{"id":8783,"date":"2026-02-09T15:56:25","date_gmt":"2026-02-09T20:56:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/academics\/?page_id=8783"},"modified":"2026-05-01T15:56:03","modified_gmt":"2026-05-01T19:56:03","slug":"digital-and-computational-studies","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/academics\/majors-and-minors\/digital-and-computational-studies\/","title":{"rendered":"Digital and Computational Studies"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Visit the full Digital and Computational Studies site<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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The Program in Digital and Computational Studies allows students to explore society\u2019s relationship with digital technology.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Contact Us<\/h5>\n\t

Carrie Diaz Eaton (Chair)
\nPettengill Hall
\ndcs-chair@bates.edu<\/a><\/span><\/p>

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What You Will Learn<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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To develop proficiency in fundamental aspects of algorithmic thinking, software development, and data science<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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How to use critical theory to identify ethical and social issues and structures of inequality in computing and digital spaces<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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How to engage in professional practices that encourage collaboration, transparency, and equitable access<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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How to build, design, analyze, and critique digital tools and algorithms<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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How to communicate complex ideas both orally and in writing, appropriate to the audience<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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To interrogate the assumptions of the digital world<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Life After Bates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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94%<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

of 2020-2024 Bates graduates are employed and\/or attending graduate school \u2014 settled into their next opportunity within 6 months of graduation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Selected Graduate Schools<\/h6>\n\n\n\n