Technology and Humanities (Ph.D.)
This degree educates a new type of humanities Ph.D., one who will bring original contributions to scholarship, thinking, and learning to better understand the complex relationships between humans and technology.
The Ph.D. in technology and humanities prepares students for faculty-line and alternative academic careers in university research and teaching, as well as for advanced research and development positions in the private and government sectors. You will establish a strong foundation in the digital research methods necessary to deeply investigate the unique problems surrounding humans and their relationships to technology. Additionally, you'll learn to consider technology through the theoretical lenses of a number of core humanities disciplines, such as history, language, media studies, communication, and philosophy.
As a unique complement to the program’s research methods and subject breadth, you'll be given instruction and ample opportunities to explore applied knowledge via research-intensive approaches to digital design and production, such as web design/development and game design.
Students may choose from five concentration options:
- Communication and Media Studies
- Linguistics
- Technical Communication
- Philosophy
- History
Program Overview
This degree explores the complex relationships between humans and technology. Students study digital research methods and learn to consider technology through the theoretical lenses of a number of core humanities disciplines, such as history, language, media studies, communication, and philosophy.
Career Opportunities
As a graduate of Illinois Tech’s Ph.D. in technology and humanities program, you will be prepared for careers in the following areas:
- Research and teaching at the postsecondary level
- Alt-ac careers in university research and teaching
- Advanced research and development positions in the private and government sectors
The Ph.D. in technology and humanities requires 72 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree. Students who have earned a master’s degree in a relevant field or have undertaken graduate work in relevant fields may transfer credit hours toward the doctoral degree (up to 36 credit hours for graduate course work in relevant fields at Illinois Tech or up to 30 credit hours for graduate course work in relevant fields from other institutions). Transfer credit decisions are made by the Graduate Studies Committee.
More information on course requirements can be found in the 2019-2020 Graduate Bulletin.
Students enter the Ph.D. program from a wide range of fields but should have substantial academic preparation or professional experience related to one or more humanities fields. Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a field that, in combination with the 30 credit hour technical core, would provide a solid basis for advanced academic work leading to original research in technology and humanities.
Featured Faculty
Carly A. Kocurek
Mohamed El Marzouki
Matt Bauer
Gregory Pulliam
"The Humanities department is often described as eclectic due to the diversity in research interests among faculty. Studying with different professors helped build a wide skillset and familiarity with different tools and research methods. I am prepared as a scholar-practitioner, and well-equipped to enter academe or design and research. I recently accepted a Professional Lecturer position in the School of Design in the College of Computing and Digital Media at DePaul University and am teaching game design and games studies."
