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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 �鶹������ý Lafayette's master's in informatics as a tool kit students bring to their chosen field. No matter their background, graduates can bring a new view of data science and human-computer interaction to business, health care, cybersecurity, media 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 tech backgrounds are welcome, and so are applicants who want to move into tech roles from non-tech fields.

The online graduate program starts with a broad look at how enterprise computing systems are set up and how users move through digital spaces. Then the courses show ways to make tech more easy to use, secure, and useful.

Some students may need extra courses, but the informatics curriculum starts with core classes — Introduction to Informatics and Systematic Methods in Informatics — so students are ready for later coursework.

The data-focused curriculum also covers industry rules, risk management, and key metrics. That helps students, as Dr. Totaro says, find useful opportunities and build solutions.

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

The curriculum starts with core classes that form the base of graduate informatics. These classes build research methods and data security by teaching human-computer interaction, ethical, legal, and social issues, and enterprise security.

From there, students shape the program around their interests and career goals.

With approval from the graduate coordinator, students can mix informatics electives with graduate-level courses in biology, business, or psychology.

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 cross-field enterprise computing — a little bit of this and 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, network security, IT management, and more. These informatics jobs can also build stronger communication, strategy, and tech writing skills.

For example, building an app may mean working across separate teams to make sure the code fits the design goals.

Likewise, a business intelligence architect may handle data modeling and coordinate between groups and stakeholders.

“Part of informatics is being the link 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 become 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.

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

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Q&A

Question: Do I need a tech background to apply to the M.S. in Informatics program?

Short answer: Not necessarily. The program welcomes applicants with tech backgrounds and those who want to move into tech roles from non-tech fields, as long as they meet Graduate School admission rules. Some students may need extra courses, but the curriculum includes core classes to help prepare them for graduate informatics coursework.

Question: What makes informatics different from a traditional computing degree?

Short answer: Informatics focuses on using computing ideas for human and workplace needs. Instead of focusing only on technical systems, the program shows how people use tech, how organizations rely on data and systems, and how tech can be made more secure, useful, and easy to use.

Question: Can students customize what they study in the program?

Short answer: Yes. After core coursework, students can shape their studies to match their interests and career goals. With approval from the graduate coordinator, they may combine informatics electives with graduate-level courses in biology, business, or psychology.

Question: What kinds of careers can the M.S. in Informatics help prepare students for?

Short answer: Graduates may be prepared for roles in database development, business intelligence, network security, IT management, and related areas. The program also builds communication and teamwork skills, which can help graduates serve as a bridge between tech teams, business stakeholders, and leaders.