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Dr. Michael Totaro, graduate coordinator for University of �鶹������ý at Lafayette’s informatics degree program, defines informatics as “computing where we focus on human and organizational needs." 

Think of the University’s master’s in informatics as a set of tools the student brings to their chosen field. Whatever their background, graduates can bring a new understanding of data science and human-computer interactions to business, healthcare, cyber security, multimedia design, and more.

Informatics is for anyone interested in working in “technology, computing, information, and data,” says Dr. Totaro.

Wait. 

Anyone?

Within the parameters of Graduate School admission requirements, yes, anyone. 

Applicants with technical backgrounds are welcome along with applicants looking to pivot into technical roles from non-technical fields.

The online graduate program starts with a broad look at how enterprise computing systems are arranged and how users occupy digital spaces. Then, courses explore approaches to make technology more user friendly, secure, and functional.

While some may need to complete supplemental courses, the curriculum starts with foundation courses — Introduction to Informatics & Systematic Methods in Informatics — so students are prepared to succeed in their informatics courses.

The data-focused curriculum offers an understanding of industry compliance, risk management, and performance indicators — so students can, as Dr. Totaro says, “identify actionable opportunities” and create solutions.

What do you learn in the M.S. Informatics program? 

The curriculum begins with a core set of classes which form the basis of graduate informatics. These classes lay the foundation in research methods and data security by teaching theories of human-computer interaction, ethical, legal and social issues, and enterprise security. 

Building on the core curriculum, students tailor their studies to their interests and career goals. 

With approval from the graduate coordinator, students can take a mix of informatics electives and grad-level courses in subjects like biology, business, or psychology. 

"Students can leverage the program as a means to learn new skillsets, new knowledge bases, new approaches, new ways of thinking," says Dr. Totaro.

Alumna Lisa Olinger says informatics is “interdisciplinary enterprise computing, so a little bit of this, a little bit of that.”

“You can pick and choose which skills fit you the best and grow toward what interests you,” says Olinger.

What can you do with a Master's in Informatics?

Informatics graduates are prepared for roles in database development, business intelligence design, network security, IT management, among others. 

Informatics courses also lead students to become more curious, strategic, and technical communicators.

For example, developing an application may require working across isolated teams to ensure the code aligns with the design goals. 

Likewise, a business intelligence architect may be in charge of data modeling and coordinating between groups and stakeholders.

“Part of informatics is being the liaison between the corporate and technical side,” says Arthur Almazan, graduate of the B.S. and M.S. in Informatics programs.

Almazan says the master's program helped him grow into a much stronger communicator than when he started. 

“Communication is probably my strongest asset, especially in the group that I'm in now. I have experience being a part of large groups and communicating across departments,” says Almazan.

Almazan says informatics showed how vital it is to build connections across teams.

Ready to open the door to informatics careers? Request information about the M.S. in Informatics program today!