Informatics Northern Arizona University

Overview

The Informatics programme at Northern Arizona University offers a rigorous academic pathway for students eager to apply advanced computing and data analysis to complex scientific challenges. By integrating software engineering, mathematics, and statistics, the curriculum ensures graduates are equipped for high-level roles in industry and research.

This degree is uniquely structured to allow students to apply their technical expertise to a specific area of interest. Through a combination of foundational coursework and hands-on research, participants develop the ability to manage large datasets and create innovative digital solutions. The programme emphasises practical application, ensuring that theoretical knowledge is consistently tested in real-world scientific contexts.

Why Informatics at Northern Arizona University?

The programme is distinguished by its extensive network of research partnerships and high-tech facilities. Students gain access to prestigious centres such as the Center for Bioengineering Innovation and the Merriam-Powell Center for Environmental Research. These collaborations provide a unique platform for interdisciplinary study and professional networking.

The university maintains strong links with regional and national organisations, including the U.S. Geological Survey and the Northern Arizona Planetary Science Alliance. These partnerships enhance the curriculum by providing students with insights into current industry standards and access to diverse datasets for their research projects.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 29568 per year
• National fee: USD 29568 per year
• Local fee: USD 11352 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Computer Science
• Software Design and Development Techniques and Tools
• Mathematics
• Statistical Analysis
• Computing
• Data Structures
• Programming
• Technical Writing
• Informatics
• Research Methods
• Machine Learning

Astroinformatics Emphasis

• Solar System Science
• Stellar Evolution
• Astrometry
• Observational Astronomy
• Imaging

Bioinformatics Emphasis

• Cellular and Molecular Biology
• Microbiology and Disease Mechanisms
• Genetics and Evolution
• Genomic Analyses

Ecoinformatics Emphasis

• Remote Sensing
• Ecological and Environmental Modelling
• Biological Diversity and Conservation Datasets
• Global Environmental Change

Careers with Informatics

Graduates are prepared for a diverse range of data-driven roles across multiple sectors. Common career paths include positions in government agencies, academic institutions, and private technology firms. The interdisciplinary nature of the degree makes alumni highly competitive for roles that require both technical numeracy and scientific literacy.

Potential career outcomes include becoming a data scientist, bioinformatics researcher, or environmental data analyst. Many graduates also choose to pursue postgraduate study, leveraging their extensive undergraduate research experience to enter advanced degree programmes in specialised scientific or computing fields.