Informatics
Overview
Informatics programs prepare people to study the design, use, and real-world applications of information technology.Informatics programs include topics such as:
- Information sciences
- Human computer interaction
- Information system analysis and design
- Telecommunications structure
Schools
A few community colleges offer an associate degree in informatics. An associate degree usually takes about two years of full-time study.
Several colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in informatics. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.
A few universities offer graduate degrees in informatics. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Bioinformatics
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Installation and Repair
- Computer Science
- Computer Support Specialist
- Computer Systems Analysis
- Computer Systems Networking and Administration
- Computer Systems Technology
- Database Administration
- Information Science
- Information Technology
- Management Information Systems
- Medical Informatics
- Telecommunications Technology
- Webmaster and Web Management
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
- Computer and Information Research Scientists
- Computer Systems Administrators
- Computer Systems Analysts
- Database Administrators
- Information Security Analysts
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Advanced Algebra courses
- Calculus
- Computer Science and Programming
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree in computer science or a similar field, good grades, and good test scores. Prior work experience in the business world is very helpful.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) Computer Science
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This undergraduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Computer programming
- Information design
- Informatics, ethics and society
- Project management
- User interface design
- Visual programming
Graduate Program Courses
Graduate course work tends to vary from program to program. However, the outline of a typical graduate curriculum looks like the following:
- Required core courses
- Elective courses
- Thesis and thesis defense
Master’s degree programs typically cover many of the subjects listed above in the first year. In the second year, you choose subjects in the area where you want to specialize. A thesis also may be required.
Schools
King-Snohomish Area
Northeastern University - Seattle
- Informatics
Shoreline Community College
- Health Informatics and Information Management (Transfer)
- Informatics (Transfer)
Tacoma Area
Pierce College Puyallup
- Information Studies