BS in Informatics - University of A

Tuition Fee

Start Date

Medium of studying

Duration

Program Facts

Program Details

Degree

Bachelors

Major

Computer Science | Information Technology

Area of study

Information and Communication Technologies

Course Language

English

About Program

Program Overview

Bachelor of Science in Informatics

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Informatics program at the University at Albany is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to bridge the gap between information technology and computing. The program focuses on interdisciplinary skills in information technology and computer science, preparing students to lead complex digital projects from start to finish.

Program of Study

The program of study includes:

Core Courses:
- Information in the 21st Century
- Emerging Trends in Information and Technology
- Programming for Informatics
- Senior Seminar in Informatics
- Mathematics for Informatics
Research Courses and Applied Learning:
- Research Methods for Informatics
- Introduction to Social Research
- Elementary Statistics
- Statistics for Sociologists
- Practical, real-world experience that complements the concentration
Practical Applications Courses:
- Programming for Problem Solving
- Introduction to Web Technologies
- Introduction to Data and Databases
- Introduction to Networks and Systems
- Digital Project Management
Concentration Courses:
- See below for concentration options

Concentrations

Health Informatics:
- Equips students with the skills and knowledge to professionally develop in the dynamic intersection of healthcare, information technology, and data analytics
- Course options include Foundations of Health Informatics, Information Management in Health Informatics, Information Technologies and Systems in Health Informatics, Data Analytics for Health Informatics, Analysis, Visualization, and Prediction in Analytics, Intermediate Special Topics in Informatics
- Job titles: Clinical Informatics Specialist, Records Integrity Specialist, Integration Analyst, EHR System Specialist, Health Data Analyst, Healthcare IT Project Designer/Developer, Medical Informatics Researcher
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning:
- Provides students with a unique opportunity to master cutting-edge techniques in AI and ML, with an emphasis on hands-on, real-world applications
- Course options include Concepts of Artificial Intelligence, Probability and Statistics for Data Analytics, Ethical Considerations of Artificial Intelligence, Analysis, Visualization, and Prediction in Analytics, Applied Machine Learning, Intermediate Special Topics in Informatics
- Job titles: Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, AI Developer, Business Intelligence Analyst, AI Consultant
Library and Information Services:
- Prepares students to excel in managing, organizing, and analyzing information in both traditional and digital environments
- Course options include Information Wizards: Mastering the Magic of Libraries, Archives and Information Centers, Information Centers as Community Innovators, History of Recorded Information, Information Storage and Retrieval
- Job titles: Information Architect, Knowledge Manager, Library Clerk, User Experience Specialist, Metadata Analyst
Interactive User Experience:
- Focuses on the design and development of interactive systems, including human-computer interaction, user experience, and interactive design
- Course options include Human-Computer Interactive Design, Intermediate Interactive Design, Digital Design, Intro to Documentary Photography, Information Systems Security and Protection
- Job titles: Web Application Developer, Digital Designer, User Experience Analyst, Information Architect
Social Media:
- Prepares students to develop and implement creative social media programs and campaigns
- Course options include Introduction to Data Analytics: Seeking Information in Data with Computation, Social Media and Society, Digital Design, Social Media Technology
- Job titles: Online Community Manager, Social Media Strategist, Content Manager, Web Analytics Specialist
Data Analytics:
- Focuses on the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data to inform decision-making
- Course options include Introduction to Data Analytics: Seeking Information in Data with Computation, Probability and Statistics for Data Analytics, Advanced Data Analytics, Modern Issues in Databases, Information Storage and Retrieval, Data Mining
- Job titles: Information Systems Manager, Database Analyst, Data Mining Specialist, Data Visualization Specialist, Data Processing Manager
Software Development:
- Prepares students to develop software applications at varying levels of proficiency
- Course options include Cloud Computing and Software Engineering, Introduction to Computer Science, Data Structures, Advanced Concepts in Software Development
- Job titles: Application Developer, Software Architect, Quality Assurance Engineer, Systems Programmer, Software Design Analyst
Information Technology:
- Focuses on the development and implementation of IT projects, including IT fundamentals, human-computer interaction, and information assurance and security
- Course options include Programming for IT/Network Administration, Information Security and Protection, Human-Computer Interactive Design, Intermediate Networking
- Job titles: IT Project Manager, Computer Support Specialist, Help Desk Analyst, IT Escalation Engineer
Game Design and Development:
- Provides students with hands-on experience working with digital gaming and simulation technologies and tools
- Course options include Digital Game Design and Development, eSports & the Digital Gaming ecosystem, Digital Design, Introduction to Games for Learning: Theory and Practice, Introduction to Game Design for Educators and Learning and Teaching Computer Science Principles
- Job titles: Game Designer/Editor, Game Programmer, Game Artist, Game Animator, Software Developer, Quality/Lead Quality Assurance Game Tester, Creative Game Director, Video Game System Designer, Audio Engineer, Market Research Analyst

Honors Program

The Informatics Honors Program engages well-qualified Informatics majors in more immersive research and writing. The coursework provides students with the tools and strategies needed to complete an independent and original honors thesis project.

Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Options

The combined master's programs are five-year programs through which students earn both their bachelor's and master's degrees. They are accelerated programs that allow students to apply a maximum of 12 credits hours to both their bachelor's and master's degrees.

Alumni Outcomes

UAlbany's Informatics program provides students with the technical skills and specialization area experience that prepares them to achieve their professional goals. Recent alumni employers include Amazon, Google, Nike, Fidelity Investments, Apple, MVP Healthcare, NYS Agencies, Microsoft, Ernst & Young, and NBC Sports Group.

Student Learning Objectives

The program's student learning objectives include:

Capable of working as part of a team
Ability to lead a project
Present data, information, arguments, and research verbally
Think critically and solve problems related to current digital, technological, or information challenges
Collect and analyze data
Apply skills learned in the classrooms to real-world situations
Create a web site with interactive design elements as appropriate for a specific audience
Understand the basics of computer networking
Explore computing and information in today's society
Create computer programs to address a specified problem
Demonstrate and understanding of concepts and issues in digital privacy and security
Recognize the importance of data and its organization and manipulation in business, government, and society as a whole
Implement basic design principles
Distinguish between types and forms of databases, and the types of data problems such databases can address
Distinguish between types and forms of data, and the potential uses of that data
Identify current and future trends in information-based technologies
Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate the sources, content, and intention of information, along with the ability to communicate, clearly and coherently, any findings to a wider audience

Minors

The University at Albany offers a wide range of minors, including Acting, Africana Studies, Anthropology, Art, Art History, Atmospheric Science, Bioethics, Biology, Broadcast Meteorology, Business, Chemistry, Chinese Studies, Cognitive Science, Communication, Computer Science, Creative Writing, Criminal Justice Studies, Cybersecurity, Documentary Studies, East Asian Studies, Economics, Educational Studies, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Electronics, Film Studies, Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity, English, Forensic Science, French, Game Design and Development, Geographic Information Science, Geography, Globalization Studies, Hebrew, History, Informatics, Instrumental Performance, International Studies, Italian, Japanese Studies, Journalism, Judaic Studies, Korean Studies, Latin American and Caribbean Studies, Law and Philosophy, Leadership, Legal Studies, LGBTQ Studies, Library and Information Science, Linguistics, Machine Learning, Mathematics, Medical Anthropology, Music, Musical Performance, Musical Theatre, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Portuguese, Pre-Education, Psychology, Public Health, Public Policy, Religious Studies, Russian, Russian and Eastern European Studies, Social Welfare Studies, Sociology, Spanish, Statistics, Sustainability, Theatre, Theatrical Design/Technology, Urban Studies and Planning, U.S. Latino Studies, Vocal Performance, Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Build critical bridges between IT and computing: Learn to combine IT and computer science skills to manage data, use emerging technologies, and build user-centered systems.
Hands-on, practical-focused: Gain practical experience through team-based activities and exercises covering areas like data storage, retrieval, web technologies, data and databases, networks, systems, and digital project management.

Objectives:

Work effectively in teams to create solutions.
Lead complex digital projects from conception to completion.
**Present data and arguments effectively in both written and oral formats.

Apply critical thinking skills to solve current technological challenges.
**Collect and analyze data effectively.

**Transfer classroom learnings to real-world situations.

**Design user-friendly and visually appealing websites.

**Develop computer programs to solve specific problems.

**Understand privacy and security concerns related to digital technologies.

**Recognize the vital role of data within various sectors (business, government, etc.
)
**Practice basic design principles effectively.

**Differentiate between types and functions of different databases.

**Distinguish between varying data types and their potential applications.

Outline:

Core Courses: These cover essential informatics topics including: Information in the 21st Century, Emerging Trends in Information and Technology, Senior Seminar in Informatics, a 100-299 level math course (excluding Elementary Statistics), research methods courses, and practical, real-world experience based on chosen concentration.
Concentrations: Students gain in-depth expertise by choosing one of the following concentrations:
Interactive User Experience:
Data Analytics: This concentration delves into data analysis frameworks, statistics, database management, information storage and retrieval, and machine learning.
Software Development: Gain expertise in computer science fundamentals, data structures, software engineering, cybersecurity strategies, object-oriented programming, etc.
newly announced

Teaching:

Hands-on, applied learning focus: The Informatics program emphasizes practical application of knowledge through team activities, simulations, research opportunities, and real-world client projects.
Partnership Approach: The College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity actively partners with various industry and research entities to provide cutting-edge opportunities for faculty, students, and professionals.

Careers:

Broad career spectrum: Graduates find success in diverse areas, from leading technology companies to healthcare and government institutions.
Amazon
Google
Nike
Fidelity Investments
Apple
MVP Healthcare
NYS Agencies
Microsoft
Ernst & Young
NBC Sports Group

Other:

Honors Program: High-performing students can participate in this program, focusing on in-depth research and thesis development, further equipped by specific coursework.
Combined Undergraduate/Graduate Options: Accelerate both undergraduate and master's degrees by beginning graduate coursework prior to completing undergraduate studies.
MS in Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity
MS in Emergency Management and Homeland Security
MS in Information Science

Location

Gallery