by our College Data Analytics TeamA degree in Informatics covers Informatics. A Program That Focuses On Computer Systems From A User-Centered Perspective And Studies The Structure, Behavior And Interactions Of Natural And Artificial Systems That Store, Process And Communicate Information. Includes Instruction In Information Sciences, Human Computer Interaction, Information System Analysis And Design, Telecommunications Structure And Information Architecture And Management. Examples: [Social Informatics]. Read on to learn the key facts every informatics student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering informatics programs.
In the U.S., informatics is a popular field of study, with 3,067 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Informatics Schools ranking analyzes these 71 schools to determine the best overall colleges for informatics students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of informatics programs later in this article.
Coursework for Informatics develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations informatics graduates commonly enter.
Skills emphasized by a informatics program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
According to O*NET, a informatics major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several informatics degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 17 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 76 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 1,470 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 1,438 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 66 |
People currently working in careers related to informatics tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 56.1% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 14.4% |
| Some college courses | 7.5% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 6.1% |
| Master’s degree | 4.5% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 3.8% |
| Doctoral degree | 3.5% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 2.9% |
| Post-doctoral training | 0.6% |
| First professional degree | 0.3% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 0.1% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in informatics careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
A degree in informatics can lead to many career paths. Below are some of the most common occupations related to informatics.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to informatics.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Web and Digital Interface Designers | 509,308 | 13.0% |
| Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | 273,210 | -1.7% |
| Video Game Designers | 207,860 | 2.6% |
| Software Developers | 145,079 | 13.5% |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | 94,151 | 8.5% |
Federal data tracks median earnings of informatics graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. These numbers tend to grow as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $69,148 |
| 4 years | $77,570 |
| 5 years | $88,131 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for informatics graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers informatics grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Web and Digital Interface Designers | $88,198 |
| Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | $80,062 |
| Software Developers | $76,447 |
| Video Game Designers | $62,617 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | $61,002 |
With 71 different informatics programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased informatics school rankings to help you.
Those considering informatics, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | 67,926 |
| Information Technology | 42,322 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, Other | 2,635 |
| Artificial Intelligence | 1,653 |
| Human-Centered Technology Design | 778 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
