Digital Technology and Culture
College of Arts and Sciences
- Offered as:
- Major
- Minor
Overview
Digital technology and culture, an interdisciplinary degree program administered by the Department of English, combines studies in language and society, cognition and learning, design and visual communication, rhetoric, fine arts, and information science to prepare students for careers in a wide range of fields.
The major integrates humanities, social sciences, and technology in a critical and creative framework designed to meet individual student interests as well as the needs of contemporary audiences and employers.
Digital technology and culture majors work at the frontier of today’s technology, while learning the importance of technological history and preparing themselves to live in and understand a culture increasingly influenced by technology.
[+] Strengths of the Program
- Develop a sophisticated understanding of the rhetoric that underlies hypermedia and multimedia.
- Acquire a historically grounded understanding of the role of digital technology as a medium for cultural transmission.
- Master the tools of electronic research and the skills of invention, analysis, synthesis, organization, and delivery.
- Gain insight into how digital environments transform the exchange of ideas and how information is used.
- Work individually and in teams to design, compose, and complete digital products.
- Learn to develop persuasive, culturally appropriate content for digital environments.
[+] Requirements and core courses
The digital technology and culture major
Prerequisites
To officially join the major you'll need to do two things:
- Take ENGL 300 (Computers in English) and keep a project portfolio;
or show a personal portfolio that demonstrates basic ability in web authoring, animation, video production, and/or graphic design - Write a statement of purpose explaining how the DTC major supports the your career goals
The top students will be certified into the major based on how many spots are available.
Core courses
All DTC majors take a set of core courses like these.
Multimedia Authoring: Exploring the New Rhetorics
Electronic Research and the Rhetoric of Information
Language, Texts, and Technology
Digital Diversity
Art, Science, and Technology
Concentration areas
The major includes three concentration areas that you can choose from. Each concentration area consists of at least four courses; you and your advisor will work together to find courses that fit your specific strengths and interests.
Culture and Technology
Computers and Society
Media, Culture, and Society
History in Media
Media and Politics
(Courses for example only; yours may vary)
Media Authoring
Introduction to Digital Media: Video and Sound
Digital Animation
Composition and Design
Interactive Media
(Courses for example only; yours may vary)
Digital Information Management
Introduction to Financial Accounting
Business Systems Development
Information Technology Infrastructure and Security
Global E-Commerce
(Courses for example only; yours may vary)
Note: See the WSU Catalog for degree requirements and talk with your academic advisor about planning and scheduling your courses. All students must meet requirements as outlined in the catalog in order to graduate.
[+] Scholarships and financial aid
For digital technology and culture majors
The Department of English offers undergraduate scholarships from four different endowed funds, most providing $1,000 tuition stipends annually. In addition, all students in English departmental majors can apply for more than $50,000 in scholarships awarded by the College of Liberal Arts.
For all students
A variety of state, federal, and university-sponsored programs are available to help students with educational costs. Washington State University awards millions of dollars in financial aid and scholarships to students every year based on financial need, academic merit, or a combination of the two.
Students should complete the Washington State University general scholarship application and the FAFSA to ensure their eligibility for the widest range of scholarships and need-based financial aid.
For information or to apply for financial aid and scholarships from WSU, see the Scholarships and Finances section of the WSU website.
[+] Suggested strengths, interests, and preparation
Interest in mixing art and technology
Interest in language and culture
Interest in persuasion and effective communication
[+] Careers in digital technology and culture
The digital technology and culture degree addresses a growing regional and national need for graduates who understand the connections between technology and culture and have the skills needed for a wide variety of workplaces.
What you can do with a degree in digital technology and culture:
- Web authoring
- Graphic design
- Game design
- Information management
- Usability testing
- Technical writing
- Publishing, editing, and creative writing
Skills you can market with a degree in digital technology and culture:
- Developing culturally appropriate digital content
- Understanding of multimedia rhetorics
- Working in teams to design and compose digital products
- Knowing how the digital world transforms ideas and actions
- Writing and communicating effectively
- Intellectual curiosity
- Thinking critically and solving problems
- Organizing and managing projects