Bachelor of Science in Informatics (Online - Joint Degree)

What is Informatics?

Informatics is understanding the impact of technology and information on people; the development of new uses for technology; and the application of information technology in the context of another field. It provides you technology education to solve real world problems. It gives you a structural path to a bright future in information technology careers while also providing the flexibility you need to study what you love. As an informatics student, you won’t just study information technology. You will model how technology impacts the academic disciplines that interest you most. Informatics is the understanding of information technology, its impact on society, and its applications to various fields such as biology, health care, criminal justice, chemistry, arts/new media, business, music, philosophy, and psychology.

Why this program?

The B.S. in Informatics online degree is offered jointly by IU South Bend, Northwest, Kokomo, Southeast, East, and IUPUI and follows the guidelines set out by the School of Informatics and Computing and other leading professional computing societies. Students in this degree program complete a core curriculum that builds an overall understanding of computers, computing environments, software development, and web development. There are various cognates (or concentrations) available within the Informatics degree. The degree prepares students to enter challenging computing careers in the workplace or to embark on postgraduate programs in Informatics. 

The degree prepares students to enter challenging computing careers in the workplace or to embark on postgraduate programs in Informatics.

What is a cognate?

Students choose a cognate area (or concentration) of focus to better determine what kinds of people or systems that he or she would like to work with. A cognate area is an integrated program of courses that emphasize the foundations, applications and/or implications of information technology in the chosen area. For example, a New Media/Arts cognate allows students to explore and learn the new forms of artistic expressions and pattern creation using computers. Artists use computers as their medium in creating, storing, and distributing artifacts. For an up-to-date list of cognates see the Informatics advisor.

Program Highlights

  • Online learning. Core Faculty with terminal degrees and diverse research interests.
  • Access to IU's specialized research computing infrastructure including IU's Big Red II supercomputer, mass storage, as well as visualization systems.

What is the job outlook?

According to bls.gov "employment of computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 12 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations was $82,860 in May 2016, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $37,040."  *www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm

Program Requirements

2023-2024 Bulletin