Certificate & MS Program Costs
We recognize the financial barriers to pursuing a graduate degree. At this time, we do not offer department fellowships or assistantships to Certificate or MS students. We encourage you to explore the program costs, financial aid eligibility, and available funding opportunities before applying.
Cost of Attendance
The current tuition rates and student fee rates are listed on One Stop Student Services. Tuition rates are listed by credit.
Certificate Tuition Rates
The tuition rates for the Certificate in Technical Communication are listed under “Post-baccalaureate tuition rates.” Select “College of Liberal Arts (CLA)” and scroll down to “Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Technical Communication.” When calculating total tuition costs, remember that the Certificate requires 15 credits.
MS Tuition Rates
The tuition rates for the MS in Technical Communication are listed under “Graduate and professional.” When calculating total tuition costs, remember that the MS requires 30 credits.
Student Fees
Enrolled students at the University of Minnesota pay student fees in addition to tuition. The total fee amount differs based on the term (fall, spring, or summer) and the number of credits for which a student is registered. Fee payments are typically due at the beginning of the term.
Financial Aid
We encourage all prospective and current students to contact One Stop Student Services to learn about the financial aid options available for the Certificate and MS. There are important differences in financial aid eligibility between the two programs.
Funding Opportunities
The University of Minnesota offers several funding opportunities for Certificate and MS students. The Department of Writing Studies also disseminates announcements about paid internships, grant and fellowship programs, and other University and external opportunities as they become available.
Eligible University of Minnesota employees can apply for partial tuition coverage through the Regents Tuition Benefit Program. Additionally, some non-University employers offer financial assistance for graduate programs. Please explore potential reimbursement programs and eligibility requirements with your employer.
Current students can apply for graduate assistant positions outside of the Department of Writing Studies. Graduate assistant positions often come with tuition coverage, a stipend, and health insurance options.
As described on their website, the Professional Diversity of Views and Experiences (DOVE) Fellowship "is intended to assist professional degree programs in promoting a diversity of views, experiences, and ideas through the recruitment and support of academically excellent students with diverse views and experiences." The fellowship includes a stipend, tuition waivers, and subsidized health insurance for one calendar year.
This award requires program nomination in early February for fall semester applications. Because this nomination deadline precedes the program's application deadline for fall admissions, interested applicants should plan to apply by January 1 instead. Applicants should contact Allie Cooperman at [email protected] to communicate interest in having their application considered for a program nomination.
As described on their website, the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) Scholarship “was established in 2008 through a generous gift from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. The SMSC scholarship program is designed to recruit and retain talented American Indian students with demonstrated financial need to the University of Minnesota.” Please review the SMSC scholarship website for additional information about eligibility and deadlines.
The Graduate School lists a range of funding opportunities for graduate students, including fellowships and grants. The Department of Writing Studies supports students in applying for these opportunities.
Pay Rate for Graduate Assistantships
The minimum pay rate for graduate assistantships in the College of Liberal Arts for the 2025-26 academic year is $28.94/hour.