Computing & Digital Technologies (Minor)

Faculty
The Idzik Computing & Digital Technologies Minor is interdisciplinary by nature and benefits from the contributions of faculty in the Technology and Digital Studies Program, along with a large number of Notre Dame faculty representing an array of academic departments.

Program Overview

The world is awash in the continuous development and application of new digital technologies that impact many aspects of our personal, social, and business lives. The CDT minor works to grow students into “tech savvy leaders” in whatever vocation they choose, by providing them with a balanced mix of technical, social, and work experiences that take into account the rapid change and impacts of technology.

This minor is an interdisciplinary effort between key departments in Arts & Letters along with the Department of Computer Science & Engineering, and other departments across the University, to offer a unique minor. Students will take CDT courses in multiple colleges to enhance their technical skills and increase their understanding of the ways in which technology can contribute to both personal and professional life. CDT enriches the education of program students, broadens their perspectives, and gives them skills and experience that they, and future employers, will value tremendously.

The Computing and Digital Technologies (CDT) minor requires the following courses: 

  • A two-semester core course sequence focused on broadly understanding of applications of computing while gaining programming and analytic skills
  • A one-credit “Technology as a Profession” seminar that introduces students to the variety of ways technology transforms careers and lives
  • Three additional elective courses from one or more of the sub-specialties listed below. 

Required Core Courses

All students are required to complete the two semester (fall–spring) core course Elements of Computing I and II sequence. These courses will be offered every year by a TDS Faculty or a faculty member in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. The core sequence does not assume any prior background in programming and is intended to be an introductory experience for non-engineering students. Ideally, CDT students will complete the core sequences first before taking specialization courses, but that is not generally required. Students are also encouraged to take “Technology as a Profession” as soon as possible upon enrolling in the minor.

Elective Specialty Courses

The CDT elective courses are organized into six categories reflecting the diversity of disciplines within the College of Arts and Letters along with areas of technology expertise that are attractive and legible to potential employers and graduate schools. Program students are encouraged to view these categories as sub-specialty tracks within the minor and may choose to gain depth by taking all of their elective courses in a single track. While specialization is not required, students must take at least two (2) courses with computational/digital focus in a track to earn a specialization in that area.

Courses With and Without Computational or Digital Focus

Most CDT courses have a significant computational or digital focus that involves student learning concerning the use or impacts of technology. However, some may not, instead providing background information that is highly relevant to the particular specialty in question. 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. CDT students are limited to only one course without computational/digital focus when considering their three (3) electives. 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 pages.

CDT Specialty Tracks

  • Artificial Intelligence. This track addresses applied issues in building, using, and critiquing artificial intelligence systems from broad interdisciplinary perspectives. Topics include AI ethics, methods and concerns for building some types of AI systems, impacts of AI on various fields, and organizational impacts and needs. Aspects of this track cut across all other specializations.
  • Digital Arts and Humanities. This track allows students to focus on how technology can assist in the creation and display of artistic expression, advancing the humanistic studies through the application of technology, and how to understand technology as social/cultural artifacts.
  • User Interface and Experience (UI/UX). This track allows students to focus on how technology systems should be designed to enhance and maximize the user experience. 
  • Cyber Safety and Security. This track allows students to focus on the vulnerabilities, threats, protections, investigations and legal issues associated with technology systems. Since 2025, some previously taught courses will not be available. New students interested in this track should talk with an advisor in the minor to determine if the track matches their goals and timelines.
  • Technology Development and Management. This track allows students to focus on the ways in which technology solutions can be developed, implemented, managed, and maintained in organizations. 
  • Generalist. Students who complete the minor without specializing in any of the topical tracks mentioned above, are considered to have approached the program with a generalist perspective and are granted completion under a generalist track. As with other specializations, 2 of the three electives must have a computational and digital focus.

Requirement Completion Options

To complete CDT, a student must take six (6) courses total a minimum of 15 credits, including: 

  • Two (2) core programming/computing courses taken in sequence; and 
  • The “Technology as a Profession” seminar; and 
  • Three (3) elective specialty courses, of which at least two (2) must have a computational and digital focus.

Note: Fewer than three (3) specialty courses or fewer than two (2) courses with computational/digital focus will not fulfill CDT requirements.