Informatics

The Bachelor of Science in Informatics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers students a comprehensive interdisciplinary education designed to prepare them for the dynamic field of information technology and human-centered computing. This program combines coursework in computer science, psychology, information science, and design to equip students with both technical skills and an understanding of how humans interact with technology. Students will learn to design, develop, and evaluate information systems and applications, emphasizing usability, accessibility, and user experience. The curriculum covers fundamental programming, data structures, algorithms, and software development, alongside courses in human-computer interaction, user interface design, data management, and information architecture. Emphasis is placed on practical experience through projects, internships, and research opportunities, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems. The program aims to foster critical thinking, creativity, and ethical responsibility in the development and deployment of technology. Graduates are prepared for careers in areas such as user experience design, software development, data analysis, information management, and technology consulting. The Informatics major also provides a strong foundation for those interested in pursuing graduate studies or specialized training in related fields. With access to cutting-edge research centers and collaborations with industry leaders, students benefit from a vibrant academic community focused on innovation and impact. The program's flexible curriculum allows students to tailor their education to their interests and career goals, while faculty support ensures rigorous academic and technical training. Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Informatics are well-equipped to contribute to the rapidly evolving technological landscape and to develop solutions that enhance human life and work.

1. The total number of hours required for a PhD is 96 (64 with an approved MS):
   1. 32 hours for MS courses (400 or 500-level)
   2. 32 for PhD courses (400 or 500-level, as noted below)
   3. 32 for dissertation credits

   Students entering with a suitable MS can skip the first part and graduate in 4 years, with the first half being courses and the second half being dissertation. Students entering without a suitable MS will take 5 – 6 years.

2. The Informatics Program requires the following courses:
   1. The INFO 500 Orientation seminar
   2. Two Research Practicums (lab rotations). This course is INFO 510 and requires an approval form.
   3. Two Applications courses (500-level)
   4. Two Foundations courses (500-level), all for some coherent plan of X-informatics.

This will supply 25 of the 32 PhD course hours. The student will also take at least two specialty courses (at either the 400 or 500-level) for the remaining required course hours.

First half of the program, Years 1 and 2: All students are expected to meet professional informatics levels of knowledge in programming/databases and in mathematics/statistics, or other technical field, as relevant to their area. The level is judged by their Advisory Committee and will vary depending on the Area chosen. Some students may already be at an adequate level, while others may require remediation. Their committee will develop a plan for achieving an adequate level, including research experiences and additional coursework, and will monitor students’ progress within the remediation plan. In the first semester of study, students must take the Orientation Seminar (first for 0 credits, and then in a later semester for 1 credit). During the first two years students must take four courses, determined in consultation with their Advisory Committee: Two in Applications and two in Foundations. The signature for interdisciplinary informatics is to require courses in both Applications and Foundations. Courses below the 500 level cannot be used to fulfill these basic requirements, although they can be counted as part of the total course load required. Each student can choose the standard Applications and Foundations of an established Area, or with approval of their Advisory Committee, choose custom Applications and Foundations across Areas. Because students may establish new areas of research, courses outside those listed are also permitted, with approval of the student’s Advisory Committee. These four courses will form the heart of their studies and are intended to provide the basic discipline knowledge. Typically, these would be taken as soon as possible but at least by the end of Year 2, with any prerequisite 400-level courses taken in Year 1. The timing depends on prior preparation. As soon as they have sufficient preparation, students must also take two Research Practicums.The required courses will usually be taken by the end of Year 2 but may be taken later if the student needs further preparatory work before being prepared for 500-level courses. After completing the required courses, a student must take an Area Qualifier to demonstrate breadth of knowledge in their chosen area, whether standard or custom. After passing the Area Qualifier, students must form a Dissertation Committee.

Second half of the program, Years 3 and 4:The second half of the program is devoted to the dissertation research, which students typically carry out during Years 3 and 4. When ready, they must pass the Preliminary Examination (essentially a proposal defense). When finished, students must present an acceptable Dissertation and then pass the Final Examination to graduate from the Informatics PhD program.  A well-prepared student should pass the Preliminary Examination in Year 3 and the Final Examination in Year 4 to earn a PhD within four years of entering the program.

Requirements

Applicants to the PhD program must have been awarded (or are about to be awarded) a 4-year bachelors degree equivalent to that granted by the University of Illinois. To apply, use the university’s Online Application system, called ApplyYourself. All parts of the application, including application fee, must be received by the application deadline. Late applications will NOT be accepted. In addition, incomplete applications will be subject to denial.Notes:

• When entering in your previous degree history, the name of the institution must be entered as it appears on the official transcript.
• The Illinois Informatics Institute (I3) requires students to submit original or attested transcripts by the deadline in order to have your application reviewed. This requirement takes precedence over the Graduate College requirement to submit scanned transcripts. Also, I3 does not require international applicants to submit the financial documents or passport information at the time of application.
• Please do not send additional materials (e.g. publications, photographs, videos, CDs, or portfolios). These items are not reviewed during the admissions process.
• Please note that all admissions decisions will be communicated via email to the email address provided in your application. If your email address changes between the time you submit your application and March 15, email your updated email address to info-phd@illinois.edu. Include your old email address, your new email address, your first and last name, and your ApplyYourself PIN number in the email message.
• The university’s application fee is $70 for US citizens and permanent residents and $90 for all other applicants.
• Applicants must send official transcripts for all completed university course work and certification of degree (for international students only) for all completed degree programs directly to the department and they must be received by the application deadline. Official transcripts may be sent by the applicant and be considered as official if received in a sealed/signed envelope and does not say “issued to student.” Please note that submitting scanned transcripts with the application does not replace the requirement to submit official transcripts directly to I3. Applicants will not have a “complete” file until official transcripts are received.
  Note: For International mail, we suggest you send through a delivery service that can track your shipment
• Applicants are required to have three letters of recommendation submitted.
• Financial Certification
• Your CV/resume is part of the online application form.
• The Personal  Statement (sometimes also called the Applicant Statement) should include your goals and background as it relates to the field of informatics. It is good to include any past work history, your interests, and reasons for pursuing a graduate degree in informatics. Your statement will be evaluated for your conciseness, research interests, leadership skills, and eloquence. Generally the Personal Statement is between one to two pages.
• Applicants must complete the Research Statement, which is different than the Personal Statement. The Research Statement is designed to give you the opportunity to explore a problem, question or issue that interests you, and that you might like to pursue in your doctoral work.
• Selected your Area of Interest (from the Program Areas) under Concentration
• Suggest up to three faculty members you might be interested in working with (see participating faculty from the faculty associated with your Program Area, or suggest other Illinois faculty. Note: This is VERY important, so please make sure you do this!
• The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general aptitude tests (Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical) and subject test scores are recommended, but no longer required. In some cases, the scores may provide helpful supporting information.
• All TOEFL test scores should be reported through ETS to Institution Code 1836. A Department code is not needed, however, if one is required, please use “78”.

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers a variety of financing options for students enrolled in its Informatics programs. Tuition fees for undergraduate students vary depending on residency status, with in-state students paying approximately $17,000 annually and out-of-state students paying around $36,000 annually. Graduate students, including those pursuing a Master’s or Ph.D. in Informatics, typically pay tuition fees of about $18,000 per year for in-state students and approximately $36,000 for out-of-state students. The university provides comprehensive financial aid packages, including scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities, to support qualifying students. In addition to institutional aid, students can explore external scholarships from government agencies, private foundations, and industry partners focused on technology and computer science fields. Teaching and research assistantships are also available for graduate students, offering stipends and tuition waivers in exchange for research or teaching duties. The university encourages students to apply early for financial aid to maximize their eligibility for awards. Furthermore, the university has established loan programs, including federal student loans, which can be accessed through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process. Part-time employment opportunities on campus are available to help students supplement their income while pursuing their studies. The university also participates in employer sponsorship programs, internships, and co-op placements that often include financial compensation, providing students with real-world experience and financial support simultaneously. International students are advised to explore scholarship opportunities specifically designated for international students and to contact the university's Office of International Programs for guidance on financial planning. Overall, the university’s financing studies aim to make the pursuit of Informatics degrees accessible and manageable through a combination of financial aid options, employment opportunities, and flexible payment plans, allowing students to focus on their academic and professional development without undue financial burden.

The Bachelor of Science in Informatics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for a wide range of careers in technology, data analysis, software development, user experience, and information management. This program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, integrating core computer science principles with insights from cognitive science, psychology, and social sciences to better understand how humans interact with information systems. Students are encouraged to develop strong technical skills through coursework in programming, algorithms, databases, and systems, while also exploring the social and ethical implications of technology in society. The program offers various specialization options, allowing students to tailor their education to areas such as data science, human computer interaction, software engineering, and information management. Students gain practical experience through projects, internships, and research opportunities, preparing them for entry into the workforce or advanced study. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills, crucial for success in rapidly evolving technological fields. The university provides state-of-the-art laboratories and collaborative learning environments to support experiential learning. Graduates of the program have gone on to careers in technology companies, research institutions, healthcare, finance, and government agencies. They are equipped with a versatile skill set that includes technical expertise, user-centered design, and an understanding of data-driven decision-making. The program also often includes opportunities for study abroad, industry partnerships, and participation in hackathons and innovation competitions, enhancing student employability and real-world experience. Overall, the Informatics program at UIUC aims to produce innovative professionals who can design and implement impactful information systems while considering the human and societal context.