Informatics Engineering Explained: Majors and Job Opportunities

The rapid development of technology has ushered us into a sophisticated digital era, sparking interest in those who want to learn, innovate, and even create new technologies. One way to take part in this movement is by studying informatics engineering.

Informatics engineering is closely tied to computers. If you’re intrigued by Artificial Intelligence (AI), then this major could be the perfect path to dive into the field.

So, what exactly do you study in informatics engineering? According to the Head of the Informatics Engineering Program at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS), Dedi Gunawan, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., the curriculum at UMS is divided into two phases.

From the first to the fourth semester, students learn the fundamental concepts of informatics. Then, starting in the fifth semester, they can choose a specialization that aligns with their interests.

UMS Informatics Engineering program updates its curriculum every five years. In addition, the department conducts a mid-period curriculum review involving international and national informatics experts, as well as major industry players, to ensure the content aligns with current and future technological trends and market demands.

The Informatics Engineering Department at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) offers three specialization tracks: Computer Networking Systems, Software Engineering, and Intelligent Interactive Systems. According to the Head of the Department, the curriculum for all three specializations is continuously developed to keep up with emerging technologies and future opportunities.

1. Computer Networking Systems

This specialization focuses on the development and management of computer network infrastructure. Students will learn about various types of networks, ranging from wired to wireless and mobile networks. Currently, UMS Informatics Engineering is preparing a course titled Future Network, designed to equip students with knowledge on vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication protocols. This is part of anticipating the rise of autonomous vehicle technologies.

“In the future, networks like that will exist, where one vehicle can exchange data with another. Since technology is moving toward self-driving cars, they need to communicate with each other to avoid chaos on the roads,” said Dedi.

2. Software Engineering

This specialization guides students through the entire software development lifecycle, from design and development to testing and product launch. You’ll also be introduced to various evolving tools and methodologies used in the ever-changing world of software development.

3. Intelligent Interactive Systems

This track focuses on merging the virtual world with artificial intelligence. Students who choose this specialization will dive into topics such as AI, machine learning, game development, animation, and application development that integrates advanced technologies like Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR).

What’s more, the learning experience at UMS Informatics Engineering program is supported by a team of highly accomplished lecturers. Many of them have conducted research indexed in Scopus and published in Q1 journals. They also frequently receive research grants from various institutions.

Graduates of the informatics engineering undergraduate program earn the academic title Bachelor of Computer Science (S.Kom.), which distinguishes it from the informatics education program. Programs under the education faculty, such as informatics education, confer the title Bachelor of Education (S.Pd.)

Job prospects for informatics engineering graduates remain highly promising and diverse. With Indonesia actively promoting digital transformation, the demand for professionals with a background in informatics engineering continues to grow, both in government and industry sectors.

Wondering what career paths are open to informatics engineering graduates? Earning a Bachelor of Computer Science opens the door to a wide range of professions, including:

• Software Developer
• System Administrator
• General IT Staff
• AI Engineer
• Virtual World Designer
• Network Engineer
• Mobile App Designer
• Game Designer
• Web Developer

Writer: Maysali Sudarwati

Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid

Editor: Al Habiib Josy Asheva