Informatics refers to the study of information systems and technology from a human perspective. It features the Information School’s emphasis on a human-centered approach to the study of information systems.

In the Informatics program, we study a range of information systems, from simple systems that support personal information management to complex systems that involve vast databases of distributed information manipulated in real-time by high-speed computer technologies. We analyze national and global information policy, the management of formal information systems in organizations, and the subtleties of everyday information behavior. We invent methods for representing, classifying and retrieving information, and we design new information systems that are responsive to people's needs and values. For more information, visit the Informatics Web site at http://www.ischool.washington.edu/informatics/.

The undergraduate degree in Informatics will prepare you for a wide range of endeavors in the information field including information management and technology, research and information services, interactive system design, human-computer interaction, and information science.

You will be qualified for jobs in the information and technology industry and in business, public service, and other various professions. Graduates of the Informatics program have found employment in private and public sectors, at Microsoft (Security and Performance Analyst), Amazon.com (Web Developer–Personalization Features and Business Analyst), Department of State (Information Management Specialist), University of Washington (Research Staff and Research Coordinator), and in many other organizations in various capacities. Our graduates have also successfully placed in prestigious graduate schools in disciplines such as information security technology, software development, biomedical informatics, and information and management sciences.

The Informatics program offers an innovative curriculum involving three strands of core coursework: the technical, the human-centered, and the integrated strands. The technical strand consists of courses that develop students’ technical understandings and skills, including computer programming, data structures and algorithms, database and information retrieval, and networking. The courses in the human-centered strand focus on the study of information systems from a human-centered perspective and examine people's information needs and behavior, user-centered information systems design, and methods for evaluating the impact of information systems on people. The integrated strand focuses on merging the technical and human-centered strands with overarching methodologies and understandings as well as applying concepts to practice and applications. Upper-division electives from the Information School and outside departments help round out and develop students’ interests and skills.

In your senior year, you will undertake a rigorous Capstone project oriented toward either information systems design or research in informatics. The projects, for which students typically find outside clients, are student-directed: students identify the problem, determine methodologies for addressing the task, and develop solutions. The Capstone experience often helps propel students to identify interests, develop skills, and connect with professionals in the field. The Capstone project allows the student to pursue his or her unique area of interest. Past Capstone projects have ranged from a user-centered melodic information retrieval system to virus protection software, quality control information system and 3D visualization of research data.

The prerequisites for the Informatics program are INFO 100, CSE 142, STAT 311, and an English composition course selected from the University list. Each course must be completed with a minimum grade of 2.0 and your overall cumulative college GPA must be at least 2.0. The Informatics prerequisite guide helps students to determine community college equivalents.

For additional information on course equivalencies, community college students should consult the UW Course Equivalencies Guide for Washington State Community Colleges or consult with their community college advisers. Departmentally-approved transfer equivalents may substitute for prerequisite courses.

If you are a transfer student, you should contact the Information School as soon as you become interested in the Informatics major. The School will consider courses equivalent to CSE 142 and may allow you to be admitted provisionally on the condition that you complete CSE 142 or equivalent with a minimum grade of 2.0 during the summer before matriculating in the program.

You may not receive credit for INFO 100 taken after CSE 142. Therefore, INFO 100 will be waived if you have already completed CSE 142 or equivalent. If INFO 100 is waived, you must make up the five credits by taking additional elective credits in the major.

Yes, you may be in progress with prerequisite courses through Spring quarter. Students taking courses outside the University of Washington must submit up-to-date grade reports or transcripts as soon as they become available because admissions decisions are typically announced in late June.

To apply, submit your application between February 1 and April 15 using our online application form. Application deadline is April 15 for 2007 admission. The application consists of three components:

1. the online application form,
2. your personal statement, and
3. copies of college transcripts.

Be sure to prepare your personal statement before you begin the online application, as you will be asked to upload your document. Admission is for Autumn quarter only. Admission decisions are typically announced in early July.

Transfer students: Please be sure to submit your application to the University of Washington in a timely manner. For information on admission to the University of Washington, see Undergraduate Admissions information. Since the Informatics program only admits for Autumn Quarter, you should NOT wait until you arrive on the UW campus to apply for the major.

The Informatics program requires two Humanities courses for application to the program. The following classes are considered Humanities for the purpose of application to the Informatics program (from the College of Arts and Sciences):

Asian Languages and Literature
Classics
Comparative History of Ideas
Comparative Literature
English
French and Italian Studies
Germanics
Linguistics
Near Eastern Languages and Civilization
Scandinavian Studies
Slavic Languages and Literatures
Spanish and Portuguese Studies

We also accept classes in the Social Sciences:

American Ethnic Studies
American Indian Studies
Anthropology
Communication
Economics
Geography
History
Jackson School of International Studies
Law, Societies, and Justice
Philosophy
Political Science
Sociology
Women Studies

Yes, but admission decisions are based upon a number of factors: your overall academic performance, grades in prerequisite courses, and your personal statement. Decisions are not based solely on GPA and grades.

The personal statement conveys your interests, enthusiasm, personal drive, commitment, and potential for success in our field of study. It is your opportunity to tell the Admissions Committee about yourself, so you may also address personal or unusual circumstances that may not be reflected in the review of your academic records. It is not intended to be an "essay" or a dialogue on general concerns. Note: Your statement is also a writing sample!

No. Information Systems (IS) is an option offered by the School of Business Administration. The Information School’s Bachelor of Science in Informatics offers a broader study of information and systems and covers more technical skills development and understandings.

No. Students interested in the technical aspects of computer science, programming, and engineering are encouraged to seek more information on programs from the College of Engineering.

No.