Professional Programs
We offer two fully online programs for students to develop or enhance their knowledge and skills in technical communication: a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Technical Communication and a Master of Science (MS) in Technical Communication. Additionally, we offer a Graduate Minor in Technical Communication for students already enrolled in another masters program at UMN.
Students in these programs apply research-driven approaches to create and adapt content to solve complex problems in technical communication workplaces. Students connect with workplace professionals through client projects, virtual and global teamwork, mentorships, and emerging technologies. These experiences enable students to develop unique strengths in digital, usability, and science/health/medical communication.
As part of these experience-driven programs, students:
- understand the history, professionalism, and discourse of the field, including the ability to apply rhetorical theory/principles to scientific and technical communication;
- visualize, write, design, and manage content for multiple media and contexts;
- lead local/virtual/global teams in the design, development, and evaluation of scientific and technical communication;
- plan and conduct research to meet user and strategic work needs;
- construct and foster connected, collaborative, interactive environments; and
- apply technical communication research to a specific industry (e.g., health, technology, usability, public policy, education).
Important Update: There will be no summer admissions cycle in 2025. All applicants interested in a Fall 2025 program start must apply by the April 1, 2025 deadline. April 1 will be the only deadline for a Fall 2025 program entry; we will not have a July 1 deadline this year. Please contact Allie Cooperman at [email protected] with any questions or concerns.
Certificate and MS Programs
The fully online Certificate in Technical Communication and MS in Technical Communication are designed for working professionals looking to advance their careers in technical communication. All courses are offered online and asynchronously, and students typically take one to two courses per term. You can apply to begin either program in the fall, spring, or summer term.
If a Certificate student applies for and is accepted into the MS program, their core coursework transfers automatically from the Certificate to the MS. Many students start with the Certificate and transition to the MS.
| Program | Credits | Number of Courses | Program Length | Consider If You... |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate | 15 | 5 | 1 - 2 years | Are transitioning into technical communication from another career. |
| MS | 30 | 10 | 2 - 3 years | Are looking to advance your career in technical communication. |
Learn more about our Certificate and MS programs:
Note: The MS in Scientific & Technical Communication is now called the MS in Technical Communication! Only the name has changed; all curricular and other degree requirements remain the same. Prospective students should apply to the MS in Technical Communication.
Graduate Minor
Interested in adding a graduate minor in technical communication to another masters program? Review our Graduate Minor in Technical Communication (previously called the Graduate Minor in Scientific & Technical Communication)!
Non-Degree Graduate Credit
The Certificate and MS programs welcome non-degree-seeking students to take their graduate courses. Prospective students should contact the class instructor for permission. Please view our Non-Degree Graduate Credit page for more information about the registration process.
Contact Us!
We invite you to learn more about our programs and the opportunities that the Department of Writing Studies provides our graduate students. We welcome your questions! Please contact Allie Cooperman, Graduate Programs Coordinator by:
- Email: [email protected] (preferred)
- Phone: 612-624-4761 (alternate)
- Zoom: Schedule a meeting
We also invite you to register to attend an information session to learn more about our programs and how to apply. If you are considering applying for one of our programs, review our application requirements.