Undergraduate Programs

Student Learning Outcomes

Informatics Certificate


The Informatics certificate student will acquire competencies in the technical dimensions of information technology. Students will:

  1. Define terms and explain basic principles important to the operation of computing systems as well as fundamental programming concepts.
  2. Demonstrate knowledge and skills in data representation, models, structures, and management.

The Informatics graduate will attain competencies in the social dimensions of information technology. Students will:

  1. Acquire strategies for staying abreast of major societal trends, such as access, privacy, intellectual property, security and others, affecting the development and deployment of modern day information technologies.
  2. Critically analyze the intended and unintended consequences of an information technology on individuals, groups, formal and informal organizations at local and global levels.
  3. Analyze the social, cultural, and organizational settings in which technology solutions will be deployed to increase the chances of successful implementation.

Students will examine the role of information technology in an area of specialization of their choice (examples: business, computer science, biology, media arts, etc.). They will:

  1. Define terms and explain basic principles, concepts and theories from informatics as they impact their area of specialization.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to access evolving trends in information technology and information technology research as they impact their base discipline.
  3. Synthesize and analyze information and ideas from multiple sources and perspectives.
  4. Evaluate data, arrive at reasoned conclusions, and solve challenging problems that involve information technology in their area of specialization.

Students will develop collaborative skills and the ability to work in teams. They will:

  1. Select and effectively utilize oral, written, visual and quantitative communication skills within the context of an interdisciplinary team.
  2. Identify and demonstrate the skills, behaviors and attitudes necessary to function as an effective team member, including working cooperatively with diverse group members.
  3. Articulate legal and ethical issues when using the creative work of others; respect the intellectual property of others.

Students will adopt the skills, attitudes and behaviors of autonomous, socially responsible professionals so that they may further the goals of their home discipline. They will:

  1. Participate in the development of a personal code of ethics that considers information ethics.
  2. Articulate principles for resolving ethical conflicts.