How a Master’s in Informatics Can Help You Stay Competitive in a Tech-Driven World

In today’s technology-driven world, staying competitive requires more than traditional skills; it demands a strong understanding of information technology (IT). Industries like healthcare and finance increasingly rely on technology for decision-making, problem-solving, and innovation.

“IT is a fundamental skill that applies across industries,” says Xiaomu Zhou, a teaching professor and lead faculty member in Northeastern’s College of Professional Studies Master of Professional Studies in Informatics program. “It’s a tool everyone needs to succeed in today’s dynamic and tech-driven economy.”

This growing reliance on technology has made informatics a top choice for anyone looking to stay ahead, embrace new technologies, and thrive in evolving industries. So whether you’re aiming to develop new skills or transition into a technical role, a master’s in informatics can help you adapt and succeed in today’s fast-changing world.

Is informatics important to today’s economy?

Informatics is at the core of modern industries, enabling organizations to effectively use data to guide strategy, solve problems, and drive innovation. This broad applicability across sectors has made informatics one of the most in-demand fields.

According to Statista, the global big data market is forecasted to grow to 103 billion U.S. dollars by 2027, more than double its expected market size in 2018. Industries such as healthcare, logistics, and finance depend on informatics to improve efficiency, enhance decision-making, and create better customer experiences.

For example, in healthcare, informatics plays a key role in improving patient outcomes by integrating and analyzing vast datasets to identify trends and streamline care. In logistics, it optimizes supply chains to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. In finance, it supports data-driven decision-making to manage risks, seize opportunities, and improve customer experiences.

“Informatics touches everything,” Zhou says. “It’s about taking a huge amount of information and using it effectively with the tools available to you.” This ability to turn raw data into actionable insights has made informatics indispensable across sectors.

As reliance on informatics grows, so does its role in shaping the future of industries. Organizations increasingly seek professionals who can bridge the gap between data and actionable outcomes. Because of this, advanced education in informatics can be a strategic step to make you a desirable candidate in a competitive job market.

If you’re interested in advancing your education in this exciting field, here’s an overview of how a Master’s in Informatics can equip you with the tools to remain competitive and unlock new career opportunities.

How a master’s degree in informatics can help you stay competitive

1. Keeps you at the forefront of technological trends.

Machine learning, big data, and other advanced technologies are reshaping industries, making it essential for professionals to stay ahead of these trends. A master’s in informatics equips individuals with the knowledge and practical skills to not only understand these technologies but also to use them effectively to solve real-world challenges.

“In the field of cloud computing and data management, a master’s in informatics equips students with the skills to design and implement data pipelines using cloud services,” Zhou says. “This involves addressing challenges, identifying resources, and developing solutions to optimize and streamline data analytics processes.”

This comprehensive approach ensures graduates are prepared to manage and analyze complex data systems with confidence through specialized coursework in areas like cloud computing, data management, and cybersecurity management. These targeted areas of study enable graduates to adapt to emerging technologies, meet organizational needs, and respond effectively to shifts in their industries. And by focusing on both technical expertise and practical application, a master’s in informatics ensures professionals are ready to lead in an ever-changing technological landscape.

2. Increases your adaptability across multiple industries.

A master’s in informatics equips professionals with the tools to thrive in a wide range of industries, making it one of the most versatile degrees in today’s job market. By mastering data and systems integration, graduates can transition seamlessly into any industry where technology is central to its success.

“We prepare students at all levels—from those with IT experience to those without—so they can succeed in diverse industries,” Zhou says. This adaptability is critical in a world where industries are rapidly digitizing and evolving.

Informatics programs also allow students to build on their unique backgrounds. “Students can and have leveraged their earlier backgrounds in an informatics program,” Xiaomu explains.

For example, professionals from varied backgrounds can leverage their prior experience:

• A biology graduate can transition into bioinformatics, analyzing genetic data.
• A psychology professional can transition into user experience design, ensuring technology is intuitive and user-friendly.

3. Prepares you for leadership in data-driven decision-making.

Data-driven decision-making is at the core of modern organizations, and informatics professionals are uniquely positioned to lead in this area. A master’s in informatics provides the knowledge and skills needed to oversee complex systems and guide strategic initiatives that rely on data.

Informatics programs train students to manage large systems and lead projects that integrate data and technology seamlessly.

The ability to think holistically and act strategically makes informatics graduates invaluable in data-driven leadership roles like chief data officers—who are responsible for organizational data strategy—or directors of information systems—who oversee the integration of technology and data to drive innovation and efficiency. These roles require a deep understanding of both technology and organizational dynamics, making a master’s degree essential.

Informatics education goes beyond technical expertise by fostering leadership competencies. “Leadership requires knowledge,” says Behnaz Merikhi, an assistant teaching professor in Northeastern’s Master of Professional Studies in Informatics program. “And since a master’s in informatics uses a competency-based model, it allows students to build a solid foundation to troubleshoot problems and oversee complex operations.”

4. Enhances problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

A master’s in informatics goes beyond teaching technical expertise—it develops critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. These programs prepare professionals to analyze complex systems, identify inefficiencies, and implement data-driven solutions that improve business processes.

This is because an education in informatics emphasizes what Zhou calls “human literacy, including system thinking, creative thinking, and problem-solving—areas where human involvement remains critical.” While artificial intelligence (AI) and other tools can automate certain tasks, it’s human expertise that drives strategic decisions and ensures systems work effectively within organizational contexts.

For example, students learn to systematically analyze processes, uncover inefficiencies, and design technology-based solutions to streamline operations. This skill set is highly adaptable across industries—whether it’s optimizing supply chains in logistics, improving patient care workflows in healthcare, or enhancing financial reporting systems.

“Students learn how to identify inefficiencies and systematically bring everything together—skills that AI can’t replicate,” Zhou adds. By fostering this blend of analytical and creative problem-solving, informatics programs empower professionals to address complex challenges and deliver meaningful outcomes.

5. Strengthens cross-functional collaboration.

Informatics professionals play a critical role as intermediaries, translating complex data into actionable business strategies that can be understood and implemented across departments.

“Our master’s in informatics program prepares students to act as IT ‘plumbers,’” Zhou says. “It teaches you how to build and maintain systems that ensure smooth operations.”

This foundational role supports seamless communication and integration between teams, allowing technical insights to align with broader business goals.

Informatics programs also emphasize the importance of teamwork and adaptability. Through collaborative projects and customized learning paths, students work with peers and instructors to tailor their education to their career goals.

“Our program fosters collaboration between students and instructors, which encourages them to customize their educational paths to align with career goals,” Zhou explains. This approach not only prepares graduates to excel in cross-departmental settings but also teaches them to lead collaborative efforts that maximize impact.

Whether coordinating with IT specialists to streamline data systems or working with executives to inform strategic decisions, informatics professionals are essential to creating cohesion in complex organizations.

6. Expands career opportunities in emerging fields.

A master’s in informatics opens the door to exciting and rapidly growing fields that are shaping the future of technology and society. Graduates are uniquely positioned to take on roles in specialized areas that are not necessarily in the information technology space.

“Our graduates have entered diverse fields,” Zhou says. “For example, some students have gone on to work as an IT audit analyst at Fidelity Investment, user experience engineer at Amazon, or scientist conducting research at a genomics company.“

And the growth potential for these careers is significant. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook of information systems managers is projected to grow 17% over the next ten years, which is much faster than the national average.

By equipping students with specialized knowledge and practical skills, a master’s in informatics enables graduates to enter cutting-edge fields and contribute meaningfully to industries that are critical to the modern world.

Take the first step toward an informatics career

Informatics is not just a growing field—it’s an essential one for staying competitive in today’s tech-driven world. Whether you’re a non-technical professional looking to gain new skills or someone with a technical background aiming to specialize further, informatics offers a pathway to thrive in any industry.

Northeastern’s College of Professional Studies Master of Professional Studies in Informatics program provides the flexibility and support needed to achieve your career goals. “Our flexible program allows students to customize their education based on specific career goals, helping them build the skills they need to stay competitive,” Zhou concludes.

Whether you aspire to transition into a new field, advance within your current industry, or take on leadership roles in data-driven decision-making, a master’s degree in informatics can help you make it happen. Take the first step toward building a rewarding, future-ready career by exploring Northeastern’s informatics program today.