Digital and Data Studies is an interdisciplinary program that integrates practice- and skills-based learning in programming, data analysis, computational processes and web development with critical study, drawing on the college’s long-standing strengths and commitments to data science, GIS, digital storytelling and media studies. The program teaches its students to be both knowledgeable consumers and engaged producers of content on the internet, as a complex information landscape that provides valuable opportunities for learning and public-facing scholarship, even while it can be wielded to disseminate dangerous misinformation. The program is committed to promoting socially and culturally responsible approaches to technology.
Students will have the opportunity to study computational analysis and data-inflected approaches, drawing cases and applications from the range of disciplines in Harpur College. In addition, students will gain contemporary skills for employment and produce innovative digital work at all levels.
All liberal arts students can benefit from a heightened understanding of computational methods and data-driven processes, along with enhanced information literacy. These proficiencies are useful in professional, academic and/or creative contexts. This minor degree complements all of the majors in Harpur College.
Students who pursue the Digital and Data Studies minor will have the opportunity to take courses that align with their chosen major, along with three required courses, offered under the DIDA and HARP rubrics. The Digital and Data Studies website lists the elective courses, from across Harpur College, that may be applied to the minor. This list will be updated each semester.
Requirements for the Digital and Data Studies Minor (24 credits)
Core Course Requirements (12 credits)
- HARP 150 Coding in Action I OR HARP 151 Coding in Action II
- DIDA 325 Data & Society
- DIDA 425 Digital Inquiry & Practice
Electives (12 credits)
- Electives are listed on the Digital and Data Studies website.
Statistics Proficiency
Basic understanding of Statistics and Quantitative Methods can be demonstrated through:
- Coursework at °®¶¹´«Ã½ (see program page for details and course list)
- Certificate indicating successful completion of the online, non-credit bearing, eight-week course, Introduction to Statistics ().
- Relevant coursework from another institution will be accepted by petition; students must present a syllabus and a transcript showing successful completion
Additional Requirements
- Only students in the Harpur College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Community and Public Affairs may pursue the Digital and Data Studies Minor.
- At least three courses (12 credits) must be taken at the 300- or 400-level
- Up to four elective credits may be taken for a P/F grade option. All required courses and other electives must be taken for a letter grade.
- The minimum requirement for all courses taken for a letter grade in the minor is C.
List of Faculty
This program draws faculty from across multiple departments. For a list of faculty, see the program's website.