Program Overview
The graduate certificate in technical communication provides students with a foundation in the theory and practice of technical communication, including writing, editing, design, and software applications. It is designed for graduate students and industry professionals seeking to enhance their careers or pursue a change in career. The program requires 15 credit hours of coursework, including required courses in digital literacies, technical communication, and information design, as well as electives in related fields. Graduates must assemble a final portfolio representing their work in the program.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The graduate certificate in technical communication is designed for graduate students and industry professionals seeking a foundation in the theory and practice of technical communication. This foundation provides students with the kinds of competencies expected from technical communication professionals, including writing, editing, design, and software applications. The technical communication certificate is designed for the following students:
- Part- and full-time UNO students pursuing graduate degrees, who are seeking a cognate area outside, but relevant to, their primary program of study;
- Industry professionals seeking to develop the knowledge and skills for a career in technical communication; and
- Business or technical professionals seeking to enhance their employment opportunities through a professional development program.
Outline:
Required Courses:
- ENGL 8816 DIGITAL LITERACIES FOR TECHNICAL COMMUNICATORS (3 credits)
- ENGL 8836 TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION (3 credits)
- Or other approved courses in consultation with the director.
Electives:
- Select 6 hours from the following:
- ENGL 8806 ENGLISH INTERNSHIP (1-3 credits)
- ENGL 8876 TECHNICAL EDITING (3 credits)
- ENGL 8896 CAPSTONE COURSE IN TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION (3 credits)
- CMST 8156 CORPORATE TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT (3 credits)
- CMST 8196 COMPUTER-MEDIATED COMMUNICATION (3 credits)
- Some courses from English or the School of Communication may be substituted with the director's approval.
Total Credits:
15
Exit Requirements:
- Students will assemble a final portfolio representing their achievement in the five courses (15 hours).
- The portfolio will contain at least one writing sample/project from each course and will be reviewed by the technical communication program director and one other member of the graduate faculty from the Department of English or the School of Communication.
- Faculty teaching these courses will be aware of this portfolio requirement and will assign work that can be used as part of the portfolio (e.g., a report, user’s manual, website, etc.).
Other:
- The program is offered by the Department of English, College of Arts & Sciences, and the School of Communication, College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media.
- The program's vision statement is: "The graduate certificate in technical communication is designed for graduate students and industry professionals seeking a foundation in the theory and practice of technical communication. This foundation provides students with the kinds of competencies expected from technical communication professionals, including writing, editing, design, and software applications."
- Tracy Bridgeford, PhD, Director
- 192A Arts & Science Hall (ASH)
- 402.554.3312
- Ramon Guerra, PhD, Graduate Program Chair (GPC)
- 189E Arts & Science Hall (ASH)
- 402.554.2096
University of Nebraska Omaha
Overview:
University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) is a public metropolitan university located in Omaha, Nebraska. It is part of the University of Nebraska system and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. UNO is known for its commitment to student success, affordability, and engagement with the Omaha community.
Services Offered:
UNO provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Writing Center, Speech Center, tutoring services, and academic advising.Student Life:
Student organizations, student government, campus recreation, health services, and housing options.Career Services:
Career counseling, internship opportunities, and job placement assistance.Financial Aid:
Scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.Military and Veteran Services:
Dedicated resources and support for military-connected students.Library:
Extensive collection of books, journals, and digital resources.Campus Safety:
Security personnel, emergency procedures, and safety resources.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UNO offers a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for student involvement. Students can participate in a wide variety of clubs, organizations, and activities, including:
Athletics:
Cheer on the Mavericks in NCAA Division I sports.Events:
Attend concerts, lectures, performances, and community festivals.Student Center:
The Milo Bail Student Center provides a hub for student activities, dining, and social gatherings.Campus Recreation:
Participate in fitness classes, intramural sports, and outdoor activities.Key Reasons to Study There:
Affordable Tuition:
UNO offers competitive tuition rates, making it a value-driven option for students.Metropolitan Location:
Located in Omaha, a thriving city with diverse cultural offerings and job opportunities.Community Engagement:
UNO is deeply involved in the Omaha community through service learning, internships, and partnerships.Military Friendliness:
Recognized as a top institution for military friendliness, providing support for veterans and active-duty personnel.Exceptional Campus Life:
Offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience with numerous opportunities for student involvement.Academic Programs:
UNO offers a wide range of academic programs across its six colleges:
College of Arts and Sciences:
Humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics.College of Business Administration:
Business, accounting, finance, and marketing.College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media:
Communication, journalism, music, theatre, and art.College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences:
Education, health sciences, and human services.College of Information Science & Technology:
Computer science, information technology, and cybersecurity.College of Public Affairs and Community Service:
Public administration, criminal justice, and social work.Other:
- UNO has a strong focus on research and creative activity, offering opportunities for students to engage in research projects and scholarly endeavors.
- The university has a diverse student body, representing a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.
- UNO is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.
Entry Requirements:
- Applicants must have completed a baccalaureate degree in English or a related degree with at least a 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) GPA.
- Applicants must have a command of oral and written English.
- Those who do not hold a baccalaureate or other advanced degree from the U.S., OR a baccalaureate or other advanced degree from a predetermined country on the waiver list, must meet the minimum language proficiency score requirement in order to be considered for admission.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- Paper-based TOEFL: 550
- Internet-based TOEFL: 80
- IELTS: 6.5
- PTE: 53
- Duolingo: 105
Note:
If interested in a graduate assistantship, minimum scores are as follows:
- Paper-based TOEFL: 600
- Internet-based TOEFL: 100
- IELTS: 8
- PTE: 68
- Duolingo: 120
