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.
Note: Program availability varies by location and not all program tracks are offered at each campus/location.
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.
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!
Our Computer Science program currently partners with ten schools so you can seamlessly transfer without losing your credits or time:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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)
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:
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.
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 toyour local admissions teamand arrange a meeting. Or, stop by any campus on any Tuesday for Tuesdays@TheTech to receive personal assistance with applying and registering for classes.
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
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 freeKnowledge 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 withinMyIvy. If you are a new, first-time Ivy Tech student, we recommend that you meet withyour 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 yourMyIvy 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.
William (Bill) Ruben Program Chair, Faculty Advisor & Professor Computer Science, Informatics, Information Technology Support, Software Development wruben@ivytech.edu (574) 289-7001 ext. 7374
Angela Boembeke Department Chair & Professor School of Information Technology & Visual Communications aboembek@ivytech.edu (574) 289-7001 ext. 5409
William (Bill) Ruben Program Chair, Faculty Advisor & Professor Computer Science, Informatics, Information Technology Support, Software Development wruben@ivytech.edu (574) 289-7001 ext. 7374
Angela Boembeke Department Chair & Professor School of Information Technology & Visual Communications aboembek@ivytech.edu (574) 289-7001 ext. 5409
Assistant Professor, Department Chair, and Statewide Vice Chair
Melanie Hurst
Associate Professor and Dean
Feihong Liu
Assistant Professor and Department Chair
Angela Venable
Assistant Professor and Statewide Lead Chair
Zachary Hamby
Assistant Professor, Department Chair, and Statewide Vice Chair
Melanie Hurst
Associate Professor and Dean
Feihong Liu
Assistant Professor and Department Chair
Angela Venable is the Statewide Lead Chair for the Computer Science program. She is also the Assistant Professor at the Fort Wayne campus. She earned her Bachelor's in Chemistry at Indiana University and her Master's in Applied Computer Science at Purdue University.
She has previously worked at Medical Informatics Engineering and Purdue University Fort Wayne. Angela is also certified in Oracle Database Foundations Junior Associate and Android Associate Developer Certification.
Zachary Hamby is the Statewide Vice Chair for the Computer Science program. He is also the Assistant Professor and Department Chair at the Indianapolis campus. Zachary earned his Bachelor’s in Middle School Education and Master’s in Information Systems at Murray State University. He has worked previously at KCTCS, Henderson County Public Schools, Murray State University, and Best Buy.
Zachary is also certified in MTA Software Development Fundamentals, MTA Networking Fundamentals, MTA Web Development Fundamentals, MTA Windows Operating System Fundamentals, and CompTIA IT Fundamentals. He has volunteered at the Humane Society of Henderson County. He has also done several publications including Digital Design & Game Development, Project Based Learning, and Web Applications for Teachers.
Melanie Hurst is the Associate Professor and Dean at the Terre Haute campus. Melanie earned her Associate in Computer Information Systems at Ivy Tech Community College, her Bachelor’s in Physical Education/Sports Studies at Indiana State University, and her Master’s in Computer Information Systems at Bellevue University. She has worked previously at Central Christian Church, Hamilton Center, Federal Bureau of Prisons, and Subsistence Supply Supervisor.
Melanie is also certified in CompTIA Server+, Certified Ethical Hacker, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, CompTIA A+, and CCNA Routing & Switching. She has also volunteered at Central Christian Church in Terre Haute.
Feihong Liu is the Assistant Professor and Department Chair at the Lake County campus. Feihong earned her Bachelor’s in International Business at Shanghai Normal University and her Master’s in Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Purdue University. She has worked previously at Zhongyuan Bank, Ingersoll Rand, and Purdue University Calumet.
Feihong is certified in AWS Cloud Practioner and has published an analysis framework of portable and measurable higher education for future cybersecurity workforce development. She has also done several projects such as Exploring medical intake data from Twitter, Tax Incremental Financing(TIF) program, and In-company consulting program. She also received full scholarship from East China Normal University to participate the exchange program of University of Wisconsin-Madison.
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Madison Advising Center
590 Ivy Tech Drive
Madison, IN 47250
Fax 812-265-4028
Zoom Video Calls Available by appointment only. Call 812-256-2580, ext. 4502 to make an appointment.
Advising Team Tricia Miracle 812-265-2580 ext. 4137 tmiracle2@ivytech.edu Text during business hours 812-510-3844 Virtual Drop-In Advising Hours: Wednesdays 9:00-1:00pm & Thursdays 2:00-5:30pm Zoom Link
Lisa Kelley 812-265-2580 ext. 4163 lkelley3@ivytech.edu Text during business hours 502-414-1597 Virtual Drop-In Advising Hours: Tuesdays 1:30pm-5pm & Thursdays 8:30am-12pm Zoom Link
Starting Oct. 28th Tuesdays: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All other days by appointment from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. **Special Saturday December 7 @ 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
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.