What is Informatics? A Pathway To Computing Careers

What is informatics? Informatics is a way of using computing principles to shape and improve how people interact with technology, wherever they interact with technology.

Informatics is “computing where we focus on the human and organizational needs,” says Dr. Michael Totaro, associate professor and graduate coordinator for University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s informatics degree program. 

Think of the University’s master’s in informatics as a set of tools the student brings with them to their chosen field. Whatever their background, graduates can bring a new understanding of data science and human-computer interactions to solving problems in business, healthcare, cyber security, multimedia design, and much 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 begins with a broad, holistic look at the way enterprise computing systems are organized, and at the way users occupy digital spaces. Then, courses explore methods and ideas of how to make technology more user friendly, more secure, more efficient, and more functional.

While students from other disciplines may need to complete supplemental courses in calculus and statistics, the program curriculum officially begins with Foundation Courses — Introduction to Informatics and Systematic Methods in Informatics — so students are up to speed and prepared to succeed in their informatics courses.

The data-science-focused curriculum equips students to develop a dynamic understanding of an organization’s needs — such as data storage and security, compliance with industry standards, risk management, and effective performance indicators — so that students can, as Dr. Totaro describes it, “identify actionable opportunities” and develop 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 establish the fundamentals of probability and statistics, research methods, data visualization and network security; as well theories and applications of human-computer interaction, the ethical, legal and social issues influencing computing, and understanding enterprise architecture and 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 combination of informatics electives and graduate-level courses in related subjects, such as biology, business, or psychology. 

"Students can leverage the program as a means by which they can learn new skill sets, 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.”

“I think you can pick and choose which skills that fit you the best and gravitate towards what interests you,” says Olinger.

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

Informatics graduates are prepared for roles in application development, business intelligence architecture, database development and administration, network security administration, IT business management, digital media development, among many others. 

Additionally, informatics leads students to become more curious, strategic, and empathetic technical communicators.

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

Likewise, a business intelligence architect may be responsible for data modeling and coordinating project development between multiple groups and communicating with stakeholders.

“Part of informatics is being the liaison between the corporate side and the 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 demonstrated how vital it is to establish relationships across teams and departments.

Ready to take the next step in your career in data science and computing? Request information about the M.S. in Informatics program today!