Informatics is where data, technology, and people meet. In this program family, you'll learn to turn information into insight and to put technology to work solving real problems for organizations in business, healthcare, government, and beyond. Depending on the credential and focus you choose, you can build skills in data analytics and business intelligence, the foundations of computing and software, and the fast-growing field of artificial intelligence. Across the program, you'll learn to:
Collect, manage, and analyze data, and turn it into clear, actionable insights.
Build business intelligence reports and tell compelling stories with data.
Understand how people interact with technology and design systems with users in mind.
Apply the fundamentals of computing logic, software, networking, and cybersecurity.
Manage technology projects and align them with organizational goals.
Work with cloud platforms and modern tools.
Apply artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to solve problems.
Weigh the ethical, legal, and security implications of working with data and technology.
Communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.
You'll also be able to prepare for industry certifications and to apply your skills to the industry that interests you most.
Career Options
Informatics professionals are in demand across nearly every industry, because almost every organization needs people who can make sense of data and connect technology to business needs. Graduates pursue roles such as:
Data Analyst
Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst
Business or Systems Analyst
Informatics Specialist
Health Information / Health Informatics Specialist
Database or Reporting Analyst
IT Project Coordinator
Data Visualization Specialist
AI/Machine Learning Specialist
AI Analyst
Automation Specialist
Because Ivy Tech offers both career-focused degrees and a transfer-ready Associate of Science, you can choose to enter the workforce after graduation or continue toward a bachelor's degree at a four-year university.
Degree Types Offered
Credential Type
Associate Degrees – Career-Ready Degrees
Associate Degree – Transferable Degree
Long-Term Certificates
– known as Technical Certificates (TC)
Short-Term Certificates
– known as Certificates (CT)
Note: Program availability varies by location and not all program tracks are offered at each campus/location.
Associate Degrees – Career-Ready Degrees
The Informatics Associate of Applied Science (AAS) is a 60-credit-hour degree that prepares you to turn data and technology into value for organizations of all kinds.You'll build a strong foundation in data analytics, business intelligence and data storytelling, human-computer interaction, computing logic, networking, and cybersecurity, and learn to manage technology projects from start to finish. What makes this degree distinctive is its focus on application: you'll complete a 12-credit specialization track so you can apply informatics directly to the industry that interests you. You'll also prepare for an industry certification of your choice. It's a career-ready degree for students who want to work where technology, data, and business meet.
The Applied Artificial Intelligence Associate of Applied Science (AAS) is a 60-credit-hour degree focused on one of the most in-demand areas in technology.You'll learn to build, train, and deploy intelligent systems, and you'll put it all together in a hands-on Applied AI Projects course. Along the way, you'll examine the ethical, security, and fairness implications of AI and learn to communicate your findings to technical and non-technical audiences. A 12-credit specialization track lets you tailor the degree to your goals. It's an ideal choice for students who want to enter the AI workforce with practical, project-based skills.
The Information Technology and Informatics Associate of Science (AS) is a 60-credit-hour transfer degree designed for students who plan to earn a bachelor's degree. As a Transfer as a Junior (TSAP) program, it lets you transfer to any Indiana public four-year institution with automatic junior standing, so you can complete your first two years affordably at Ivy Tech and finish your bachelor's on time.You'll complete the full Indiana College Core of general education courses alongside a strong foundation in IT and informatics. It's the right path for students who want to keep their options open and continue their education at a university
Talk to our transfer advocates for information about continuing your education after completing your associate degree at Ivy Tech. You are also encouraged to contact the university to which you plan to transfer. Note that admission is not guaranteed just by enrolling in the Informatics program. You will need to be admitted to the institution you intend to transfer to.
Required Courses
Associate degree graduates must complete a total of 60 credit hours:
Long-Term Certificates
known as Technical Certificates (TC)
The Informatics Technical Certificate is a 30-credit-hour credential that builds core informatics skills without the full scope of a degree.You'll study informatics fundamentals, data analytics, business intelligence and data storytelling, human-computer interaction, computing logic, networking, and cybersecurity, plus elective coursework you choose to fit your interests. It's a strong, focused credential on its own, and because its courses align with the Informatics AAS, it's also a natural stepping stone if you decide to pursue the full degree later.
Earn a Certificate on the Way to Your Associate Degree
A recommended path to either of the associate degrees in Informatics is to complete one or more of the three certificates offered by Ivy Tech while working toward the degree. The certificates are designed to provide gateways toward entry-level informatics careers, so you can begin working quickly. You may then choose to pursue a credential that requires more credits and time in order to learn more and move up in your professional career. You can apply the credits from your certificate to your higher-level credential at Ivy Tech to make the most of your time and tuition.
FREE through Next Level Jobs
Informatics TC is part of Indiana’s Next Level Jobs degree program, funded by the Workforce Ready Grant. You may be eligible for a free Informatics TC. You are eligible to be a part of Next Level Jobs at Ivy Tech if you fulfill all of the following requirements:
Are an Indiana resident
Have a high school diploma or GED/High School Equivalency
Have not previously received a certificate in a Next Level Jobs eligible program
Have not previously received an associate degree or higher (bachelors, masters, etc.)*
The Applied Artificial Intelligence Technical Certificate is a 32-credit-hour credential that provides the complete technical core of the Applied AI degree without the general education requirements.You'll work through computing logic, software development, Python, cloud foundations, machine learning, natural language processing, and a capstone-style Applied AI Projects course, and prepare for a cloud or AI certification. It's a focused, hands-on way to gain job-ready AI skills, and every credit stacks directly into the Applied Artificial Intelligence AAS.
Earn a Certificate on the Way to Your Associate Degree
A recommended path to either of the associate degrees in Informatics is to complete one or more of the three certificates offered by Ivy Tech while working toward the degree. The certificates are designed to provide gateways toward entry-level informatics careers, so you can begin working quickly. You may then choose to pursue a credential that requires more credits and time in order to learn more and move up in your professional career. You can apply the credits from your certificate to your higher-level credential at Ivy Tech to make the most of your time and tuition.
Required Courses
Graduates must complete a total of 32 credit hours.
Short-Term Certificates
known as Certificates (CT)
The Applied Artificial Intelligence Professional Certificate is afocused 21-credit-hour credential centered on artificial intelligence.You'll concentrate on the AI core and choose 9 credits of electives in data, software, or informatics to round out your skills. It's a great fit for learners who want to specialize in AI quickly, including working professionals who already bring technical experience.
Earn a Certificate on the Way to Your Associate Degree
If your goal is to earn an associate degree or long-term certificate in Informatics, you can earn this short-term certificate on your way. The certificate is designed to provide a gateway into entry-level informatics careers. That means you may be able to enter the workforce in your desired field even before you graduate, if your plan includes working while you’re in school.
Required Courses
Graduates must complete a total of 21 credit hours.
The Information Systems and Analytics Certificate is a 20-credit-hour credential that offers a broad introduction to the field. In a single, short program,you'll touch the essentials of informatics, data analytics, computing logic, software development, cloud foundations, and artificial intelligence, giving you a well-rounded foundation and a sense of which areas you'd like to pursue further. It's an excellent entry point for newcomers and a flexible springboard into Ivy Tech's other informatics, AI, and IT programs.
Earn a Certificate on the Way to Your Associate Degree
If your goal is to earn an associate degree or long-term certificate in Informatics, you can earn this short-term certificate on your way. The certificate is designed to provide a gateway into entry-level informatics careers. That means you may be able to enter the workforce in your desired field even before you graduate, if your plan includes working while you’re in school.
Required Courses
Graduates must complete a total of 20 credit hours.
Ifyou're curious about data, technology, and the way organizations use both to make decisions, informatics could be a great fit. It's a field for people who like connecting the dots, who want to understand not just how technology works, but how it helps people and businesses solve problems. You don't need to be a programming expert to start; you just need curiosity and a willingness to learn.
You might thrive in informatics if you:
Like working with data and finding the story it tells.
Enjoy solving problems and improving how things work.
Are interested in technology but also care about people and business.
Want a careerthat's in demand across many industries.
Like the idea of choosing a focus that matches your interests.
Want flexible options, whetheryou're entering the workforce, transferring to a university, or adding new skills.
With everything from short certificates to career-focused degrees to a transfer-ready Associate of Science, plus dedicated paths in artificial intelligence,there's an informatics option to match almost any goal.
Careers in Informatics often involve:
Collecting, organizing, and analyzing data to support decisions.
Building reports, dashboards, and visualizations that make data easy to understand.
Identifying trends and turning information into actionable business insights.
Working with stakeholders to understand their data and technology needs.
Evaluating and improving information systems for efficiency, security, and usability.
Helping organizations use technology in line with policies, regulations, and ethical standards.
Managing technology projects and timelines.
Applying artificial intelligence and automation to solve complex problems.
Communicating findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Sound Like You?
If you identify with the traits above, informatics may be the path for you! Take the next step to get started or speak with your local advisor to learn more.
All Informatics students will take prerequisite courses during their time at Ivy Tech, typically during the first semester. Students must demonstrate competency through appropriate assessment or earning a grade of “C” or better in at least one course from each of the following groupings:
See when specific courses will be offered by searching our course list in Schedule Builder. First, select the semester you’re looking for and then enter the name of the course in the search bar.
If you’re a current student, upcoming courses are easy to find in Schedule Builder in MyIvy.
Course Formats
Informatics courses are taught both in person and online.
Applying to Ivy Tech is Free & Easy
The Ivy Tech application is free and easy—you don’t need a certain test score, GPA, or class rank to get started at Ivy Tech. Applying takes about 10-15 minutes and can be completed entirely online.
No Application Deadlines
Ivy Tech does not have a deadline for admission. Our 8-week class sessions start throughout the year—in January, March, June, August, and October—and there is no hard deadline for applying for any of the start dates. It's important, though, to apply early enough that you'll be able to complete all the degree planning, financial aid, and registration activities that need to happen before your first day. We recommend you apply about one month before you intend to start classes. See upcoming start dates
Steps to Apply
(1) Apply to Ivy Tech
If you’ve never applied to Ivy Tech Community College before (or if it’s been two years since you last attended classes here), your first step is to apply to Ivy Tech. You can apply online or in person. To apply in person, reach out toyour local admissions team and arrange a meeting. Or, stop by any campus on any Tuesday for Tuesdays@TheTech to receive personal assistance with applying and registering for classes.
After you submit your application, you'll be asked to upload documentation—such as SAT/ACT/PSAT scores or high school and college transcripts—that can assess your readiness for college-level coursework and help us make sure you are taking classes that are the right fit for you. How to upload assessment documents
If you don't have your scores or transcripts at your fingertips, don’t worry. Go ahead and submit your application. You can go back to upload assessment documents at any time until the end of the term for which you applied.
(3) Look for a Confirmation Email
Once your application is processed, you will receive a confirmation email at the email address provided on your application. Typically the email will arrive within 1-2 business days of submission, but during peak processing periods (April-June) could take up to 5-10 business days.
The email will contain instructions on how to register for classes, as well as important information regarding your Ivy Tech student portal (MyIvy account), tuition, payment options, and more.
(4) Create an Account in MyIvy
MyIvy is Ivy Tech's online student portal. Students use MyIvy to check e-mail, register for classes, pay tuition, manage financial aid, get the latest news and announcements, and much more. MyIvy also contains "QuickLinks" to the Ivy Tech websites and online tools you will use most often. Learn more about MyIvy
Before you can register for classes you will need to submit documentation or complete an assessment test. Your test scores can help us determine the best English and math starting classes for you. See the Test Score Course Placement Chart
If you submitted assessment documentation during the application process, your advisor will likely be able to work with those documents to determine course placement and you won't need to take any further steps. If you don't have any of those documents or the scores don't meet minimum thresholds, don’t worry! Your advisor will direct you to complete our freeKnowledge Assessment to help develop your customized learning path to better prepare you for courses.
(6) Register for Classes
Once you have completed the steps above, you may register for classes. Ivy Tech students register for courses using the Schedule Builder tool which can be accessed withinMyIvy. If you are a new, first-time Ivy Tech student, we recommend that you meet withyour advisor who will help you develop your Academic Completion Plan and help you sign up for courses that are the best fit for you.
For a complete list of registration steps, including detailed registration steps, deadlines, and information about holds, withdrawals, waitlists, and refunds, visit our Registration 101 page.
(7) Pay Your Tuition
After registering for your courses, your bill can be viewed in yourMyIvy account > Student Dashboard- > View/Pay Balance. Payments can also be made in your MyIvy account. For complete information about payments, including payment options, payment plans, how to make immediate payments, due dates, information about refunds, and more, visit our Payments page.
Alf Sanford III Faculty Advisor & Professor Cyber Security, Data Analytics, Network Infrastructure, Cloud Technologies asanford3@ivytech.edu (463)308-2583
William (Bill) Ruben Program Chair & Professor Computer Science, Informatics, Information Technology Support, Software Development wruben@ivytech.edu (463)308-1602
Kevin O'Neill Department Chair & Professor School of Information Technology & Visual Communications koneill16@ivytech.edu (463)308-2608
Advising Team Ginny Leonard, Senior Director for Academic Advising and Student Success Advisor for: Exploratory/Undecided students vleonard5@ivytech.edu
Dee Denton Advisor for: Nursing Interest and Health Science ddenton@ivytech.edu
Jake Brunsman Advisor for: General Studies, Liberal Arts and Education programs jbrunsman2@ivytech.edu
Will Parshley Advisor for: School of Public and Social Services, School of Information Technology and Psychology-AS TSAP wparshley@ivytech.edu
Zech Saenz Advisor for: School of Business, Logistic and Supply Chain Management, School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering and Applied Science zsaenz@ivytech.edu
Madison Advising Center
590 Ivy Tech Drive
Madison, IN 47250
Fax 812-803-1953
Zoom Video Calls Call 812-803-1953 to make an appointment for a meeting via Zoom or join virtual drop-in hours as shown below.
Advising Team Tricia Miracle 463-207-5972 tmiracle2@ivytech.edu Text during business hours 812-510-3844 Virtual Drop-In Advising Hours: Wednesdays 9:00am-1:00pm & Thursdays 2:00pm-5:00pm Zoom Link
Olivia Bruce 463-231-5073 obruce1@ivytech.edu Virtual Drop-In Advising Hours: Mondays 1:30pm-4:30pm & Tuesdays 8:30am-11:30am Zoom Link
Monday Virtual Office Hours Mondays 5:00pm-6:00pm Zoom Link
1 Source: US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Indiana. (2025). Lightcast™, lightcast.io. Occupational Overview for Indiana, 2024-2025
2 Associate degree cost is determined by tuition for an in-state, full-time student. Certificate and technical certificate costs are determined by tuition for an in-state, part-time student. Additional fees may be applied. Visit the Tuition & Fees page to learn more.
