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Why Major in Informatics at Allegheny College

A program focusing on critical approaches to information and technology, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary methods. Students develop ethical and technical frameworks and apply them to a wide-ranging set of culturally-relevant problems in order to enrich the public understanding of the relationship between information and culture.

Unusual Combinations
Students often combine Informatics with:

Division

  • Interdisciplinary Studies

Program Type

  • Major
  • Minor

Number of Credits

48 for major24 for minor

Where Infomatics Alumni Work Today

Data Analyst

M&T Bank

Katherine Leyonmark ‘22

Your Four-Year Journey

Informatics Overview

Year 1: Understanding

Your first year is a time to build your foundations and explore your interests! First, students take introductory computer science or communication courses to begin understanding computational and media systems. Look into introductory courses in various modules to discover what matters to you.

Year 2: New Approaches

You’ll continue building your foundation in your second year by taking advanced computer science, art, and communications courses. Once you declare your major and are paired with a faculty member in Informatics, you’ll work with your advisor to think through your module choice.

Year 3: Delving Deeper

In your third year, you’ll dig into your module— think about how information and computation intersect with your module of choice. Then, begin building questions about Informatics during your Junior Seminar with your advisor, who will give you the space to develop in your interest area.

Year 4: The Comp

In your senior year, you’ll embark on the Senior Comp, a two-semester process with INFM 600 and INFM 610. In the fall, you’ll propose your project and get started on related research. Then, in the spring, you’ll produce your original project!

Research and Internships

Allegheny Informatics Students Learn By Doing

Informatics students refine their skills with hardware and software by:

  • Becoming a technical leader
  • Enrolling in the Carnegie Mellon 3-2 Program
  • Joining the Cupper Scholars Program
  • Conducting an independent study or summer research
  • Applying for an internship
  • Leading research for their Senior Comp

Ethics Technical Leaders

Become an ethics technical leader.

Carnegie Mellon 3-2 Program

Allegheny College has an agreement with the Heinz College of Carnegie Mellon University to offer a 3-2 cooperative program.

Students who enroll in this accelerated master’s degree program will complete three years of study at Allegheny College and two years at Carnegie Mellon University. Upon completing this program, the student will receive a bachelor’s and master’s degree in less time than is usually required to earn both degrees.

Cupper Scholars Program

If you’re interested in collaborative research with a faculty member at Allegheny College, join the Cupper Scholars Program. The program provides students with additional mentoring and research opportunities.

Research Opportunities

Conduct summer research or an independent study. Often projects are created with the intention of open-source use for millions of users to benefit from the application.

Recent Internships

  • Xerox Corporation – Print and digital document products and services
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory – Aircraft manufacturer
  • Platinum Technology –  Computer software
  • Microsoft Corporation – Technology company
  • TruFit Solutions – Computer software
  • DigiKnow – Digital marketing agency
  • Cigital – IT security company

Recent Senior Comps

The Senior Comp is the culmination of four years of experience, imagination, and study. It is the moment when you demonstrate what you’ve learned by teaching us something new.

  • French Development Aid in Senegal: An Analysis of French Bilateral, Multilateral, and Nongovernmental Project Models
  • State Capitalism in China: The Guangdong model vs. The Chongqing Model
  • Considering Extinction: The Anthropocene, Zoos, and Human Divorce from the Natural
  • Considering Extinction: The Anthropocene, Zoos, and Human Divorce from the Natural

Faculty and Staff

Emily Graber

Assistant Professor

Ph.D., Stanford University, Computer-Based Music Theory and Acoustics; B.S., University of Michigan, Interdisciplinary Physics; B.M.A. University of Michigan, Violin Performance

Gregory Kapfhammer

Associate Professor

Ph.D., M.S., University of Pittsburgh; B.S., Allegheny College

Frequently Asked Questions About the Informatics Program

What type of degree is an Informatics major?

Students who major in Informatics at Allegheny College will earn a Bachelor of Science degree.

Are there any clubs and activities available for Informatics students?

Yes, there are multiple campus organizations that can benefit students in the Informatics program, such as Legion of Allegheny Gamers (LAG) Club. Explore all Allegheny College clubs and organizations.

Program Contact

Janyl Jumadinova

Associate Professor

Email(814) 332-2881