Technical Communication

Program Overview

Through a combination of writing, design, and technology, graduates develop expertise in creating user-centered digital and print materials, preparing them for careers in fields such as technical writing, user experience design, and project management.

Program Outline

Objectives:

• Graduates will be able to effectively analyze, write, design, produce, and manage print and digital information using both traditional and emerging technologies.
• They will develop strong communication skills, including the ability to adapt their style and approach to different audiences and purposes.
• Technical communication graduates will also gain valuable experience in project management, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Program Description:

The Technical Communication program combines a strong foundation in writing, editing, and visual communication with hands-on experience in multimedia and web design. They will also gain proficiency in using relevant software tools and technologies. This program is offered both on-campus and online, with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. The on-campus program requires students to complete 120 credit hours, while the online program requires 129 credit hours.

Outline:

Core Courses:

• Technical Writing I and II
• Editing for Technical Communication
• Visual Communication
• Introduction to User Experience (UX) Design
• Web Content Design and Development
• Project Management for Technical Communicators
• Ethics and Professionalism in Technical Communication

Elective Courses:

Students can choose from a variety of elective courses to tailor the program to their specific interests and career goals. Some popular elective courses include:

• Data Visualization
• Social Media Communication
• Grant Writing
• Technical Proposal Writing
• Usability Testing
• Advanced Web Design

Program Structure:

The Technical Communication program is divided into three main stages:

• Freshman Year: Students will focus on developing their foundational writing, editing, and visual communication skills.
• Sophomore Year: Students will begin to specialize in technical communication through coursework in user experience design, information architecture, and web development.
Students can access the specific course schedule on the ASU website.

Modules:

The Technical Communication program does not have a modular structure. However, students can choose from a variety of elective courses to customize their learning experience and focus on specific areas of interest.

Assessment:

The Technical Communication program uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning. These methods include:

• Exams: Students will take exams to assess their understanding of key concepts and theories.
• Papers and projects: Students will complete various writing assignments and projects to demonstrate their ability to apply their skills to real-world situations.
• Presentations: Students will give presentations to showcase their work and communicate effectively with different audiences.
• Portfolios: Students will compile a portfolio of their best work to demonstrate their overall skills and development in technical communication.

Teaching:

The Technical Communication program is taught by experienced faculty members who are experts in their fields. Many of the faculty members have industry experience and are actively involved in research.

Teaching Methods:

They have expertise in areas such as user experience design, technical writing, information architecture, and web development.

Unique Approaches:

The Technical Communication program utilizes a project-based learning approach. Students will work on real-world projects throughout their program, providing them with valuable hands-on experience and preparing them for the workplace.

Careers:

Graduates of the Technical Communication program are well-prepared for a variety of careers in the field. Some of the most common job titles include:

• Technical Writer
• User Experience Designer
• Web Content Creator
• Grant Writer
• Project Manager
• Communications Specialist
The Technical Communication program also prepares students for graduate studies in technical communication or related fields.

Other:

• The Technical Communication program is accredited by the Association for Business Communication (ABC).
• Students in the program have the opportunity to participate in internships and co-ops to gain experience in the field.
• The program offers several scholarship opportunities for qualifying students.