Academic Program

Digital and Computational Studies

Professor Diaz-Eaton (chair); Associate Professors Castro (Digital and Computational Studies and Neuroscience), Shrout (Digital and Computational Studies and History), and Tamirisa (Music); Assistant Professor Ricci; Visiting Assistant Professors Agbonkhese and Talkad Sukumar

Digital and Computational Studies (DCS) at Bates requires students to engage in understanding the most fundamental aspects related to fields that DCS encompasses, including computer science, critical digital studies, data science, and human-centered design. The Program offers a major, minor, and concentration, providing a curriculum through which students learn the fundamentals necessary to design, build, analyze, and critique digital and computational solutions. The focus is on transferable knowledge and skills rather than on specific programming languages or technologies, while requiring students to interrogate the assumptions of the digital world, encouraging the use of computing for social good.

Students graduating with a major in DCS will (a) be able to demonstrate proficiency in fundamental aspects of computer science and data science, including theoretical and practical limitations, with a focus on algorithmic thinking; (b) develop related skills in teamwork, interdisciplinary collaboration, community engagement, and communication; and (c) develop an ability to critique solutions, both in terms of examining the limitations of algorithmic and analytical approaches, as well as identifying and addressing ethical, social, and inequity issues, and the potential consequences of human choice and human impact throughout.

More information on the values, goals, and practices of the program can be found on the Digital and Computational Studies program website.
Curriculum
Planning

Course Offering Plan

The Digital and Computational Studies program provides the following list of possible course offerings for student planning purposes. The course list gives students valuable information regarding the variety and number of courses that will be offered in the future and is useful for students wishing to plan out their course of study over multiple years. The courses listed are not guaranteed to be offered and are subject to change.

Fall 2027

  • DCS 109 Introduction to Computer Science
  • TBD 100-level elective
  • DCS 211 Computing for Insight OR DCS 229 Data Structures and Algorithms
  • TBD 200-level elective
  • TBD 300-level elective
  • DCS 457 Senior Thesis

Winter 2028

  • DCS 109 Introduction to Computer Science
  • DCS 211 Computing for Insight OR DCS 229 Data Structures and Algorithms
  • TBD 300-level elective
  • DCS 458 Senior Thesis

Short Term 2028

  • TBD elective

Fall 2028

  • DCS 109 Introduction to Computer Science
  • TBD 100-level elective
  • DCS 211 Computing for Insight OR DCS 229 Data Structures and Algorithms
  • TBD 200-level elective
  • TBD 300-level elective
  • DCS 457 Senior Thesis

Winter 2029

  • DCS 109 Introduction to Computer Science
  • TBD 100-level elective
  • DCS 211 Computing for Insight OR DCS 229 Data Structures and Algorithms
  • TBD 200-level elective
  • TBD 300-level elective
  • DCS 458 Senior Thesis

Short Term 2029

  • TBD elective

Fall 2029

  • DCS 109 Introduction to Computer Science
  • TBD 100-level elective
  • DCS 211 Computing for Insight OR DCS 229 Data Structures and Algorithms
  • TBD 200-level elective
  • TBD 300-level elective
  • DCS 457 Senior Thesis

Winter 2030

  • DCS 109 Introduction to Computer Science
  • TBD 100-level elective
  • DCS 211 Computing for Insight OR DCS 229 Data Structures and Algorithms
  • TBD 200-level elective
  • TBD 300-level elective
  • DCS 458 Senior Thesis

Short Term 2030

  • TBD elective

Our course catalog may include more information on Digital and Computational Studies, its programs, courses, and requirements.

Full Catalog Listing