Students will learn how to turn raw data into knowledge to solve today’s workforce challenges through the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh’s new School of Informatics.
Launching this month, the innovative school will engage students and regional organizations to better understand and apply cutting-edge technology—think AI, cybersecurity and augmented reality. “The School of Informatics is about being future ready for our students and for our region and state. It will harness a spectrum of academic disciplines and powerful programs UWO offers right now to assure our graduates and the organizations they work for and lead are best prepared for today and tomorrow,” Chancellor Andy Leavitt said. “We are responding to learners’ growing interests and our region’s demand for futuristic problem solvers—adaptable graduates who are as creative as they are technological, able to analyze data, overcome obstacles and help advance companies, nonprofits, governments and other organizations smartly and safely well into the future.” The school will not be housed in a traditional brick-and-mortar building but rather serve as an umbrella to bring together interdisciplinary programs focused on making information more accessible, accurate, impactful and secure. College of Business Dean Frank Braun, who has championed creation of the school since joining UW Oshkosh in January, explains informatics as the “art, science, technology and business of transforming data into useful knowledge.” “Exploding computing power and capabilities, massive data stores and pervasive commercial and social digital engagements have changed our lives. Students will acquire multidimensional informatics skills and expertise to better
explore and influence the rich complexity of these changes,” he said. “By devolving the silos of departments and disciplines, we can embrace the programs and professors across traditional colleges, integrating them in a school energized around the theme of digital information.” Undergraduate students in the school will chose from majors in advertising, applied computing, computer science, graphic design, information systems, interactive web management, multimedia journalism, public relations, radio TV film and software technology. At the graduate level, students can pursue master’s degrees in cybersecurity, data science and information technology or a certificate in data analytics.
UWO officially introduces the School of Informatics to the community and regional business leaders at a Chancellor’s Executive Breakfast from 7:30 to 9:15 a.m., Nov. 28 at the Culver Family Welcome Center, 625 Pearl Ave. During the breakfast program, Braun will share how local organizations can support and partner with the new school. In turn, regional business and community leaders will share input about how the school can be responsive to workforce needs by preparing graduates with the necessary skills and capabilities. Register for the Nov. 28 Chancellor’s Executive Breakfast at uwosh.edu/ceb/
