Informatics brings the computational sciences together with the arts, the humanities, and the biological, health, information, natural, and social sciences in an interdisciplinary effort to solve problems. It uses algorithmic techniques and the power of computing to acquire and manipulate data, extract new knowledge, and ultimately examine existing and new problems from broad perspectives.

For example, applying informatics to the biological sciences may lead to a career in laboratory research or data management. Applying informatics to the study of geography or health care could lead to a career in business, government, or public health.

The major also provides good preparation for graduate study in a variety of disciplines.

Cognate areas for students in the BS program include bioinformatics or an individualized cognate drawn from one department or an appropriate mix of departments