The Field
Do you
have an easy time understanding technology and explaining it to others? Do
you like math, science and have a knack for writing or gift
for gab?
The field of technical
communication is a logical extension of the rapid growth in technology. As a
technical communicator, you'll help
users, often consumers, understand and use technology and products. You'll
work closely with engineers and other technical staff and use your expertise to
inform or train others about the product's use. You'll assist both customers
and coworkers in understanding technology.
Communication
tools you'll develop include service manuals,
reports, in-house publications and
audiovisual, multimedia materials, e-business and the mass media.
Along
with engineers, you'll share in
the challenges and responsibilities of moving a product from its development
stages to the hands of the customer.
For
additional information on what technical communication is, visit the Society
for Technical Communication (STC) Homepage.
The Program
Since you'll creatively express ideas and accomplishments, you need an aptitude and education in both the humanities and the sciences and you'll need to relate to many people on many levels.
The degree in technical communication at MSOE is designed to provide you with:
- a core liberal arts education in humanities and social sciences
- courses in the major area which will allow students to design and produce both
- written documents and oral presentations for business, industry and institutions
- literacy in basic engineering, mathematics, physical science, computers and business
At MSOE you have two degree options:
- MSOE's Bachelor of Arts in Technical Communication (TC) lets you focus on a foreign language rather than technical electives. With the B.A. option, you take 15 credits of a foreign language.
- MSOE's Bachelor of Science in Technical Communication (TC) lets you focus on technical electives rather than a foreign language. With the B.S. option, you take 15 credits of technical electives.
MSOE offers a minor, a 2+2 transfer option, and a certificate in technical communication. Learn even more by reading the TC program goals.
MSOE Advantage
Professors bring their years of real-life, working experience into the classroom - to show you how to do what they do. And you will never be taught by a teaching assistant. We deliver small classes
taught by faculty with business experience.
The same learn-by-doing approach you find in the engineering fields, you'll also find in your classroom and high-tech labs.
That
experience will be handy during your internship to put what you've learned to use for a company - before you even graduate.
The Results
The scope of the degree offers you so many job opportunities, which is why our career placement rate for 2010-11 was 100%. Begin your fulfilling career with engineering firms, government, health field services, banking and other financial institutions, insurance companies, public relations firms and mass media (television or radio).
Recent graduates have gone to work for great companies like:
- Boeing Co.
- MGIC
- Netconcepts LLC
- Tomo Therapy Inc.
- Bucyrus International
- Epic Systems Corp.
Additional Information
- Current course tracks and program information from the Undergraduate Academic Catalog
Click to learn more about careers in Technical Communication!
Program Director: Dr. Nadezhda Shalamova
If you would like to learn more about this program, please contact the Admissions Office.
