What’s Your Passion

What Is Informatics?

Watch this video to learn more about the Informatics degree program and why our students are so passionate about being a part of the School.

Photo Gallery

Browse through the photo gallery to see our students, faculty, and staff at work and play.

Why Informatics?

Why should you major in informatics and computing? Here’s the top 10 reasons »

Questions?

Our students and faculty are following their passions every day. Creating devices that will help families protect their aging loved ones. Researching new ways to protect online accounts from cyberthieves. Developing an extensive database to track the spread of disease around the world.

Technology is everywhere. In today’s world, everyone needs to be a “computer person.” Informatics is a multi-faceted discipline with numerous fields of study and specialty areas that blends the study of information technology and solving real world problems. No matter what path you take through the School of Informatics—from computer science to bioinformatics to human computer interaction design to name just a few—the end result is a strong, technology-centered education that can lead to a wide variety of career options.

Computer science students complete a curriculum focused on areas such as high performance computing, networks, databases, robotics, and programming languages. Informatics students blend information technology know-how with the study of a specialty area of their choice.

Whether you choose to major in informatics or computer science, you will learn how to impact daily life, using the power of information technology.

What’s it like here?

We play Wii here. We play golf for charity here. We bring informatics to the Boys and Girls Club here. From academic programs to student leadership positions, you can get the support you need here. There’s something for everyone in the School of Informatics community. You will have an academic advisor to help plan your class schedule each semester so that you’re confident you’re taking the right classes at the right time; and career advisors are with you every step of the way to talk internships or jobs. If you want your voice heard, you can join the Informatics Student Association. And if you just want to relax or play with your friends, you can attend one of the student programs we host, ranging from gaming hours to industry-related speakers and networking events. You can become part of the community in the way that fits you the best, and if we don’t have it… you can work with us to create it!

Learn more about informatics and computer science student groups »

Where will this take me?

Anywhere you can imagine. Our graduates are starting their own businesses, leading IT initiatives to solve world hunger, developing solutions for financial, technology, and consumer product companies, and changing the face of healthcare. With alumni in 49 of 50 U.S. states and multiple foreign countries, we are in non-profits, the government, consulting agencies, big-tech, non-tech, and small businesses. We are everywhere! In addition, the hiring statistics are astounding. Undergraduate salaries are in the mid $50,000’s, and almost a hundred great companies visit campus each year, specifically to recruit our students. Plus, we are here to help you on the career journey. From day one you will interact with career advisors about how to build your resume, engage with employers, and succeed in pursuing the career you desire.

How do I get started?

When you meet with your advisor during orientation, tell them that you’re interested in exploring informatics or computer science. Start by taking one of the following classes this fall:

I101 Introduction to Informatics (4 credits): Problem solving with information technology; introductions to information representation, relational databases, system design, propositional logic, cutting-edge technologies: CPU, operation systems, networks; laboratory emphasizing information technology including Web page design, word processing, databases, using tools available on campus. View Course Schedule »
Y100 Exploring Informatics and Computer Science (1 credit, 8-week course): Technology is everywhere and how it relates to the world today is very important to the future. The objective of this course is to offer students an opportunity to explore the many tracks within the fields of Informatics and Computer Science, while also learning about the multiple careers available to students majoring in the fields. Emphasis will be placed on the various ways technology affects the work world and how students can tailor a major to their individual interests. The course will promote a hands-on, interactive and self-reflective course environment. View Course Schedule »
A110 Introduction to Computers and Computing (3 credits): Basic principles of computers and software. Social and lifestyle effects of information technology. Emphasis on problem-solving techniques. Productivity software skills are taught using real-world projects. View Course Schedule »
C211 Introduction to Computer Science (4 credits): A first course in computer science for those intending to take advanced computer science courses. Introduction to programming and to algorithm design and analysis. Using the Scheme programming language, the course covers several programming paradigms. View Course Schedule »

School of Informatics and Computing