Requirements
Program requirements include core courses of Elements of Computing 1 and 2 and the Technology as a Profession course along with three electives, two of which must have a computational and digital focus. Students may specialize their electives according to specific tracks if desired.
Required Core Courses
Elements of Computing I and II
All program students are required to complete the two-semester sequence of Elements of Computing I (CDT 30010 or CSE 10100) and Elements of Computing II (CDT 30020 or CSE 102000). The sequence does not assume any prior background in programming and is intended to be an introductory experience for non-engineering students. It is not necessary for CDT students to complete the core sequences first before taking specialization courses. However, we recommend taking the core sequence as soon as possible and in a consecutive (Fall-Spring) sequence. Elements of Computing II is not typically available in the Fall.
Technology as a Profession Seminar
This course is a 1-credit class that is required for all CDT program students and taught each Fall (CDT 30030) and Spring semester (CDT 30040). Students are recommended to take this course as soon as possible because it helps with career discernment, planning and job searching. Do not put this off until senior year unless absolutely necessary. The purpose of this course is to give all CDT students an opportunity to hear from experienced technology professionals about various matters including what led them to a technology career, what preparation they had for their careers, how liberal arts students can thrive in this profession, and what advice they would give students now based on their own professional experiences.
Elective Courses
Specialty Tracks
The CDT elective courses are organized into four groups or tracks reflecting the diversity of disciplines within the College of Arts and Letters along with areas of technology expertise that are attractive to employers. Students are encouraged to view these groupings as sub-specialty tracks within the minor. While specialization is not required, students must take at least two (2) courses with a computational and digital focus in a track to earn a specialization in that area.
Active specialty tracks are:
- User Interface and Experience
- Cyber Safety and Security (Currently on hold)
- Digital Arts
- Technology Development and Management
Track descriptions CDT courses
Courses with and without Computational or Digital Focus
Most CDT courses have a significant computational or digital focus that involves students learning how to use or create technology. However, some may not, instead providing background information and analysis that is highly relevant to the particular specialty in question.
CDT students are limited to only one course without computational/digital focus in any specialization track. If a student earns a specialization in a track with only two courses, both must have a computational/digital focus.
Classes with and without computational/digital focus in each track are shown where applicable on the courses page. In those courses without a computational/digital focus, CDT students are encouraged to take advantage of any project or paper requirements in the class to reflect on how computational methods or technology can be brought to bear on the subject matter of the course.
Elective Completion Options
In summary, the three elective specialty courses can be taken in one of the following five configurations:
- Three (3) courses with computational/digital focus in one track (earns track specialization); or
- Two (2) courses with computational/digital focus in one track and one (1) without computational/digital focus in same track (earns track specialization); or
- Two (2) courses with computational/digital focus in one track and one (1) with or without computational/digital focus in another track (earns track specialization); or
- One (1) course with computational/digital focus in each of three different tracks (does not earn track specialization); or
- One (1) course with computational/digital focus in each of two different tracks and one (1) without computational/digital focus in any track (does not earn track specialization).
NOTE: Fewer than three (3) specialty courses or fewer than two (2) courses with computational/digital focus will NOT fulfill CDT requirements.