The Information School explores the relationship between information, technology and people and prepares leaders who embrace the challenges associated with the way we find, store, manipulate, and share information. Graduates are adept at designing and building information systems, they are concerned with issues such as access, privacy, and usability, and they understand the transformative power of information and technology to improve organizations, society, and our individual lives. The four degree options available are the Bachelor of Science in Informatics, Master of Library and Information Science, Master of Science in Information Management, and PhD in Information Science.
Informatics is the study of people, information, and technology. Students are prepared to design, build, manage, and secure information systems that make a difference in society, organizations, and individual lives. The curriculum uses an experiential learning approach that emphasizes problem solving, group work, research, writing, oral presentations, and technology. Focus areas in Human-Computer Interaction, Information Assurance and Cybersecurity, and Information Architecture are available, along with degree options in Biomedical and Health Informatics and Data Science.
This program of study leads to the following credentials:
Bachelor of Science in Informatics degree
Bachelor of Science in Informatics degree: Biomedical and Health Informatics
Bachelor of Science in Informatics degree: Data Science
Recommended Preparation
Suggested First- and Second-Year College Courses: INFO 102, INFO 103, INFO 200, INFO 201; an English composition course (selected from the University list); CSE 121 and CSE 122; one of STAT 221/CS&SS 221/SOC 221, STAT 311, STAT 390, or QMETH 201; courses that develop strong analytical, qualitative, and quantitative reasoning skills; courses that develop strong written and oral communication skills; courses that provide exposure to a variety of social science fields such as psychology, sociology, anthropology, or philosophy.
Admission Requirements
Regular Admission
INFO 200*; either CSE 121, CSE 122, CSE 123, CSE 142, CSE 143, CSE 154, CSE 160, CSE 163, INFO 180/STAT 180/CSE 180, or INFO 201; either STAT 220, STAT 221/CS&SS 221/SOC 221, STAT 290, STAT 311, STAT 390, or QMETH 201; with a minimum 2.0 grade in each course. Departmentally approved transfer equivalents may be used to substitute for prerequisite courses.
Minimum 2.00 cumulative college GPA.
Admission is capacity constrained, based on the following criteria:
Overall academic performance
Grades in courses required for admission to the major
Personal statement reflecting an interest in and commitment to becoming a major in this field
Other evidence of interest in and commitment to the field (e.g., work experience, internships).
Meeting the above criteria does not guarantee admission.
Admission for current upper-division UW students and transfer students occurs twice a year for autumn and winter quarters. The application process begins prior to the admitted quarter. Application deadlines:
First Friday of spring quarter for admission the following autumn quarter.
First Friday of autumn quarter for admission winter quarter.
Students apply online at The Information School website.
*Since equivalents to INFO 200 are not common, students who have transferred or will transfer to the UW can apply to the program and be admitted with the provision that they complete INFO 200 with a minimum 2.0 grade before the end of their first year in the program.
Freshman Direct Admission Program (FDAP)
Designed to recruit top high school students to the program and to the UW. Students who indicate an interest in the Informatics program are automatically considered for FDAP participation upon application to the UW. They are evaluated based on careful review of qualitative and quantitative factors, including high school GPA, SAT scores, personal statement, and any additional information provided in their application file. Students selected for FDAP are involved in the academic and social life of the Information School, participating in courses, activities, and research opportunities as appropriate during their freshman and sophomore years.
Continuation Policy
All students must make satisfactory academic progress in the major. Failure to do so results in probation, which can lead to dismissal from the major. For the complete continuation policy, contact the departmental adviser or refer to the school website.
Bachelor of Science in Informatics degree
Credential Overview
Informatics is the study of people, information, and technology. Students are prepared to design, build, manage, and secure information systems that make a difference in society, organizations, and individual lives. The curriculum uses an experiential learning approach that emphasizes problem solving, group work, research, writing, oral presentations, and technology. Focus areas offered in Human-Computer Interaction, Information Assurance and Cybersecurity, and Information Architecture.
Completion Requirements
General Education Requirements
English composition (5 credits)
Reasoning (RSN) (5 credits)
Writing courses (10 credits)
Natural Sciences (NSc) (20 credits)
Social Sciences (SSc) (20 credits)
Arts and Humanities (A&H) (20 credits)
Diversity (DIV) (5 credits). Of Special Note: For students admitted to the University prior to autumn quarter 2023, the DIV requirement is 3 credits.
Up to 15 credits of INFO-prefix courses from the University Areas of Inquiry list may be counted toward the UW Areas of Inquiry requirements (NSc; SSc; A&H).
Major Requirements
79-93 credits, depending on credential/option
Courses required for admission (13-15 credits, as shown above)
Core courses (54-58 credits):
Exploring Informatics: INFO 201, INFO 290
Studying Information: INFO 300
Developing Information Technology (18-20 credits):
one course from CSE 123, CSE 143, or CSE 163
INFO 330, INFO 340
one course from CSE 373, INFO 442, or INFO 443
Designing Information Experiences: INFO 360
Information and Organizations: INFO 380
Information and Society (8-10 credits): two courses at the INFO 350-level.
Capstone(8 credits): one of the following options: (1)INFO 490 and INFO 491; (2) INFO 492; (3) INFO 493
Additional requirements specified below
Additional Completion Requirements
12-15 credits
Electives: upper-division INFO courses or non-INFO courses from an approved list (refer to Information School website for list)
Bachelor of Science in Informatics degree: Biomedical and Health Informatics
Credential Overview
The Biomedical and Health Informatics option leverages the strengths of the Information School and the Biomedical Informatics and Medical Education (BIME) department of UW Medicine. The option provides cross-training in informatics and healthcare with information technology training in biology, medicine, and health. The degree option provides preparation for pathways towards health IT employment and graduate studies.
Completion Requirements
General Education Requirements
English composition (5 credits)
Reasoning (RSN) (5 credits)
Writing courses (10 credits)
Natural Sciences (NSc) (20 credits)
Social Sciences (SSc) (20 credits)
Arts and Humanities (A&H) (20 credits)
Diversity (DIV) (5 credits). Of Special Note: For students admitted to the University prior to autumn quarter 2023, the DIV requirement is 3 credits.
Up to 15 credits of INFO-prefix courses from the University Areas of Inquiry list may be counted toward the UW Areas of Inquiry requirements (NSc; SSc; A&H).
Major Requirements
79-93 credits, depending on credential/option
Courses required for admission (13-15 credits, as shown above)
Core courses (54-58 credits):
Exploring Informatics: INFO 201, INFO 290
Studying Information: INFO 300
Developing Information Technology (18-20 credits):
one course from CSE 123, CSE 143, or CSE 163
INFO 330, INFO 340
one course from CSE 373, INFO 442, or INFO 443
Designing Information Experiences: INFO 360
Information and Organizations: INFO 380
Information and Society (8-10 credits): two courses at the INFO 350-level.
Capstone(8 credits): one of the following options: (1)INFO 490 and INFO 491; (2) INFO 492; (3) INFO 493
Additional requirements specified below
Additional Completion Requirements
Option specific credits (20 credits): BIME 300, BIME 435, INFO 468, INFO 478
Bachelor of Science in Informatics degree: Data Science
Credential Overview
Data science is an emerging interdisciplinary field that works to extract knowledge or insight from data. It combines fields such as information science, computer science, statistics, design, and social science. The data science degree option provides strong preparation for entry-level data science positions or for graduate studies providing more advanced training in data science methods and practices.
Completion Requirements
General Education Requirements
English composition (5 credits)
Reasoning (RSN) (5 credits)
Writing courses (10 credits)
Natural Sciences (NSc) (20 credits)
Social Sciences (SSc) (20 credits)
Arts and Humanities (A&H) (20 credits)
Diversity (DIV) (5 credits). Of Special Note: For students admitted to the University prior to autumn quarter 2023, the DIV requirement is 3 credits.
Up to 15 credits of INFO-prefix courses from the University Areas of Inquiry list may be counted toward the UW Areas of Inquiry requirements (NSc; SSc; A&H).
Major Requirements
79-93 credits, depending on credential/option
Courses required for admission (13-15 credits, as shown above)
Core courses (54-58 credits):
Exploring Informatics: INFO 201, INFO 290
Studying Information: INFO 300
Developing Information Technology (18-20 credits):
one course from CSE 123, CSE 143, or CSE 163
INFO 330, INFO 340
one course from CSE 373, INFO 442, or INFO 443
Designing Information Experiences: INFO 360
Information and Organizations: INFO 380
Information and Society (8-10 credits): two courses at the INFO 350-level.
Capstone(8 credits): one of the following options: (1)INFO 490 and INFO 491; (2) INFO 492; (3) INFO 493
Additional requirements specified below
Additional Completion Requirements
Option specific credits (20 credits): INFO 370, INFO 371, INFO 445, INFO 474
Informatics is a high-tech, high-touch field that uses information and technology (computers, the Internet, and devices) to make life better - at work, in society, and to improve our individual lives. Students who complete the Informatics Minor will have strong advantages in completing their education and launching their careers. Students will obtain knowledge of design thinking, how to work with others in teams, gaining insight into the complex technology policy issues of our time, and gain skills in using data and information in problem-solving and decision-making.
This program of study leads to the following credential:
Minor in Informatics
Minor in Informatics
Completion Requirements
Minimum 25 credits
INFO 200, INFO 201 (10 credits)
Upper-division course covering ethics, policy, and/or equity dimensions of information technology. See department website for list of approved courses (4-5 credits)
Upper-division INFO courses, providing depth in data, design, or development (10-11 credits)
Minimum 15 credits of upper-division courses
Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA for courses applied to the minor
As of autumn quarter 2023, the option credentials in Information Architecture, Information Assurance and Cybersecurity, and Human-Computer Interaction are no longer offered. Please refer to the UW Seattle General Catalog Archive for information about these option credentials.
Student Outcomes and Opportunities
Learning Objectives and Expected Outcomes: The informatics program prepares students for a wide range of endeavors in the information field including information management and technology, research and information services, interactive system design, human-computer interaction, and information science. Graduates of the informatics program are qualified for jobs in the information and technology industry and in business, public service, and other professions. Possible job titles include user experience designer, business analyst, consultant, usability engineer, data manager, information architect, web developer, network manager, project manager, and information assurance professional. The program also provides strong preparation for graduate studies. Graduates are successfully placed in prestigious graduate schools and pursue a variety of programs, including information and management science, information science, biomedical informatics, business and accounting, and information technology.
Informatics student-learning outcomes include the ability to assess people's information needs and behavior; ability to design information systems to meet people's information needs; ability to work with information technologies (e.g., database, networks, Internet-based, interface design); ability to evaluate the impact of information technologies on people; ability to communicate effectively; ability to manage projects; ability to build working systems; ability to organize and manage information; ability to work effectively individually and as part of a team; and ability to understand the research process and its implication for information systems design and use. All informatics courses are designed to produce these outcomes through a rigorous experiential learning approach that emphasizes group work, research, writing, oral presentations, and technology.
Instructional and Research Facilities: Located on the third and fourth floors of Mary Gates Hall, the School offers an extensive software collection, a state-of-the-art computer classroom, an innovative Technology Exploration (TE) laboratory, and excellent network connectivity. Students have access to software applications including titles for database and text management, programming, graphics, multimedia production, web development, Internet exploration and collaboration, and office productivity. Students also have access to a large number of bibliographic databases and commercial information services.
The School also has a dedicated information science research facility at the Roosevelt Commons Building. The research space comprises 7,000 square feet of offices, workstations, research labs, and meeting spaces.
Honors Options Available: With College Honors; With College Honors (Completion of Honors Core Curriculum and Departmental Honors); With Honors (Completion of Departmental Honors requirements in the major). Distinction (Departmental Honors). See adviser for requirements.
Research, Internships, and Service Learning: Internships are encouraged, but not required. Students participate in a variety of internships, paid and non-paid. A significant number of students also work part-time in Informatics or technology-related positions, and participate in public service.
Informatics students are extensively engaged in faculty research and internships. A significant percentage of informatics students participates in the University's Undergraduate Research Symposium each year. Students have co-authored publications with faculty, had their research accepted for presentation at national conference poster sessions, and been recognized with various awards, including the Mary Gates Research Training Endowment for three consecutive years (2001-03).
School Scholarships: The Henry Scholarships, in the amount of approximately $1500 each, are awarded to three second-year majors in recognition for academic achievement, leadership, and service to the School and in professional/student activities. Students to be considered for the award are nominated by the Information School faculty and Undergraduate Program Committee members. The merit-based awards, named after the founder of the school and first director, William Henry, are intended to recognize and honor student achievement.
Student Organizations/Associations: Undergraduates participate in a number of the School's many student organizations, including the UW Informatics Undergraduate Association (IUGA) and the student chapter of the American Society of Information Scientists and Technology (ASIST).
Of Special Note:
Capstone Projects: Students often use their capstone projects to identify interest areas, develop skills, and prepare for future pursuits. Through capstone projects, students demonstrate the skills, understanding, and competencies they can successfully use to prepare for employment and graduate studies.
Information Sessions: Prospective students are encouraged to attend an Informatics information session. For a schedule of information sessions, visit the School website.
Additional elective coursework (credits vary, as needed to meet required total): Graduate level coursework, selected in consultation with faculty advisers
Dissertation (27 credits): INSC 800
18 graded credits in courses at the 500 level and above (taken prior to general examination)
60 credits taken prior to general examination
Preliminary review determined by a School-based advisory committee at the end of the required first year of full-time study
The two-year, full-time MA program attracts students from a wide range of backgrounds including, but not limited to, informal learning, technology, international studies, education, and science communication, art history, history and anthropology. Our core courses are designed to provide a strong cohort experience and a solid foundation for student exploration. Our curriculum is a balance of tried and true courses and new courses that address current and future trends in the field.
This program of study leads to the following credentials:
Master Of Arts (Museology) (fee-based)
Master Of Arts (Museology: Museum Evaluation) (fee-based)
MUSEUM 500, MUSEUM 570, MUSEUM 599 (4), MUSEUM 601 (6)
Thesis Research or Project: MUSEUM 700/710/720 (10)
Museum Evaluation Specialization: Optional, see additional requirements below for option-specific information.
Electives (To meet required total credits): 500-level and above Museology coursework. Course list maintained by the program. Must include at least two courses outside of Museology.
Master Of Arts (Museology: Museum Evaluation) (fee-based)
Credential Overview
The Museology Program offers an optional specialization in museum evaluation through which students gain a wide range of skills that prepare them to incorporate museum evaluation into their museum practice, as well as skills that are transferable to a range of positions within and outside of museums.
Completion Requirements
60 credits
Core courses (28 credits):
MUSEUM 500, MUSEUM 570, MUSEUM 599 (4), MUSEUM 601 (6)
Thesis Research or Project: MUSEUM 700/710/720 (10)
Museum Evaluation Specialization: Optional, see additional requirements below for option-specific information.
Electives (To meet required total credits): 500-level and above Museology coursework. Course list maintained by the program. Must include at least two courses outside of Museology.
Additional Completion Requirements
Option-specific requirements:
Museum Evaluation Specialization (9 credits): MUSEUM 576, MUSEUM 577, MUSEUM 578.
Master Of Library and Information Science (Law Librarianship) (fee-based)
Credential Overview
Designed to prepare lawyers with an existing JD degree to serve as law librarians in courts, federal and state units of government, law schools, corporations, and law firms.
Program of Study: Master Of Science In Information Management
Program Overview
A master's in information management can specialize in data science, information security & other areas of expertise. Offered in Early-Career, Early-Career Accelerated and Mid-Career formats, both residential and online.
This program of study leads to the following credentials:
Master Of Science In Information Management
Master of Science in Information Management (Early-Career Accelerated Online) (fee based)
Master of Science in Information Management (Early-Career Accelerated Residential) (fee-based)
Master of Science in Information Management (Early-Career Online) (fee based)
Master of Science in Information Management (Early-Career Residential) (fee-based)
Master of Science in Information Management (Mid-Career Online) (fee based)
Master of Science in Information Management (Mid-Career Residential) (fee based)
Additional Core Curriculum: Some options require an additional core course. See additional requirements below for option-specific requirement.
Capstone/Practicum Requirement: Some options require a capstone or practicum. See additional requirements below for option-specific requirement.
Electives (to meet required credit total): Students select a specialization specific to their interests and career goals, or choose more broadly from across specializations. LIS, IMT, INSC and INFO graduate level coursework. Course lists maintained by the program.
Additional Core Curriculum: Some options require an additional core course. See additional requirements below for option-specific requirement.
Capstone/Practicum Requirement: Some options require a capstone or practicum. See additional requirements below for option-specific requirement.
Electives (to meet required credit total): Students select a specialization specific to their interests and career goals, or choose more broadly from across specializations. LIS, IMT, INSC and INFO graduate level coursework. Course lists maintained by the program.
Additional Completion Requirements
This option requires a total of 40 credits. In addition to the above requirements, the following are option-specific requirements:
Additional Core Curriculum: Some options require an additional core course. See additional requirements below for option-specific requirement.
Capstone/Practicum Requirement: Some options require a capstone or practicum. See additional requirements below for option-specific requirement.
Electives (to meet required credit total): Students select a specialization specific to their interests and career goals, or choose more broadly from across specializations. LIS, IMT, INSC and INFO graduate level coursework. Course lists maintained by the program.
Additional Completion Requirements
This option requires a total of 40 credits. In addition to the above requirements, the following are option-specific requirements:
Additional Core Curriculum: Some options require an additional core course. See additional requirements below for option-specific requirement.
Capstone/Practicum Requirement: Some options require a capstone or practicum. See additional requirements below for option-specific requirement.
Electives (to meet required credit total): Students select a specialization specific to their interests and career goals, or choose more broadly from across specializations. LIS, IMT, INSC and INFO graduate level coursework. Course lists maintained by the program.
Additional Completion Requirements
This option requires a total of 65 credits. In addition to the above requirements, the following are option-specific requirements:
Additional Core Curriculum: Some options require an additional core course. See additional requirements below for option-specific requirement.
Capstone/Practicum Requirement: Some options require a capstone or practicum. See additional requirements below for option-specific requirement.
Electives (to meet required credit total): Students select a specialization specific to their interests and career goals, or choose more broadly from across specializations. LIS, IMT, INSC and INFO graduate level coursework. Course lists maintained by the program.
Additional Completion Requirements
This option requires a total of 65 credits. In addition to the above requirements, the following are option-specific requirements:
Additional Core Curriculum: Some options require an additional core course. See additional requirements below for option-specific requirement.
Capstone/Practicum Requirement: Some options require a capstone or practicum. See additional requirements below for option-specific requirement.
Electives (to meet required credit total): Students select a specialization specific to their interests and career goals, or choose more broadly from across specializations. LIS, IMT, INSC and INFO graduate level coursework. Course lists maintained by the program.
Additional Completion Requirements
This option requires a total of 36 credits. There are no additional option-specific requirements beyond those outlined above.
Additional Core Curriculum: Some options require an additional core course. See additional requirements below for option-specific requirement.
Capstone/Practicum Requirement: Some options require a capstone or practicum. See additional requirements below for option-specific requirement.
Electives (to meet required credit total): Students select a specialization specific to their interests and career goals, or choose more broadly from across specializations. LIS, IMT, INSC and INFO graduate level coursework. Course lists maintained by the program.
Additional Completion Requirements
This option requires a total of 36 credits. There are no additional option-specific requirements beyond those outlined above.
All students in the MSIM program may elect to complete one of the following specializations. Students in the Early-Career option may elect to complete a second specialization from the following:
Data Science: Methods, tools, and frameworks for analyzing and deriving insight from large-scale, heterogeneous data.
Information Architecture: Assessing existing information structures and creating new systems to effectively structure information.
Program/Product Management and Consulting: Developing and managing information policies, strategies, innovations, projects, and initiatives in public, private, and non-profit institutions.
. Business Intelligence: Building analytical, managerial and baseline technical skills will help you learn to manage the process of transforming data into information.
Information and Cyber Security: Quality, security, and appropriate use of information assets.
User Experience: Designing, prototyping, and formally evaluating interactive information interfaces, systems, and experiences from a user-centered perspective.
Additional elective coursework (credits vary, as needed to meet required total): Graduate level coursework, selected in consultation with faculty advisers