BS in Technical Writing & Communication

To explore your interest and prepare for the technical writing & communication (TWC) major, the department recommends students take a few 1xxx-2xxx level courses in English, Communication, or Composition. In addition, take WRIT 1001, Introduction to Technical Writing and Communication, which is required for the major, and cannot be a transfer course.

Approved 1xxx-2xxx level transfer courses can apply towards a sub-plan. A course must be reviewed by the departmental advisor for final approval in the TWC major.

A grade of C- or better is required in all courses approved to satisfy major requirements.

See the catalog for all courses in the major.

Remember, when using Transferology to plan courses for the major, look for courses that transfer as direct equivalents to UMTC major courses. In Transferology, a direct equivalent shows as the UMTC course number. For example, COMM 1101 is a direct equivalent, while COMM 1T*** is not.

In CLA, each department has a process to declare the major. This is a necessary step for the major to be added to the student record. New transfer students do not declare their majors until after they attend orientation.

To declare the technical writing & communication major, students meet with the departmental advisor during a scheduled appointment. Students are asked to complete a declaration form to indicate their previous writing courses, the sub-plan they intend to add, and to write a few paragraphs on their intention for the TWC major. Meeting with the departmental advisor allows students to learn about opportunities within the major and department, as well as plan coursework effectively and efficiently. 

Before declaring as a TWC major, students should take three preparatory courses such as 1xxx-2xxx level courses in English, Communication, or Composition or WRIT 1001: Introduction to Technical Writing and Communication. 

Lower division coursework – We have one lower division course, WRIT 1001 - Introduction to Technical Writing and Communication. This course is specific to the major and taken after transferring to CLA. It cannot be a transfer course.

All other WRIT courses in the Technical Writing and Communication major are at the upper division (3xxx-5xxx level). Transfer courses taken at the 1xxx-level cannot count as 3xxx-level WRIT courses. There are some lower division (1xxx-2xxx level) course options within the sub-plans. 

Major residency requirement – At least 22 upper division credits in the major must be taken at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.

Courses that transfer as equivalent to WRIT courses at UMTC may be accepted in the Technical Writing and Communication major except for in the Core Courses requirement area.

Other transfer courses may be allowed towards the sub-plan requirements. A transfer course must be reviewed by the departmental advisor for final approval in the TWC major.

Transfer courses are evaluated by the department for use towards the major. Check Transferology to see if an evaluation already exists for the courses you would like to use toward the major. If you find a course that has not been evaluated you can submit the course for review. A copy of the course syllabus is required.

The technical writing & communication major is a part of a BS degree, so it does not include the CLA Second Language requirement.

Students do not have to be declared in the Technical Writing and Communication major before registering for many WRIT courses.

For additional questions about the TWC major as you explore and consider transferring, you are encouraged to reach out to the departmental advisor. Transfer students are welcome!