Informatics, aka applied computing or simply computer studies, is the study and application of information technology to a particular area or discipline of study. Informatics also considers the use of information and technology in organizations and society at large. Information technology (IT) is rapidly changing the world, creating new challenges and opportunities every day. Informatics equips students to study IT, consider its social impact, and find ways to use technology to solve problems. The Informatics program’s aim is to produce qualified IT professionals who understand the ways people work with and use information, and who can develop solutions that are effective and easy-to-use. Informatics emphasizes problem-solving, critical thinking, innovation, communication, and teamwork along with technical skills and knowledge. An informatics degree prepares graduates for a range of positions. Some of the career options include database designer/developer, bioinformatics specialist, chemical informatics specialist, interaction designer, information architect, IT consultant, multimedia specialist, web designer, software developer, system administrator, system analysts, webmaster, etc. The informatics degree program at IUK features small classrooms and personalized instruction. In addition to learning about information technology and its applications, students will choose a cognate as an area of specialization. This multi-disciplinary curriculum will prepare you for the challenges of an IT career in the 21st century. Degree Requirements The degree includes 120 hours of total coursework including the following:
General Requirements
Indiana University Kokomo General Education Requirements
Suggested General Education Courses for Informatics Majors
- ENG-W 131 Elementary Composition I (3 credits)
- ENG-W 132 Elementary Composition II (3 credits)
- ENG-W 231 Professional Writing Skills (3 credits)
- SPCH-S 121 Public Speaking (3 credits)
- Various courses in Humanities and Arts (6 credits)
- Various courses in Physical and Life Sciences (8 credits)
- INFO-I 356 Globalization: Where We Fit In (3 credits)
- Various courses in Ethics and Civic Engagement (3 credits)
- MATH-M 118 Finite Mathematics (3 credits)
- MATH-K 310 Statistical Techniques (3 credits)
- Various courses in Social and Behavioral Sciences electives (6 credits)
Major Requirements
Informatics Courses (40 credit hours)
- INFO-I 101 Introduction to Informatics (4 credits)
- INFO-I 201 Mathematical Foundations of Informatics (4 credits)
- INFO-I 202 Social Informatics (3 credits)
- INFO-I 210 Information Infrastructure I (4 credits)
- INFO-I 211 Information Infrastructure II (4 credits)
- INFO-I 213 Website Design and Development (3 credits)
- INFO-I 300 Human-Computer Interaction (3 credits)
- INFO-I 303 Organizational Informatics (3 credits)
- INFO-I 308 Information Representation (3 credits)
- INFO-I 356 Globalization: Where We Fit In (3 credits)
- INFO-I 450 Systems Design and Development (3 credits)
- INFO-I 451 Systems Development (3 credits)
What kind of job can I get with this degree?
As a general rule, a college major does not prepare you for one specific job, but rather it enables you to develop skills and abilities that can be applied to a broad range of occupations. A degree in informatics is no exception. Your skills and knowledge in computer-related studies, combined with a strong foundation in mathematics, problem-solving, logical and creative thinking, prepares you for career paths in many fields. Career areas can include, software and web development, database design and administration, systems analysis and design, system administration, interface design, IT consulting, etc.