Below you’ll find frequently asked questions about the Graduate Certificate Program in the Digital Humanities (GCP/DH).
What are the requirements?
Before beginning the GCP/DH, students must meet with the Faculty Director to discuss a course of study. Students must complete three courses drawn from a pre-approved list. Only 40% of the courses can count toward the certificate and the student’s degree program. Students must also complete a digital humanities field experience for credit.
Who is eligible?
The GCP/DH is open to UNC-CH graduate students across all departments in the College of Arts and Sciences, as well as students in the professional schools. The program is also open to non-degree-seeking students, including independent scholars, faculty and staff at UNC campuses, postdocs, K-12 teachers and curriculum specialists, and professionals working in cultural heritage organizations, who may enroll in digital humanities courses through the Friday Center for Continuing Education. Note that students must submit a form stating their interest and outlining a plan for their course of study.
Do I have to be enrolled in a humanities program to pursue the GCP/DH?
No. Graduate students in the professional schools are also eligible.
How long do I have to complete the courses and field experience?
Students must complete the certificate before they graduate from their program. If you are a non-degree seeking student, there is no set timeframe for completing the program, but you should coordinate your progress with the Faculty Director of the GCP/DH.
How do I enroll?
To enroll, a student must first meet with the Faculty Director of the GCP/DH to discuss eligibility and a plan of study. The student must then complete the Intent to Pursue the GCP/DH, available here. The Faculty Director of the GCP/DH will approve the plan of study in consultation with the CDHI Curriculum Committee.
How can I find DH courses?
Digital humanities courses at UNC, Duke and NC State will be listed on the CDHI website prior to registration. If you find a course that you believe should be part of the certificate and is not listed, please email Dan Anderson. Course lists for the current and previous semesters are available here. Remember, only graduate level courses can be counted toward the certificate. (Typically those numbered 400 or above.)
I completed a course in the digital humanities prior to enrolling in the GCP/DH. Can I count this course towards my certificate?
Courses completed prior to enrollment will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Students should provide a course description and syllabus from the course. Students should contact Dan Anderson with this information.
I completed a field experience in the digital humanities prior to enrolling in the GCP/DH. Can I count this experience towards my certificate?
Field experiences completed prior to enrollment will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Students should contact Dan Anderson for more information.
Can I take courses at other universities?
Yes. An approved list of digital humanities courses available at Duke University and North Carolina State University are available each semester. Registration for these is done through regular inter-institutional registration processes. It is important to remember that at least one of the three digital humanities courses counting toward the GCP/DH MUST be taken at UNC.
How many courses for the certificate must be outside my area of study? In my area of study?
There are no requirements regarding the number of courses taken inside or outside of your area of study. Instead, the emphasis is on creating a coherent plan of study by choosing courses that complement your scholarly interests and career goals. However, it is important to note that only 40% of credit hours can count toward both the GCP/DH and your degree. Additionally, at least one course must be completed at UNC.
I have taken 3 courses in my program related to digital humanities. Am I eligible for the certificate?
Possibly. Courses taken prior to enrolling in the GCP/DH are considered on a case-by-case basis, and only 40% of credit hours can count toward both the GCP/DH and your degree.
What are the options for field experience?
The field experience is meant to complement coursework in the program with hands-on activities that allow you to put theory into practice. This might take place in a digital humanities lab, a cultural heritage organization, or through digital work in a library or archive. This is not an exhaustive list, so be creative and keep an eye out for an opportunity that suits your interests and career goals! Opportunities at UNC, around the Triangle, and beyond are all fair game.
Can I count an Independent Study course toward the certificate?
Yes, Independent Study courses will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Students should provide a course description and syllabus from the course. Students should contact Dan Anderson with this information.
Do I need to enroll in a course in order to get credit for the field experience to count toward the GCP/DH?
Yes, students are required to enroll in AMST 795: Digital Humanities Field Experience. Depending on the number of hours that will be worked as part of the field experience, students can register for one, two, or three credits. Other vehicles for earning credit for a field experience or internship will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Field experiences must be coordinated with a site supervisor and the Faculty Director of the GCP/DH. Details about AMST 795 are available here, and the required registration form can be found here.
Still have questions? Contact Dan Anderson.