Tri-State University will offer the bachelor of science degree with a new major in informatics beginning fall semester, 2008.

The degree, offered through the Jannen School of Arts & Sciences, is designed to prepare 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.

The program will qualify graduates for jobs in the information and technology industry and in business, public service, and other professions. People from informatics programs can choose many different jobs, becoming managers, project designers, researchers, programmers, systems analysts, educators or database administrators.

The subject area has a great deal of bearing on the specific tasks of an information specialist, but some general tasks include deciding what kind of system a particular organization needs; planning, designing, and customizing databases; providing technical support; figuring out how users interact with computers and computer design; ensuring the accuracy and accessibility of data sources; developing and administering data standards, policies, and procedures; training staff to use their databases; and planning and coordinating database security measures.

The program also provides strong preparation for graduate studies. Graduates will qualify for placement in prestigious graduate schools and pursue a variety of programs, including information and management science, information science, biomedical informatics, business and accounting, information technology, and technical law.

“Informatics is a very exciting opportunity, and we are the only private institution among our peers offering it in the fall,” said Dr. David Finley, Vice President for Academic Affairs.

For more information, contact David Syler, chairman of the Department of Mathematics & Computer Science, at 665-4100, Ext. 4244.