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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

Illustration of a light shining on documents shaped in the form of city buildings

Researchers shed light on city governments' data

Wednesday, January 18, 2023
The idea grew out of a disagreement. Eva Maxfield Brown was an undergraduate student six years ago at the Information School. She was paying close attention to a controversial issue before the Seattle City Council to allow a new NBA arena...
Read more
Julius Cecilia

Informatics student inspired to improve health care

Monday, January 9, 2023
Julius Cecilia has found it hard to watch his sister, who has life-threatening food allergies, end up in the hospital repeatedly. He wanted to find a way to make life easier for her and for other people who suffer from similar...
Read more

Events

Feb 6
 
1:00-4:00PM

iSchool Career Fair 2023

Husky Union Building
Feb 13
 
12:00-1:00PM

MLIS Prospective Student Information Session

Zoom / Online
Feb 14
 
12:30-1:30PM

Women in Tech Workshop

Online
Feb 16
 
3:00-4:00PM

Informatics Program Overview for Current UW Seattle and Transfer Students

Zoom / Online
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