Welcome to the Department of Communication and Digital Studies
If you are interested in declaring the CDS major, or have questions about the major/department, please contact Dr. Anand Rao, CDS Department Chair (arao [at] umw.edu).
The Major in Communication and Digital Studies and the Minor in Digital Studies are two closely related programs that build on the digital teaching and learning that have made UMW a national leader in digital initiatives. Many of the courses available as requirements or electives in this minor build upon UMW’s distinctive approach to innovating with digital platforms, including projects such as UMW Blogs, UMW Domains, and the ThinkLab.
For more information about either program, browse the pages here, consult the catalog, or contact Anand Rao (arao@umw.edu) or Zach Whalen (zwhalen@umw.edu).
See why CDS was included as one of UMW’s distinctive opportunities in the video below (plus: the video thumbnail features one of our own, Katie, as she worked in the HCC!). For more videos about CDS and UMW, see our page for prospective students.
For updates about courses, opportunities, and events, please join us on Facebook!
Our Mission Statement:
The Department of Communication and Digital Studies is dedicated to the understanding and interdisciplinary study of communication and digital studies, which is at the heart of the institution’s liberal arts mission. The department provides rigorous training and applied study for students to prepare them for philosophical, rhetorical, and ethical challenges in order to produce graduates who can communicate effectively in a global, diverse and digitally-connected society. The department also aims to provide students with a broad-based understanding of the inherent value of communication, fluency with digital methodologies, and responsible participation in digital cultures to purposeful citizenship, through its General Education courses.
Be sure to read about Lambda Pi Eta (LPE) the honor society for students in communication.
Kim Carbajo’s project for a “Rebuilding the Internet” assignment in Digital Studies 101. Read more about this sculpture and find more pictures at her blog.