MS in Technical Communication

Why Pursue an MS in Technical Communication?

Students in the MS in Technical Communication (previously called the MS in Scientific & Technical Communication) develop foundational knowledge in technical communication through five core courses. With elective coursework, MS students apply that knowledge to one or more areas of interest, such as UX/UI, instructional design, health and medical writing, and more. Our capstone course helps students build their professional portfolio and learn critical skills for developing applied research reports.

The MS program is great for professionals looking to advance their careers in technical communication and specialize in an area of interest.

Graduate Handbook

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

MS Program Requirements

The MS in Technical Communication requires 30 credits with coursework within and outside of the Department of Writing Studies. 

Core Courses (15 Credits)

MS students complete the same five core courses as Certificate students:

• WRIT 5001: Foundations and Futures of Technical Communication (3 credits)
• WRIT 5112: Information Design (3 credits)
• WRIT 5501: Usability and Human Factors in Technical Communication (3 credits)
• WRIT 5561: Editing and Style for Technical Communicators (3 credits)
• WRIT 5662: Writing with Digital Technologies (3 credits)

Elective Course (3 Credits)

The elective course allows MS students to specialize their studies in an area of interest. Students select one of the following courses based on their goals and course availability:

• WRIT 4562: International Professional Communication (3 credits)
• WRIT 4573W: Writing Proposals and Grant Management (3 credits)
• WRIT 5664: Science, Medical, and Health Writing (3 credits)
• WRIT 8011: Research Methods in Writing Studies and Technical Communication (3 credits)

Outside Coursework (9 Credits)

MS students complete nine credits of coursework (typically three 3-credit courses) outside of the Department of Writing Studies. Outside coursework allows students to expand their skill set and apply their knowledge of technical communication to areas of interest. Many of our students pursue courses related to health informatics, instructional design, UX/UI, data visualization, and more.

Capstone Course (3 Credits)

All MS students must complete WRIT 8505: Professional Practice. This course allows students to synthesize what they’ve learned in the MS program, develop research and scientific writing reports for professional settings, and practice oral communication skills. 

WRIT 8505 is offered each spring, and we encourage students to complete the course during or near their final term in the program.

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

Full Requirements