Program Overview

Digital Humanities B.A.

Combine the traditional strengths of the humanities with attention to digital and information technology. Learn how digital technologies enable us to explore key questions in the humanities.

About this Program

• Benefit from an interdisciplinary education that explores digital technologies, methods and approaches with larger questions of what it means to be human in the world today.
• Combine an understanding of digital technologies with a range of majors such as English and textual studies, writing and rhetoric or history.
• Receive guidance from an academic advisor who will help you select the best major pairing based on your unique interests.
• Understand technology in relation to its history and development, as well as how technology is reshaping culture—from politics to video games to digital identity.
• Gain technical skills relevant to the humanities, including web design, video editing and computer programming.
• Complete a senior capstone project on a topic of your choosing that explores how digital technologies impact our lives and understanding of the world.
• Prepare for a wide range of careers by mastering the skills of the humanities (reading, writing and critical thinking) with special attention to computers and technology.

Program Information

• Degree Type: B.A.
• Modality: In-person
• College or School: College of Arts and Sciences
• Career Path: Humanities and Languages, Sports, Technology and Data

Curriculum

The digital humanities major is an integrated learning major, meaning that it must be paired with a second major. Complete the coursework for any other major in the College of Arts and Sciences | Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, while also pursuing digital humanities coursework. This will include required courses in critical analysis, computing culture and digital writing; technical skill courses; elective courses that are tailored to your personal interests; and a senior capstone course. In your capstone course, you will produce a final project that provides practical, hands-on experience with approaches to the digital humanities.

Degree Options

The digital humanities major is an integrated learning major, meaning that it must be paired with a second major. The second major determines whether a student will graduate with a B.A. or B.S. For example, a student who pursues the B.A. in English alongside their digital humanities coursework will graduate with their B.A., whereas a student who pursues the B.S. in psychology alongside their digital humanities coursework will graduate with a B.S. degree.

Sample Courses

• Digital Writing
• Introduction to Applied Data Science
• Interpretation of New Media
• Data in Society
• Politics and Media

Extracurricular Opportunities

Hands-on learning opportunities

• Student-Run Publications: Through many student-run publications and campus organizations, hone your writing capabilities, meet peers with common interests and enjoy professional development and networking opportunities in writing and other related fields. Consider publications like Daily Orange, Moody Magazine and The OutCrowd Magazine; and student groups like Write Out and Nu Rho Poetic Society.
• Student organization: TEDx at Syracuse University: Students in TEDx at Syracuse University engage with speaker development, finance, marketing and other real-world applications that contribute to the production of TEDx conferences. The organization also helps to bring TED Talks to campus, providing an opportunity for students, faculty, staff and other guest speakers to tell their stories.

Related Programs

• Anthropology B.A.: Grounded in hands-on exploration, the undergraduate anthropology program prepares students to think critically about cultural and human development.
• English and Textual Studies B.A.: Explore creative expression across a broad array of texts—novels, plays, film, digital media and more. Interpret motivations behind stories of yesterday and today and hone your skills as a writer.
• History B.A.: The B.A. in history provides the analytical and research skills needed for future success in this diverse field, providing students the opportunity to specialize by region, time period or issue area.
• Philosophy B.A.: Study ideas and arguments, pursue fundamental truths and seek a comprehensive understanding of the world. Develop analytical and communication skills that are important in many careers.
• Writing and Rhetoric B.A.: As a writing and rhetoric major, you’ll explore the power of language across a range of genres.