Informatics, Certificate
The discipline of informatics makes connections between the work that people do and technology that can support that work. Build practical tech skills without committing to a full computer science degree.
Quick facts
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Additional facts
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Certificate description
Informatics undergraduate certificate description
In the certificate program in informatics, you learn to use computer technology to gather, synthesize, store, visualize and interpret information. These skills are critical to a wide variety of disciplines.
You gain an understanding of the capabilities and technologies of informatics as applied to domain-specific problems in your field of study.
When you complete the certificate, you are able to understand and use methods for the basic computational principles behind the operation of communication, networking and interaction; decision-making and problem-solving; modeling, inference and visualization; representing, creating and running routine activities; and storing, indexing and retrieving information.
Why earn an informatics undergraduate certificate at ASU?
With a wide range of elective options, you can shape the certificate around your own interests and goals in ways that more rigid programs rarely allow. This program is designed to allow you to gain real capabilities you can use right away.
Courses
This undergraduate certificate includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below:
2026-2027 Catalog Year
The certificate requires 21 credit hours. A "C" minimum is required for all courses in the certificate, although students must maintain a 3.00 GPA in the post-baccalaureate certificate program.
| Requirement | Minimum grade | Credit hours |
|---|---|---|
|
This certificate requires 21 credit hours of coursework, of which at least 12 must be upper division. Students complete 15 credit hours of required courses and select six credit hours of elective coursework. All courses must be passed with a "C" or better. At least 12 credit hours must be completed in residency at ASU.
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| Informatics Certificate Requirements | ||
|
CPI 101 Introduction to Informatics
(QTRS)
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
CPI 200 Mathematical Foundations of Informatics
(MATH)
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
CPI 220 Applied Data Structures and Algorithms
or
CSE 310 Data Structures and Algorithms
CPI 220 is only offered in the fall semester.
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
CPI 350 Evaluation of Informatics Systems
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
IEE 380 Probability and Statistics for Engineering Problem Solving
(QTRS)
or
STP 420 Introductory Applied Statistics
(QTRS)
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
CPI 484, CPI 494, and CSE 394 require advisor approval
6 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 6 |
|
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.
|
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Use computational principles for information-based decision-making and problem solving.
- Apply computational principles to the operation of storing, indexing and retrieving information in informatics applications.
Use computational principles for information-based decision-making and problem solving.Enrollment requirements
ASU degree-seeking students
The undergraduate certificate in informatics is available to all students who are in good standing at ASU and who have completed CSE 205, MAT 242 and MAT 243 with a grade of "C" or higher. This certificate also may be used by interdisciplinary studies Bachelor of Arts students as part of their degree program.
Nondegree-seeking students
Applicants with or without a bachelor's degree are eligible to apply for and receive this certificate through the Pathways for the Future program. Applicants must have completed the following courses, or their equivalents, with a grade of "C" or higher (scale is 4.00 = "A").
CSE 205 Object-Oriented Programming and Data Structures
MAT 242 Elementary Linear Algebra
MAT 243 Discrete Mathematical Structures
Applicants who have taken these courses at another institution should use the Transfer Guide course search to determine whether a transfer course can fulfill the prerequisite course requirements. Applicants who already hold a bachelor's degree should apply to ASU and this certificate program as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.
Here are the admission and application details
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 receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this informatics undergraduate certificate prepares you for
Graduates who have completed this certificate should be in high demand within the software industry and in government, education, science, medicine and other fields that make use of computer technology. The certificate's applied and user-oriented focus makes graduates attractive to such employers.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Computing and Informatics 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.
