For those interested in graduate study in digital humanities or tech comm, come to Illinois Tech! We offer an M.S. in Technical Communication and Information Architecture (TCIA), and both an M.S. and Ph.D. in Technology and Humanities.

Our Technology and Humanities programs are anchored in the digital humanities and science and technology studies. Our faculty have expertise in ethics, the history of computing, gender and technology, digital humanities, STS, game studies, technical communication, linguistics, media studies, and social media. Seriously, check out all these cool things we do.

Technical Communication and Information Architecture

First up, the TCIA degree emphasizes professional and technical skills in a humanities framework. Graduates work at companies like YouTube, Facebook, MongoDB, major airlines, and Chicago-based startups. Students develop websites and web applications. They design documents and interfaces. And, they write and edit a variety of technical documentation.

The program assumes no existing technical experience, but applicants should have strong writing and communication skills. As a program, TCIA focuses on hands-on projects and skill building.

Technology and Humanities

Next, the Technology and Humanities programs emphasize the interdisciplinary study of technology in a humanities context. We have had students engaged in work in game studies with an emphasis on gender and sexuality; social media studies; technical communication within a linguistics framework; space and place in social media; the use of social media by activist communities; serious game development; game development for medical applications; ethics in game design; ethics in artificial intelligence; and other topics. We take a student-centered approach and offer a lot of tailored experiences. So, if you have a digital humanities or STS-related research interest, we might be a good option. If you’re interested in the program and have questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me!

We admit students for the Ph.D. with or without previous graduate work. For students with a master’s degree, the Ph.D. is a 4-year program on paper, but many students take a 5th year to fully develop their dissertation.

Now, you’re probably wondering what our graduates do. A fair number go on to academic work. We have recent alumni working at universities including the University of Alabama Huntsville, DePaul, the University of North Texas, and Towson University. But, we also have graduate alumni working as researchers at leading tech companies. Internships are not only permitted, but encouraged. As a program, we want our students to succeed on the path that is right for them, and we want to ensure our graduates understand a variety of potential careers. Our PhD students do work that matters no matter where they do it.

Funding

With rare exceptions, we do not admit unfunded PhD students. This means that if you are admitted, we anticipate offering you at least partial funding. M.S. students sometimes receive funding, but we prioritize PhD students.

Current students serve as teaching assistants or research assistants or work in the university writing center or in the Center for the Study of Ethics in the Professions. We aim to provide teaching experience for all students who plan to pursue academic careers which starts with teaching assistanceships before students serve as instructors of record. Often, students have the opportunity to design their own course.

Faculty

If you wonder what I do, this summary covers what I did last year and should give you some idea. If you’re interested in some combination of games, history, and/or gender, I’m a good fit. Additionally, if you want to make games about topics related to gender or you’re interested in producing serious games, I might also be a good fit.

Assuming you’re curious about the rest of our faculty (they’re great!), read about them on the department website.

Application

The priority application deadline is January 31, but we review applications on an ongoing basis. We make funding decisions for Fall 2020 no later than April, so apply sooner rather than later. Begin your application here, or reach out with any questions you might have. I’m available by email at ckocurek@iit.edu or you can always snag me on Twitter.