Graduate Certificate in Technical Communication

Why Pursue a Graduate Certificate in Technical Communication?

Students in the Graduate Certificate in Technical Communication develop foundational knowledge of technical communication. Students learn important, relevant skills, build a professional portfolio, and expand their professional network.

The Certificate program is great for professionals looking to transition into a new career in technical communication, including technical writing and editing, instructional design, UX/UI, grant writing, and more. Other professionals complete the Certificate to develop key writing and accessibility skills that complement and allow them to advance in their current careers.

Many Certificate students apply to our MS in Technical Communication after completing the Certificate program. If a Certificate student applies for and is accepted into the MS program, their core coursework transfers automatically from the Certificate to the MS.

Graduate Handbook

Review our Certificate & MS handbook for current requirements and policies.

Certificate Program Requirements

The Certificate in Technical Communication requires five core courses. Students can complete the program in one to two years; program length depends on how many courses a student takes per term. The five core courses can be taken in any order, although we recommend that students take WRIT 5001 early in their program. 

Fall Courses

• WRIT 5001: Foundations and Futures of Technical Communication (3 credits)
• WRIT 5662: Writing with Digital Technologies (3 credits)

Spring Courses

• WRIT 5112: Information Design (3 credits)
• WRIT 5501: Usability and Human Factors in Technical Communication (3 credits)

Summer Course

• WRIT 5561: Editing and Style for Technical Communicators (3 credits)

Course Cadence

Students typically take one to two courses per term. Students select the number of courses per term that works best for their schedule, and the course load can change between terms as other priorities arise. Current and upcoming graduate-level courses are available in Schedule Builder.

Catalog Requirements