Description of Informatics Major

Informatics specialists study and develop new uses for information technology in all types of settings. People working in informatics find themselves working in a variety of fields, including telecommunications, banking and finance, media, biology, chemistry, dentistry, medicine, entertainment, life sciences research, social studies, and many others.

The Informatics degree prepares students seeking a broad understanding of information technology, its social and psychological dimensions, and its application to other chosen disciplines. The program in Informatics will prepare students to become highly skilled professionals. Students are expected to acquire strong technical and analytical skills that can be applied to other disciplines, such as arts & humanities, business, health sciences, natural sciences, and social sciences. Such skills can be applied in industry and can also provide the necessary academic requirements to enter graduate programs in a number of related disciplines.

Prospective students should begin with a core curriculum in informatics, and soon thereafter proceed to choose a complementary area of specialization called a cognate area. Cognate areas allow students, with the help of their advisors, to tailor a program to their specific needs and interests.
Cognate Descriptions: 
• Biology Informatics
• Business Informatics
• Chemistry Informatics  
• Computer Networking Informatics
• Criminal Justice Informatics
• Digital Media Informatics
• Geosciences Informatics
• Health Science Informatics
• Journalism Informatics  
• Pre-MBA Informatics
• Psychology Informatics  
• Sociology Informatics

RELATED SKILLS:

Abstract and formal reasoning

Programming language concepts

Knowledge of operating systems

Multi-tasking

Testing

Analyzing

Mathematical skills

Problem-solving

Organizing/simplifying

Logical thinking

Detail-oriented

Thoroughness

Work independently and in teams

Advanced quantitative abilities

Statistical analysis

Designing systems

Written and oral communication skills

Marketing concepts

Research

Classifying/systemizing

Efficiency

Systematic
Critical Thinking

Click on one of the links to the right to find possible job titles, employers, and web sites related to this major.

Helpful Links:
BioInformatics Research Group (BiRG)
A Bird’s Eye View of Informatics(PDF Download)
What is Informatics?(PDF Download)
Informatics Careers