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Technical Communication

Assistant Professor: C. Renguette (TCM Director)
Associate Professor: M. Hovde, W. Worley
Lecturer: M. Frances Baechle

Rapidly advancing technology increases the need to communicate complex technical information effectively to a variety of audiences and users.  Technical communicators use technology to create necessary resources such as user manuals, online help, websites, training materials, and specifications, etc.

The B.S. degree in Technical Communication requires 120 credit hours.  All courses in Core Area 1 must be completed with a grade of C or better; overall GPA must be  2.0 to graduate.  Students will take courses from four core areas.  These courses prepare students for professional practice in technical communication and related careers.

Technical Communication Bachelor of Science Degree Four Core Areas

Core Area 1.  Technical Communication - 60 credit hours (36 required, 24 elective)
Cores Area 2.  Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) - 18 elective credit hours
Core Area 3.  General Education - 30 credit hours
Core Area 4.  Relevant Electives - 12 credit hours

Certificate in Technical Communication

The Certificate in Technical Communication requires 19 credit hours.  Students will complete 13 hours of required courses and 6 hours of selected courses.

Required Courses: 13 credits

  • Choose either - TCM 23000 Principles and Practices of Technical Communication or TCM 22000 Technical Report Writing - 3 credit hours
  • TCM 24000 - Tools for Technical Communication - 3 credit hours
  • TCM 31000 - Technical and Scientific Editing - 3 credit hours
  • Choose either - TCM 25000Career Planning in Engineering and Technology or TCM 43500 Portfolio Preparation - 1 credit hour
  • One technical or scientific course at or above the 200 level - 3 credit hours

Selected Courses: 6 credits

Choose 2 courses from this list:

  • TCM 32000 - Written Communication in Science and Industry - 3 credit hours
  • TCM 35000 - Visual Technical Communication - 3 credit hours
  • TCM 38000 - Technical Communication in the Healthcare Professions - 3 credit hours
  • TCM 39500 - Independent Study - 3 credit hours
  • TCM 42000 - Field Experience - 3 credit hours
  • TCM 42500 - Managing Document Quality - 3 credit hours
  • TCM 45000 - Research Approaches for Technical & Professional Communication - 3 credit hours
  • One relevant, approved course from another department - 3 credit hours