Minnesota Community Colleges
Computer Science Programs
Computer science and IT pathways at community colleges in this state. Programming, networking, cybersecurity, and transfer-track CS courses.
15 colleges · 183 sections · 108 unique courses · Fall 2026 · Updated today
Minnesota community colleges offer two distinct CS pathways: an associate of applied science (AAS) for students aiming directly at help-desk, network admin, or junior developer roles, and a transfer-track AS that articulates to a bachelor's in computer science at a four-year school. The 183 sections this term across 15 Minnesota State institutions cover programming (Python, Java, JavaScript), data structures, networking, cybersecurity, and intro computer science theory.
Two-year CC programs aren't a shortcut to a software engineering career — most SWE roles still require a bachelor's — but the IT-support, sysadmin, and cybersecurity-tech career paths absolutely start here. For students who want to be a software developer, the transfer-track AS lets you complete two years at community-college tuition before continuing to a CS bachelor's, with credit articulation in place at most Minnesota four-year programs.
Colleges offering Computer Science
Pick a college to see its full plan — every required course, which ones transfer to the school you want, and what’s open now.
Computer Science is a transfer program — community colleges offer the coursework; you earn the degree, and its earnings, at a four-year university. See where it transfers →
Computer Science Availability Snapshot
How computer science sections are being offered across 15 colleges in Minnesota this term (183 sections total).
Delivery format
- online109 (60%)
- in person47 (26%)
- hybrid27 (15%)
When sections meet
- Morning (before noon)28
- Afternoon (noon–5 PM)33
- Evening (5 PM and after)22
- Asynchronous / TBA100
Start dates
Sections begin on 1 distinct date.
Instructor diversity
Taught by 67 distinct instructors across 15 colleges.
Degree requirements by college
Expand a college to see the courses required for graduation. Data sourced from each college's official catalog.
Anoka-Ramsey Community College2 programs
Century College3 programs
Inver Hills Community College4 programs
Saint Paul College4 programs
Common Computer Science courses
- CSCI 1101Introduction to Computer Science and Problem-Solving(8 sections)
- CSCI 1410Computer Science & Information Systems(7 sections)
- CSCI 1020Introduction to Personal Computers and Information Systems(6 sections)
- CIS 1101Business Computer Systems I(6 sections)
- CSCI 1060Introduction to Programming with Python(4 sections)
- CSCI 1081Programming Fundamentals(4 sections)
- CSCI 2011Discrete Mathematics(4 sections)
- CSCI 1102Computer Applications I(4 sections)
- CSCI 2001Computer Programming Concepts(4 sections)
- CSCI 2002Algorithms and Data Structures(4 sections)
- COMP 1140Online Communications(4 sections)
- CSCI 1525C++ for Scientists and Engineers(3 sections)
Career outlook for Computer Science graduates
Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for the primary career outcome of this program (2024 OEWS release). Compare Minnesota’s typical pay to the national picture before choosing where to study.
Wage data reflects all workers in the occupation, not just recent CC graduates — entry-level pay is typically lower. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I become a software engineer with an associate degree?
- Possible but uncommon. Most software engineering roles require a bachelor's in computer science or equivalent experience. The realistic CC-grad direct path is IT support / help desk → junior systems administrator → systems engineer, often with industry certifications (CompTIA Network+, Security+, AWS) earned alongside the degree.
- Does community college CS credit transfer to a CS bachelor's?
- Yes, if you pick the transfer-track AS rather than the career-track AAS. The two tracks share courses but have different math sequences — transfer-track requires Calculus I and II; AAS often uses applied math or business math. Confirm with your target four-year school's transfer office before enrolling.
- What programming languages do Minnesota community colleges teach?
- Python is dominant for intro courses and data-science tracks. Java is common in transfer-track CS sequences (mirroring what most four-year schools teach in their first two years). JavaScript appears in web-development AAS programs. C++ shows up in some game-dev and embedded-systems tracks. Check each college's catalog below for specifics.
- Is cybersecurity a good track at Minnesota CCs?
- Yes — it's one of the highest-employment direct-career paths from a CC. Most Minnesota community college cybersecurity programs are aligned with the NSA / DHS Center of Academic Excellence framework and prepare students for industry certifications like Security+ and CySA+. Graduates step into SOC analyst, junior pen-test, or IT-security-admin roles.
Compare Computer Science programs in other states
Same comparison view, different state systems. Useful if you’re considering an out-of-state community college or just want to see how Minnesota’s computer science programs stack up.
Other programs in Minnesota
Some programs may not be offered at every college — pages render only when the program meets a coverage threshold for the state.