2021-2022

Informatics, Minor

School of Informatics, Computing and Cyber Systems

College of Engineering, Informatics, and Applied Sciences

This minor introduces the basic principles and practices of informatics, creating opportunities for students to conquer data and computational problems in their discipline using informatics, computer science, statistics, and mathematics.

  • A minor is earned in conjunction with a bachelor's degree.

    To receive a minor (18 - 24 units) at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject matter areas with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0. At least 12 units of the minor must be unique to that minor and not applied to any other minor.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete individual plan requirements.

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

No more than fifty percent of the units used to satisfy minor requirements may be used to satisfy major requirements.

Minimum Units for Completion 18
Highest Mathematics Required MAT 136

Purpose Statement

This minor is designed to give students of majors in and outside of the College of Engineering the training and tools needed to enhance their careers with a technological expertise in the area of informatics, computer science, statistics, and mathematics. Cutting edge careers increasingly demand these skills, requiring that graduates have the aptitude to make use of and manipulate large data relevant to their major.

Required courses in this minor concentrate on graphical and quantitative data analysis skills used to solve problems in many fields, particularly the natural sciences, business, and the arts; introduces students to problem solving and programming typically used by engineers, scientists, and mathematicians; and use of computing tools common to modern communication of scientific ideas.  Students then choose an additional two courses of 300-level or higher INF or CS electives to tailor their experience add depth to the breadth of knowledge provided by the required courses. 

Graduates with this minor will find themselves with a technical advantage in their careers, expanding the possibilities that their major offers.  Such graduates will be prepared to take a computer science, informatic data driven role in their new careers or further graduate studies. These roles are increasingly requiring data literacy and quantitative reasoning in order to make well-informed, big data based decisions.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Informatics program will be able to demonstrate the following competencies:

  • Identify, explain, and apply the fundamental methods of informatics, including programming, data structures, computer science, software design and development techniques and tools, mathematics, and statistical analysis.
  • Apply appropriate methods and tools to the creative execution of an investigation that addresses informatics research questions.
  • Engage in effective teamwork as a member of an interdisciplinary research or development team.

Minor Requirements

  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.