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.
What is Informatics?
Why this program?
The B.S. in Informatics face-to-face (on-campus) degree 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 cognates (such as Bioinformatics, Business, Cognitive Science, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, English, Health Informatics, Life Sciences, Mathematics, New Media, Physics, Psychology, Social Informatics, and Web Development).
The degree prepares students to enter challenging computing careers in the workplace or to embark on postgraduate programs in Informatics.
Informatics Program Educational Objectives
Three to five years after graduating with this degree, an Informatics graduate will:
- be able to apply fundamental computer science and discipline specific knowledge to develop solutions that meet expectations of their profession
- conduct themselves professionally demonstrating high ethical standards and professional integrity
- be able to work both independently and on interdisciplinary teams in a variety of diverse work environments
- be on track to pursue professional leadership
- be a lifelong learner in their chosen profession
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, 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. Below is the current list of cognates.
For an up-to-date list of cognates see the Informatics advisor.
- Bioinformatics
- Business
- Cognitive Science
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice
- English
- Health Informatics
- Life Sciences
- Mathematics
- New Media / Arts
- Physics
- Psychology
- Social Informatics
- Web Development
Program Highlights
- Hands-on learning.
- Student Club.
- Up to $30K in scholarships.
- Major course class sizes average around 20-30 students.
- Dedicated computer labs and collaborative space for majors.
- 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?
There are excellent employment opportunities for our graduates. Based on our recent survey, almost every alumnus of our program is gainfully employed. 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
Want to Apply? Questions?
If you have more questions regarding admissions, transfer, requirements, please refer to the program website or contact the program director from the following webpage
- Students should contact the program director before their first semester to schedule a meeting with an Informatics advisor to develop a plan for their academic course of study.
- For additional questions, please contact the department administrative assistant
Related Degree Options:
- Minor or B.S. in Computer Science
- Online B.S. in Informatics
- Certificate in Computer Programming
- Minor or Certificate in Computer Applications
- Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Applied Informatics