Enter OTP
Offered by the Information School, the Bachelor of Science in Informatics at the University of Washington is an interdisciplinary degree that blends technology, people, and information. The program emphasizes designing, managing, and securing information systems while understanding their societal impact. Through core coursework, electives, and a capstone project, students gain a broad set of skills in programming, data science, user experience, and information ethics.
Informatics:
Informatics is the study of the interaction between people, information, and technology. It equips students to use data and systems to solve societal problems, improve organizations, and enhance user experience.
Course Overview
General Education Requirements:
INFO-prefix courses may fulfill up to 15 credits in UW Areas of Inquiry: Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Arts & Humanities
Major Requirements:
Core Courses: Programming, statistics, systems design, social implications of information
Focus Area Courses: Students select a specialization from the following:
Data Science
Health & Well-Being
Information & Society
Information Assurance & Cybersecurity
Information Management
Software Development
Capstone Project: Required, team-based project addressing real-world problems
Electives: Upper-division INFO courses or approved interdisciplinary options
Sample Courses by Focus Area:
Data Science: INFO 370 (Intro to Data Science), INFO 371 (Data Science II), INFO 430 (Data Ethics), INFO 474 (Data Science Capstone)
Cybersecurity: INFO 314 (Computer Security and Privacy), INFO 415 (Information Assurance)
Software Development: INFO 343 (Client-Side Web Development), INFO 441 (Mobile App Development)
Prerequisites for Declaring the Major (Transfer Students):
INFO 200 (Intellectual Foundations of Informatics)
One introductory programming course
One statistics course
One additional social science course
Capstone Project: Mandatory, team-based project with real clients
Applied coursework in programming, UX, and data analytics
Interdisciplinary collaboration with engineering, public health, and design
Opportunities for internships through Seattle’s thriving tech industry
Access to the Informatics Career Fair and mentorship programs
Prepares students for graduate study in information science, human-computer interaction, public health, and data analytics
Alumni work at Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Tableau, and local government agencies
Supported by career services, faculty advising, and alumni networks
Admission is capacity-constrained with competitive selection for both freshmen and transfer students
SAT/ACT Update: The UW no longer requires SAT or ACT scores for most applicants. Homeschooled applicants and applicants who come from schools with non-standard grading practices that do not have letter or numeric grades are still required to submit SAT or ACT scores. Learn more about SAT/ACT scores.English Language Proficiency: https://admit.washington.edu/apply/freshman/how-to-apply/english-proficiency/Recommendations: School Report- Required, Final Report- Required, Teacher Evaluation(s): Not Applicable, Other Evaluation(s): Not Applicable.Application details: The freshman application is available September 1 each year. The application includes self-reporting your academic history, two essays, demographic information and your intended first-choice and second-choice major. If you plan to apply to the Honors Program, you’ll find the Honors application within the general UW application.Additional details: Additional information about yourself or your circumstances Maximum length: 200 words You are not required to write anything in this section, but you may include additional information here if something has particular significance to you. For example, you may use this space if: You have experienced personal hardships in attaining your education Your activities have been limited because of work or family obligations You have experienced unusual limitations or opportunities unique to the schools you attendedThings not required: No Common App personal essay The Common App personal essay will not be reviewed as part of your application to the University of Washington. Be sure to complete the University of Washington writing section to tell us everything you want us to know. No interviews/demonstrated interest The UW does not conduct formal interviews or consider demonstrated interest in the admission decision. No letters of recommendation We ask that you not send letters of recommendation or other supplemental materials such as drawings, CDs, DVDs, books or other portfolio type items. We will learn everything we need to know about you through your essay responses and academic history.Writing Requirements: Common App essay- Optional, College questions- 2 Required Questions, 2 Optional Questions.Data ScientistUX DesignerCybersecurity AnalystSoftware DeveloperBusiness AnalystHealth Informatics SpecialistIT ConsultantInformation Architect
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