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University of Washington Information School

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What is Informatics?

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  3. What Is Informatics?

The term “informatics” broadly describes the study, design, and development of information technology for the good of people, organizations, and society.

When the iSchool chose "informatics" as the name of its bachelor of science degree in 1999, the term was not widely used in the U.S.  The name was chosen because it spoke to the opportunities that are available to students with the strong technical background needed to develop solutions to the world’s information challenges.

The Informatics major was designed to be conceptual and practical, academic and professional, and focused on the human and humanistic dimensions of the design and use of information systems. The vision remains intact: the Informatics major at UW speaks directly to the need for trained and skilled professionals in every sector of society who can turn information into actionable knowledge.

The Classification of Instructural Programs (CIP) describes Informatics as:

"A program that focuses on computer systems from a user-centered perspective and studies the structure, behavior and interactions of natural and artificial systems that store, process and communicate information. Includes instruction in information sciences, human computer interaction, information system analysis and design, telecommunications structure and information architecture and management."

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News

Images of Jason Young, Itza Carbajal, Belén Saldías and Pelle Tracey.

Four scholars to join the Information School faculty

Thursday, July 3, 2025
The University of Washington Information School faculty welcomes four colleagues to their ranks for the start of the 2025-26 academic year. These scholars will inform the School’s mission, supporting research as well as undergraduate and...
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Mike Labrador gives Quest's pitch

Informatics students present startup idea at Husky PitchFest

Friday, June 27, 2025
Coming up with a startup idea is the first step for a hopeful entrepreneur. The next steps are development and eventually pitching to investors. The 2025 Husky PitchFest provided an opportunity for iSchool students to take that leap and...
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iSchool Day at the Museum

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iSchool Community Day at the Museum

Wing Luke Museum
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