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Informatics, BS

Combine computing, data and human-centered design to build technology solutions that improve people's lives. It's an ideal degree if you want a flexible, applied approach to technology that spans industries and career paths.

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A student analyzes data on a computer with a spreadsheet on screen, showcasing practical skills for ASU's BS in Informatics degree.

Quick facts

Courses

120 credit hours
Math intensity: Substantial program math intensity substantial
First required math course: MAT 210 - Brief Calculus
or MAT 265 Calculus for Engineers I
View more details

Additional facts

STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes

International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Degree description

Informatics degree description

Informatics is about discovering, developing and understanding computer applications that improve people's lives. The Bachelor of Science program in informatics prepares you to become a skilled professional who takes a transdisciplinary, user-oriented perspective toward information and computing systems, applies current informatics methods to address society's needs and contributes to the next generation of such systems.

The informatics bachelor's degree program provides an option if you are interested in a flexible program in applied information and computing technologies. You acquire skills in design and implementation of computer systems and have opportunities to build applications that'll be used by people in many fields. You learn to develop software for devices of all sizes, from supercomputers to cell phones and even smaller. The challenges of informatics include designing, developing and applying tools that model, aid or automate activities within science, engineering, business, geography, education and entertainment environments.

Why study informatics at ASU?

ASU frames informatics around solving problems in human and organizational contexts. Rather than asking how to optimize algorithms or computing systems, the program asks questions like: how can computing improve health care? How can technology support scientific research? How can software better serve businesses or educators? This perspective provides a framework for human-centered computing rather than technology-centered computing.

Courses

Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.

Sample courses
CSE 110 Principles of Programming
CSE 205 Object-Oriented Programming and Data Structures
MAT 243 Discrete Mathematical Structures
CPI 101 Introduction to Informatics
CPI 200 Mathematical Foundations of Informatics
CPI 220 Applied Data Structures and Algorithms

Course checksheet and curriculum archive

The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.

What If

Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).

Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.

If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.

See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)

What you'll learn

The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.

  • Master principles for the usage, design, construction and evaluation of Informatics systems (ABET target)
  • Demonstrate an in-depth understanding and development skill of the Informatics knowledge of the chosen focal area
  • Apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to analysis of practical problems and development of solutions

Admission requirements

Here are the admission and application details

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)

The admission standards for majors in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, shown below, are higher than minimum university admission standards. International students must meet the same admission standards, with the possible additional requirement of a minimum English language proficiency test score. If the university requires an English proficiency test score from the applicant, then admission to engineering requires requires a minimum total TOEFL iBT® score of 4 with a minimum section score of 3.5 (Reading: 3.5, Writing: 3.5, Listening: 3.5, Speaking: 3.5), or a score of 79 (taken at a testing center) if taken before January 21, 2026; or a minimum IELTS score of 6.5; a minimum PTE score of 58; a minimum Duolingo English score of 105; or a minimum Cambridge English exam score of 176.

First-year admission:

  1. minimum 1210 SAT combined evidence-based reading and writing plus math score or minimum 24 ACT combined score, or a minimum high school cumulative GPA of 3.00 in ASU competency courses, or class ranking in top 25% of high school class, and
  2. no high school math or science competency deficiencies

Transfer admission requirements:

Transfer students with fewer than 24 transferable college credit hours:

  1. minimum transfer GPA of 3.00 for fewer than 24 transfer hours, and
  2. no high school math or science competency deficiencies, and
  3. minimum 1210 SAT combined evidence-based reading and writing plus math score (or 1140 if taken prior to March 5, 2016) or minimum 24 ACT combined score, or a minimum high school cumulative GPA of 3.00 in ASU competency courses, or class ranking in top 25% of high school class

Transfer students with 24 or more transferable college credit hours must meet EITHER the primary or the secondary criteria (not both):

Primary criteria

  1. minimum transfer GPA of 3.00 for 24 or more transfer hours, and
  2. no high school math or science competency deficiencies (if ASU Admission Services requires submission of a high school transcript)

Secondary criteria

  1. minimum transfer GPA of 2.75 for 24 or more transfer credit hours, and
  2. minimum GPA of 2.75 in all critical courses: MAE 201 Mechanics of Particles and Rigid Bodies I: Statics, MAE 202 Mechanics of Particles and Rigid Bodies II: Dynamics, MAE 213 Mechanics of Materials, and MAE 241 Introduction to Thermodynamics.

Admission requirements for many majors in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering are higher than university admission standards.

Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.


Explore expanded study opportunities

This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.

This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

Undergraduate advisor
Elizabeth Wood
480-965-3199
SCAI.4+1@asu.edu
Graduate advisor
Wendy Biresch
480-965-3199
SCAI.4+1@asu.edu
General contact
480-965-3199
Learn more about this program
Graduate advisor
Mitchell Lawson
602-496-1745
mitchell.lawson@thunderbird.asu.edu
General contact
602-496-7100
Learn more about this program
Graduate advisor
Mitchell Lawson
602-496-1745
mitchell.lawson@thunderbird.asu.edu
General contact
602-496-7100
Learn more about this program
Graduate advisor
Mitchell Lawson
602-496-1745
mitchell.lawson@thunderbird.asu.edu
General contact
602-496-7100
Learn more about this program
Graduate advisor
Mitchell Lawson
602-496-1745
mitchell.lawson@thunderbird.asu.edu
General contact
602-496-7100
Learn more about this program
Graduate advisor
Mitchell Lawson
602-496-1745
mitchell.lawson@thunderbird.asu.edu
General contact
602-496-7100
Learn more about this program
Graduate advisor
Mitchell Lawson
602-496-1745
mitchell.lawson@thunderbird.asu.edu
General contact
602-496-7100
Learn more about this program
Graduate advisor
Mitchell Lawson
602-496-1745
mitchell.lawson@thunderbird.asu.edu
General contact
602-496-7100
Learn more about this program
Graduate advisor
Mitchell Lawson
602-496-1745
mitchell.lawson@thunderbird.asu.edu
General contact
602-496-7100
Learn more about this program
Graduate advisor
Mitchell Lawson
602-496-1745
mitchell.lawson@thunderbird.asu.edu
General contact
602-496-7100
Learn more about this program
Graduate advisor
Mitchell Lawson
602-496-1745
mitchell.lawson@thunderbird.asu.edu
General contact
602-496-7100
Learn more about this program
Graduate advisor
Mitchell Lawson
602-496-1745
mitchell.lawson@thunderbird.asu.edu
General contact
602-496-7100
Learn more about this program
Graduate advisor
Mitchell Lawson
602-496-1745
mitchell.lawson@thunderbird.asu.edu
General contact
602-496-7100
Learn more about this program
Graduate advisor
Mitchell Lawson
602-496-1745
mitchell.lawson@thunderbird.asu.edu
General contact
602-496-7100
Learn more about this program
Graduate advisor
Mitchell Lawson
602-496-1745
mitchell.lawson@thunderbird.asu.edu
General contact
602-496-7100
Learn more about this program
Graduate advisor
Mitchell Lawson
602-496-1745
mitchell.lawson@thunderbird.asu.edu
General contact
602-496-7100
Learn more about this program
Graduate advisor
Mitchell Lawson
602-496-1745
mitchell.lawson@thunderbird.asu.edu
General contact
602-496-7100
Learn more about this program
Undergraduate advisor
Elizabeth Wood
480-965-3199
scai.4+1@asu.edu
Graduate advisor
Wendy Biresch
480-965-3199
scai.4+1@asu.edu
General contact
480-965-3199
Learn more about this program

Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Global experience

With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, informatics students are able to tailor their experience to their unique interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network.

Paying for college

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Get an estimate

Build the career and future you want

Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:

Career opportunities showing job titles, projected growth rates, median salaries, and links to detailed information
Career Growth Median Salary More Information
Business Intelligence Analyst 34.6% $120,230
Computer Scientist 21.8% $140,300
Corporate Web Developer 5.1% $116,580
Geographic Information Systems Technician (GIS Technician) 5.1% $116,580
Information Security Analyst 21.0% $129,180
Information Technology Manager (IT Manager) 15.8% $175,140
Instructional Specialist 1.6% $77,440
Software Developer 10.2% $135,980
Video Game Designer 6.0% $104,000

Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.

Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).


More about careers

Careers this informatics degree prepares you for

Informatics careers center on solving problems through the design and creation of information systems, user interfaces, mobile technologies and social media.

Graduates have the ability to develop future information technology solutions that place a strong emphasis on user needs, enabling users to adapt and change dynamically with society's needs. This makes the informatician a strong candidate for jobs in:

  • data analytics
  • management consulting firms
  • technology research centers
  • technology startups

Additionally, they are prepared for graduate programs that offer an emphasis in emerging technologies.

Contact information

Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.

Computer Science and Engineering Program | CTRPT 105
SCAI.Undergrad.Admission@asu.edu
480-965-3199

Frequently asked questions about degree programs

Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.

Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.

ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.

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