B.S. in Informatics

University of Iowa

Learning Outcomes

Students have a basic grounding in computer science.
Students have a thorough understanding of information processing tools and constructs.
Students have a user-centric perspective on computing tools.
Students have a thorough understanding of chosen cognate area.
Students can apply computing tools to problem solving.

Overview

The major in informatics provides students with the necessary training for employment in careers such as software development, user experience, and information management. It provides good preparation for graduate study in a variety of disciplines.

Students may declare a major in informatics when they are admitted to the University or afterward. All students begin the major as Bachelor of Arts students but may switch to the Bachelor of Science programs at any time.

The informatics major combines fundamental and practical computing knowledge with a choice of cognate areas from the liberal arts and sciences, providing students with the necessary background and specialized skills to work at the interface of computing and another discipline. Students may begin the major without a chosen cognate area; they may declare a cognate at any time. Some cognates are available only with the Bachelor of Arts, others are available only with the Bachelor of Science. A student's choice of cognate determines whether the student will earn a B.A. or a B.S.

The Bachelor of Arts with a major in informatics requires a minimum of 120 s.h., including at least 43-51 s.h. of work for the major. Students must maintain a g.p.a. of at least 2.00 in all courses for the major and in all UI courses for the major.

Informatics graduates work in a broad range of market sectors, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of the program and the large number of available cognates. Some graduates pursue software development opportunities or careers as database and/or web administrators; others enter the IT job market as software support personnel or in a managerial role. Other graduates pursue careers in their cognate field, where their computing skills are at a premium.

A recent job placement survey indicates that more than 90 percent of University of Iowa informatics graduates were placed or no longer seeking employment within six months of graduation.