TSAP) program. You can save upwards of $10,000 by completing your first two years at Ivy Tech and then transferring!

    Talk to our transfer advocates for information about continuing your education after completing your associate degree at Ivy Tech. You are also encouraged to contact the university to which you plan to transfer. Note that admission is not guaranteed just by enrolling in the Computer Science program. You will need to be admitted to the institution you intend to transfer to.

    Required Courses

    Associate degree graduates must complete a total of 60 credit hours:

    • 30 Indiana College Core course credits
    • 28-29 program-specific course credits
    • 1 Information Technology Capstone credit
    • 1 Student Success credit (college requirement)

    VIEW COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

    SEARCH UPCOMING CoursES

    Student Outcomes

    Student Outcomes (SOs) are the competencies that Ivy Tech students should be well versed in upon graduating from the program.

    See SOs

    Close

Short-Term Certificate known as a Certificate (CT)

  • Getting started in the computer science field can seem intimidating, but Ivy Tech is dedicated to helping our students learn and success in this high-demand industry. If you are interested in exploring computer science or want to get into the industry quickly, the Computer Science Fundamentals Certificate (CT) may be the perfect program for you.

    Learn the building blocks of coding and data analysis then start working right away or continue building on your courses and pursue an Associate of Science in Computer Science.

    Apply Now   Request More Info

    Earn a Certificate on the Way to Your AS

    If your goal is to earn an associate degree in Computer Science, you can earn this CT on your way. The CT is designed to provide a gateway into entry-level computer science careers. That means you may be able to enter the workforce in your desired field even before you graduate if your plan includes working while you’re in school.

    Required Courses

    Graduates must complete a total of 19 credit hours.

    VIEW COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

    SEARCH UPCOMING CoursES

    Student Outcomes

    Student Outcomes (SOs) are the competencies that Ivy Tech students should be well versed in upon graduating from the program.

    See SOs

    Close

Program Details

Computer Science is offered at 6 Ivy Tech locations in Indiana. Each location offers a unique combination of certificate and degree options:

Campus Computer Science Fundamentals CT AS Computer Science
Fort Wayne X X
Hamilton County X X
Indianapolis X X
Lake County at Gary X X
Richmond X
Valparaiso X X

CT — Certificate (short-term); TC — Technical Certificate (long-term); WFC — Workforce Certification.

Is Computer Science Right for Me?

Ivy Tech's Computer Science program can set you up for a successful career in the world of computing. Do you love to take on new challenges and learn new skills? If so, the Computer Science program could be the one for you.  

Computer Science careers often require: 

  • Strong problem-solving skills
  • An affinity for math and science
  • Critical thinking 
  • Analytical thinking 
  • Comfortability with change and challenge
  • Organization 
  • Interest in how humans and computers interact 
  • Commitment to a code of ethics

Sound Like You?

If you identify with the traits above, computer science may be the path for you! Take the next step to get started or speak with your local advisor to learn more.

Apply Now   Request More Info

Prerequisite Courses for Computer Science

All Informatics students will take prerequisite courses during their time at Ivy Tech, typically during the first semester. Students must demonstrate competency through appropriate assessment or earning a grade of “C” or better in at least one course from each of the following groupings:

  • Base English Courses (two required)
    • ENGL 093 - Introduction to College Writing (required)
    • ENGL 083 - Reading Strategies for College
    • ENGL 095 - Integrated Reading and Writing
  • Co-Requisite English Course (one required)
    • ENGL 063 - Co-Requisite Reading Strategies
    • ENGL 073 - Co-Requisite Writing Strategies
    • ENGL 075 - Co-Requisite Integrated Reading & Writing.
  • Base Math Courses (two required)
    • MATH 136 - College Algebra
    • MATH 137 - Trigonometry with Analytic Geometry
  • Principles Math Course (one required)
    • MATH 023 - Essentials of Algebra
    • MATH 080 - Mathematical Principles

No Expiration of Credits

There is no expiration date for course credits that were earned in previous years from Ivy Tech Community College.

Transfer Credit for Prerequisite Courses

Prerequisite courses completed at colleges other than Ivy Tech will only be considered for general education selection points if transfer credit has been awarded and courses appear on the Ivy Tech transcript prior to the application deadline.

TR grades are not recognized by the online application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that transfer credit has been awarded and that TR grades are updated to transfer letter grades (TA, TB, TC) on their Ivy Tech transcript.

It is recommended that college transcripts be submitted to the Registrar’s office for evaluation and transfer credit at least 4 weeks prior to the program application deadline to ensure adequate time for processing.

Computer Science Courses

Descriptions of Computer Science courses can be found in our online course catalog:

View Computer Science Course Descriptions

 View required classes and course descriptions for:

Upcoming Classes

See when specific classes will be offered by searching our class list in Schedule Builder. First, select the semester you’re looking for and then enter the name of the class in the search bar. 

If you’re a current student, upcoming classes are easy to find in Schedule Builder in MyIvy.

Class Formats

Computer Science courses are available in both in-person and online formats. 

Big Dreams? Go for Honors

If you're motivated and want a more robust, personalized academic experience, consider enhancing your associate degree in Computer Science by pursuing an Honors pathway. Honors courses are fully virtual with opportunities to meet and network with honors students and faculty across the state. The coursework is designed to support a student’s spirit of inquiry and intellectual growth, as well as foster multicultural awareness and leadership. View eligibility requirements

Graduating with a Computer Science degree with an Honors pathway can help you stand out as a high-achieving college student, boost your resume, and help you land an acceptance letter to a top four-year college or university.

LEARN ABOUT HONORS

Applying to Ivy Tech is Free & Easy

The Ivy Tech application is free and easy—you don’t need a certain test score, GPA, or class rank to get started at Ivy Tech. Applying takes about 10-15 minutes and can be completed entirely online.

No Application Deadlines

Ivy Tech does not have a deadline for admission. Our 8-week class sessions start throughout the year—in January, March, June, August, and October—and there is no hard deadline for applying for any of the start dates. It's important, though, to apply early enough that you'll be able to complete all the degree planning, financial aid, and registration activities that need to happen before your first day. We recommend you apply about one month before you intend to start classes. See upcoming start dates

Steps to Apply

(1) Apply to Ivy Tech

If you’ve never applied to Ivy Tech Community College before (or if it’s been two years since you last attended classes here), your first step is to apply to Ivy Tech. You can apply online or in person. To apply in person, reach out to your local admissions team and arrange a meeting. Or, stop by any campus on any Tuesday for Tuesdays@TheTech to receive personal assistance with applying and registering for classes.

Apply Now

(2) Submit Assessment Documents

After you submit your application, you'll be asked to upload documentation—such as SAT/ACT/PSAT scores or high school and college transcripts—that can assess your readiness for college-level coursework and help us make sure you are taking classes that are the right fit for you. How to upload assessment documents

If you don't have your scores or transcripts at your fingertips, don’t worry. Go ahead and submit your application. You can go back to upload assessment documents at any time until the end of the term for which you applied.

(3) Look for a Confirmation Email

Once your application is processed, you will receive a confirmation email at the email address provided on your application. Typically the email will arrive within 1-2 business days of submission, but during peak processing periods (April-June) could take up to 5-10 business days.

The email will contain instructions on how to register for classes, as well as important information regarding your Ivy Tech student portal (MyIvy account), tuition, payment options, and more.

(4) Create an Account in MyIvy

MyIvy is Ivy Tech's online student portal. Students use MyIvy to check e-mail, register for classes, pay tuition, manage financial aid, get the latest news and announcements, and much more. MyIvy also contains "QuickLinks" to the Ivy Tech websites and online tools you will use most often. Learn more about MyIvy

For first-time user instructions and other MyIvy tips: View/Print MyIvy Help Sheet

(5) Course Placement

Before you can register for classes you will need to submit documentation or complete an assessment test. Your test scores can help us determine the best English and math starting classes for you. See the Test Score Course Placement Chart

If you submitted assessment documentation during the application process, your advisor will likely be able to work with those documents to determine course placement and you won't need to take any further steps. If you don't have any of those documents or the scores don't meet minimum thresholds, don’t worry! Your advisor will direct you to complete our free Knowledge Assessment to help develop your customized learning path to better prepare you for courses. 

(6) Register for Classes

Once you have completed the steps above, you may register for classes. Ivy Tech students register for courses using the Schedule Builder tool which can be accessed within MyIvy. If you are a new, first-time Ivy Tech student, we recommend that you meet with your advisor who will help you develop your Academic Completion Plan and help you sign up for courses that are the best fit for you.

For a complete list of registration steps, including detailed registration steps, deadlines, and information about holds, withdrawals, waitlists, and refunds, visit our Registration 101 page.

(7) Pay Your Tuition

After registering for your courses, your bill can be viewed in your MyIvy account > Student Dashboard- > View/Pay Balance. Payments can also be made in your MyIvy account. For complete information about payments, including payment options, payment plans, how to make immediate payments, due dates, information about refunds, and more, visit our Payments page.

Local Program Contacts & Info

Questions? Contact:
Jason E. Johnson
Department Chair, School of Information Technology
jjohnson@ivytech.edu
765-966-2656, extension 1119

Featured Faculty & Staff

Find Local Admissions Contact Info

Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET

765-966-2656, ext. 1202
richmondenrollment@ivytech.edu

Richmond Admissions Office
2357 Chester Boulevard
Richmond, IN 47374

Zoom Video Call
Call 765-966-2656, ext. 1202 to schedule an appointment.

Fax: 765-962-3775

Questions About the Program?

Future Students

If you’re not yet an Ivy Tech student, contact us at 1-888-489-5463 and we’ll be happy to help.

Current Students

Contact your academic advisor, who can answer any questions you have about the Computer Science program and your certificate and degree options.

Find Local Advising Contact Info

Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET

765-966-2656, ext. 1202
lpowell91@ivytech.edu

Richmond Local Enrollment
2357 Chester Boulevard
Richmond, IN 47374

Zoom Video Call
Call 765-966-2656, ext. 1202 to schedule an appointment.

Fax: 765-962-3775

24 hours a day, 7 days a week (se habla español)

Live Chat

You Might Also Be Interested In

  • 1 Source: US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2022 State Occupational Employment and Wage estimates: Indiana.(2023). Lightcast™, lightcast.io. Occupational Overview for Indiana, 2023-2024
  • 2 Associate degree cost is determined by tuition for an in-state, full-time student. Certificate and technical certificate costs are determined by tuition for an in-state, part-time student. Additional fees may be applied. Visit the Tuition & Fees page to learn more.