The Program in Digital and Computational Studies allows students to explore society’s relationship with digital technology.
With courses in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, and beyond, DCS is geared toward accessible knowledge that can be applied across multiple disciplines. All seniors majoring in DCS participate in a closely mentored capstone project, where they get the chance to work with a local partner to research, design, and build a solution for a real-world problem affecting people in their community.
Carrie Diaz Eaton (Chair)
Pettengill Hall
dcs-chair@bates.edu
The digital and computational studies major is a strong foundation for a successful career across a wide variety of fields, including software development, AI engineering, and data analysis. The skills and knowledge gained from this degree are also transferrable to fields as far ranging as art and education to politics, government, and technology.
of 2020-2024 Bates graduates are employed and/or attending graduate school — settled into their next opportunity within 6 months of graduation.
Digital and computational studies is a hands-on major that turns students into problem solvers, whether they’re working on using computers to solve human problems or breaking down complex tasks so that a computer can understand. Faculty advisors work closely with students throughout their study, and many faculty members offer employment opportunities for students to further develop their skills as teaching or research assistants.
Faculty in digital and computational studies lead the way in cutting-edge research across the field. They have been trained or have held research positions at prestigious institutions such as Cornell University, Brown University, and the University of Chicago, as well as at NASA, Google, and Amazon. Their research has been published in renowned journals, and faculty members are leaders in their scholarly communities, regularly gaining national awards. In addition, their work has been covered by news outlets such as Science, Nature, NPR, and The Washington Post.
Each year the graduating class at Bates picks a faculty or staff person to offer the Baccalaureate Address. The Class of 2026 selected Professor of Rhetoric, Film, and Screen Studies Stephanie Kelley-Romano.
On Sunday, May 31, 2026, 480 Bates students became Bates alumni, ready to face uncertainty with the support of the lessons they’ve learned at Bates, both in and out of the classroom.
The skies were changeable but the mood was resoundingly upbeat on Sunday, May 31, as 480 members of the Class of 2026 celebrated their Bates graduation surrounded by family and friends, and bolstered by speeches that dwelled on bright promises, both those already delivered and those to come.
