How to Get in

Declaring the Digital Studies Certificate

Students are eligible to declare the certificate at any point in their undergraduate career. They should declare it as early as possible to plan the required coursework. Students are encouraged to meet with the Digital Studies advisor to discuss certificate requirements and ensure it fits with their academic and career goals. Students who are ready to declare the certificate now may complete this form.

Requirements

The certificate requires a minimum of six courses and 16 credits. The courses must be distributed as follows:

Core Courses

Choose one course from this list:

Distribution

Choose one course from each area (a unique course must be taken to satisfy each area):

Digital Practice (P) Courses

Digital Media (M) Courses

Digital Information (I) Courses

Digital Forms (F) Courses

Capstone

The Capstone cannot be completed until students are in their senior year and have completed or are enrolled in their final course of the certificate.

Residence and Quality of Work

• At least 9 Certificate credits in Residence
• Minimum 2.000 GPA in all Certificate courses

Certificate Completion Requirement

This undergraduate certificate must be completed concurrently with the student’s undergraduate degree. Students cannot delay degree completion to complete the certificate.

Learning Outcomes

1. To understand key theories and concepts related to digital studies and the historical context surrounding the creation of digital technologies.
2. To gain familiarity with methods, concepts and tools needed to research and evaluate information related to digital studies.
3. To think critically about how digital technologies work and their impact on society.
4. To be able to create strategic communication content and self-expression using digital tools.
5. To understand the professional and ethical principles related to the field of digital studies.

Advising and Careers

Make an appointment to talk with the Digital Studies advisor through Starfish.

Connecting with the Digital Studies advisor as early as possible helps you create a meaningful course plan and stay on track as you complete the certificate requirements. The advisor is available to consult on a variety of topics including:

• declaring the certificate;
• course selection;
• studying abroad;
• job and internship opportunities related to digital media; and
• preparing for the job market after graduation.

Course Planning

Resources and Career Preparation

Digital Media Student Organization

The Digital Media Organization spotlights the wealth of career opportunities in the digital age through diverse speakers and interactive activities. Our goal is to inspire and empower attendees by providing a comprehensive glimpse into the vast landscape of digital employment.

Creative Support

• DesignLab
• Instructional Media Center (IMC)

Digital Studies Alumni + Mentor Program

Since 2012, over 2,000 students have graduated with a Digital Studies certificate. To learn more about what our alumni are up to, visit the Alumni Profiles page. Digital Studies students also have the opportunity to participate in the Alumni Mentor Program, giving them the opportunity to work one-on-one with an alumni in their field for one academic year.

Study Abroad

Learning in Letters & Science emphasizes discovery, growth, understanding different perspectives, and challenging yourself, which makes studying abroad an excellent fit for many L&S students: studyabroad.wisc.edu

As a university with global influence, we have more than 300 study abroad programs in over 80 countries. These vary in length, academic focus, teaching format, language requirements, cost, and level of independence. There are many programs to complement every major and any year of college (including the final semester)—and all meet UW–Madison’s high academic standards. Students admitted into Letters & Science can even choose a short program in the summer before they start college or their whole first year: studyabroad.wisc.edu/launch. Talk with your academic advisor about how studying abroad might fit with your academic plan.

SuccessWorks

SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science helps you turn the academic skills learned in your classes into a fulfilling life, guiding you every step of the way to securing jobs, internships, or admission to graduate school.

Through one-on-one career advising, events, and resources, you can explore career options, build valuable internship and research experience, and connect with supportive alumni and employers who open doors of opportunity.

• What you can do with your major  (Major Skills & Outcomes Sheets)
• Make a career advising appointment
• Learn about internships and internship funding
• Try “Jobs, Internships, & How to Get Them,” an interactive guide in Canvas for enrolled UW–Madison students