Technology, Media, and Communications

The TMaC specialization equips students for careers in today’s digital work place. We believe that understanding the policy implications of digital technology and having practical skills are essential. Digital technologies have transformed all the areas that SIPA students care about: development, advocacy, policy making, media, human rights, business and government so we offer courses that cut across disciplines.

Our skills courses teach data visualization, speech writing, data scraping and using social media for campaigning. Current digital production techniques and digital distribution channels have given organizations new communications strategies and we explore the technical and theoretical tricks, turns and pitfalls of this new 21st century paradigm. Many of our writing courses are taught by award-winning journalists who emphasize research and how to communicate clearly and effectively.

TMaC offers courses on design thinking, digital diplomacy, e-government, digital activism, and surveillance and the regulatory and policy questions surrounding digital technology. We consider the effect that the digital revolution is having on international affairs and government as well as the policies and practices that can help new technologies promote development, human rights and social change.

Students enrolled in the Technology, Media, and Communications Specialization are required to take three courses of their choosing but may take more if their schedule permits. We don’t have required courses or tracks because we know that our students are interested in a wide range of subjects. We tweak our course listings each year in response to what students, alumni and employers tell us is important for today’s work place.

Contact Us

Anya Schiffrin, Senior Lecturer in Discipline
Specialization Director

Laura Dankowski Mercado 
Specializations Coordinator
ld3071@columbia.edu