Digital technologies and social media are revolutionizing
the world, and the realm of politics is no exception. Traditional political
behaviors from voting to issue advocacy to exercising freedom of speech and the
press have been disrupted by these new technologies. International politics and
security have also been dramatically transformed, as social movements and
terrorist organizations that now have global reach challenge the dominance of
traditional nation states. The digital politics certificate program (DPCP), offered jointly
by Rutgers University-Camden's Center for Digital Studies and the Department of
Political Science, is designed to:- provide an opportunity for students to explore
how the digital revolution is disrupting power relations and politics;
- develop student skills and understanding of
digital technology that will open pathways to emerging careers that incorporate
social media messaging and analysis, digital data analytics, digital content
creation, and mobilization and communication strategy; and
- connect students with practitioners and experts
in an array of professions transformed by digital politics.
Eligibility
The DPCP is open to any student of any major at Rutgers. The program is recommended for all students who are interested in
learning more about the interaction of digital and political realities,
including those who may want to pursue careers in related fields. Download
an application.
Benefits
Students who are interested in careers in myriad political
sectors--from political campaigns and governmental work to nonprofit advocacy
and/or organizing--will benefit from the knowledge and training provided in
the DPCP program. In an increasingly digital political space, students' ability
to both understand and engage with digital tools will help them to stand out to
potential employers.
Course Requirements
All students enrolled in the DPCP must complete a total of
six courses (18 credits) among those listed here to earn the certificate. Students are required to take three core courses and three elective courses, chosen
from the categories below. The course requirements are as follows:
50:790:218 Introduction to Digital Politics (3)
50:209:101 Introduction to Digital Humanities (3)
50:209:401 Digital Politics/Studies Capstone Project (3)
Electives
One applied digital studies course (3 credits) that will provide students with hands-on
training in the use of digital media. Examples include Introduction to Digital
Video or Introduction to Computer Graphics. See
a list of courses.
Two additional
content-focused courses (6 credits), including:
One course (3
credits) within political science; and
One course (3
credits) that is related to politics that can either be in political science or
in another department. If the course is not in political science, students
should check for course approval from the political science departmentchair.
Courses
Digital Politics Course Options
50:790:103 Basic Urban Issues
50:790:215 Introduction to American Politics
50:790:352 Voting and Opinion
50:790:353 Interest Groups and Social Movements
Core Certificate Course Options
50:209:210 Multimedia Thinking
50:209:220 Design Thinking
50:209:230 Computational Thinking
50:209:301/302/303 Topics in Digital Studies
Frequently-Asked Questions
1. Can I apply previously taken courses toward completion of the certificate?
Any courses taken
from the fall 2015 semester forward may be applied toward completing the
certificate.
2. What if I am enrolled in the digital studies major?
Any student who is
enrolled in the digital studies major may apply credits earned in that program
to the digital politics certificate, as long as they fulfill the criteria
stated above.
Contact
For information on the digital politics certificate program, contact Professor Maureen Donaghy
(maureen.donaghy@rutgers.edu), chair of the Rutgers-Camden Department of Political Science.
Liberal Arts Colleges 
