The explosion of digital technology over the past several decades has drastically changed the way journalists and communicators approach their work. Skilled analysts who can collect and analyze data are in high demand. They strategically convey results to help businesses better understand their audiences and determine how to allocate their budget.
The Digital Media Analytics Certificate equips students with data analysis skills and a theoretical understanding of how digital media function in today’s world. In our courses, students will gain a deeper understanding of the role of digital media in journalism, mass communication, strategic communication and sports communication, as well as learn how to use data to create compelling data-driven storytelling.
Requirements and Courses
The Digital Media Analytics Certificate is open to all undergraduate students at UW-Madison. To complete the certificate, students must complete at least 12 credits in the following areas:
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Foundational Courses
Complete at least ONE of the following:
Skills Courses
Complete at lease ONE of the following:
Social Impacts Courses
Complete at lease ONE of the following:
- JOURN/HISTORY 560: History of U.S. Media
- JOURN 561: Mass Communication and Society
- JOURN 563: Law of Mass Communication
- JOURN 564: Media and the Consumer
- JOURN 565: Effects of Mass Communication
- JOURN 566: Communication and Public Opinion
- JOURN/COM ARTS/HDFS 616: Mass Media and Youth
- JOURN/COM ARTS/LSC 617: Health Communication in the Information Age
- JOURN 618: Mass Communication and Political Behavior
- JOURN 620: International Communication
- JOURN 621: Mass Communication in Developing Nations
- JOURN 622: The Impact of Emerging Media
- JOURN 651: Sports Controversies & Communication Professions
- JOURN/ASIAN AM 622: Mass Media and Minorities
- JOURN 664: Social Networks in Communication
- JOURN 670: Community Service Learning: Technology for Social Change
- JOURN 678: Legal & Ethical Dimensions of Emerging Media
Capstone Course
What You’ll Learn
This Certificate will provide you with the foundational concepts of data science and the applicable skills to use digital media efficiently and ethically. You’ll gain hands-on experience with data analytics tools and develop strategies to strategically communicate data-driven solutions.
Throughout your studies, you will learn how to:
- Apply fundamental data science concepts and skills to improve the critical understanding of the roles of evolving digital media in journalism, mass communication, strategic communication and sports communication.
- Effectively and ethically use digital media to communicate complex data and results to a broad and diverse range of stakeholders.
- Strategically, creatively and critically use digital media and analytics for compelling data-driven storytelling.
- Develop understanding of key perspectives in social and media contexts.
- Develop effective practices to advance inclusion and social justice in media professions and communication research.
Get in Touch with Us!
Sandra Kubat is the Undergraduate Academic Adviser for the Digital Media Analytics Certificate. Schedule an appointment with her to learn more about the certificate requirements, help you declare and discuss course options!
Schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with Sandra via Starfish. This will allow you to view her calendar and select a 15- or 30-minute slot that works best for you. If you can’t find a time that works with your schedule, please email Sandra for more options.
If you have a quick question or two, feel free to send her an email directly and you can likely resolve the questions without the need for an appointment.
Declaration Form
If you are ready to officially declare the Digital Media Analytics certificate, please complete the declaration form.
For the 2024-2025 academic year:
- Fall 2024 – First priority enrollment for JOURN 677 will go to students graduating in Fall 2024 who have declared the Digital Media Analytics certificate. Second priority is given to students graduating in Spring 2025 who declared the Digital Media Analytics certificate prior to March 1, 2024.
- Spring 2025 – First priority enrollment for JOURN 677 will go to students who have declared the Digital Media Analytics certificate prior to March 1, 2024 and were not given a seat in Fall 2024. Second priority is given to all other students who have declared the Digital Media Analytics certificate.
If you are a graduate student or a Digital Studies certificate student, please contact your respective advisor about potential enrollment opportunities in JOURN 677.
Sandra Kubat,
Undergraduate Academic Adviser
5136 Vilas Hall
sandra.kubat@wisc.edu