BS in Technical Writing & Communication
Technical communicators write, organize, edit, and design information for a variety of workplace settings in business, health, technology, science, environment, and law. Turn your love of writing into a professional career with a technical writing & communication major.
The Writing Studies Department has developed competency areas to help students succeed in the technical communication field. As a major, you will study theories of rhetoric and communication and apply principles of audience analysis, digital writing, editing, information design, and usability. In our courses, you will engage in writing as a process and examine writing within diverse cultures and communities.
As a technical writing & communication major, you will complete nine core classes, six required electives classes as well as four to five classes in one of four sub-plans. Your sub-plan allows you to focus on an area of interest by taking courses from outside the department to fulfill your degree requirements.
Why Major in TWC?
- Flexible Specialization: Cultivate essential skills while developing domain knowledge in a subplan area such as information technology and design, biological and health sciences, legal discourse and public policy, or environmental science, making TWC an excellent choice for pre-med, pre-law, or double majors.
- Theory-informed Practice: Gain experience with the techniques and technologies that shape the production and circulation of digital content.
- Future-proof Skills: Focus on flexible, enduring skills like critical thinking, rhetorical analysis, effective communication, and problem-solving.
- Professional Networking and Mentorship: Engage with our advisory board of alumni and industry professionals.
Tracks
Information Technology and Design
This sub-plan offers courses in web design, media production, information technology, visual rhetoric, and message design. This is a good sub-plan choice for students with a background or interest in computer science, engineering, design, visual communication, or technology.
Biological and Health Sciences
This sub-plan offers courses in communication related to public health, pharmacy, or biomedical technology. This is a good sub-plan choice for students with a background or interest in biology, chemistry, anatomy, public health, nursing, or medicine.
Legal Discourse and Public Policy
This sub-plan offers courses in government, politics, law, and public policy. This is a good sub-plan choice for students with a background or interest in political science, economics, sociology, law, or philosophy.
Environmental Science
This sub-plan offers courses in natural resources, sustainability, land conservation, and environmental issues. This is a good sub-plan choice for students with a background or interest in environmental studies, geography, ecology, applied economics, forestry and natural resources, urban studies, or earth sciences.
Transfer Guide
If you are exploring or planning to transfer to CLA, learning more about your intended major is important.
Click on the ” Full Requirements” button above to see all of the major requirements, and any limits or restrictions on certain kinds of courses or credits. Every major has a requirement of a minimum number of upper level credits or courses that must be taken through their department. Some departments also have limits to the number of 1xxx or 2xxx level courses that can count towards major requirements.
Courses to Prepare for the Major
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. These courses serve as essential preparation, although they generally do not count towards specific major requirements. Strong writing skills and an interest in writing and communication are very important for the TWC major.
WRIT 1001 Introduction to Technical Writing and Communication is a required major course, which cannot be satisfied with a transfer course. However, 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.
Transferring Courses and Credits
Use Transferology to help you plan your courses for the major. Remember, when using Transferology, look for courses that transfer as direct equivalents to UMTC major courses.
Check Transferology to see if an evaluation already exists for courses you would like to use towards the major. If you find a course that has not been evaluated, you can submit an evaluation request to find out if your course is equivalent to a specific UMTC course. A copy of the course syllabus is required for the evaluation.
Declaring the Major
Transfer students must apply and be admitted to the College of Liberal Arts in order to declare a major. Check out the information on the Technical Writing and Communication declaration process on the Declare page.
Who Can Help as You Plan Your Transfer
- CLA Transfer Advising - CLA Transfer Advisors are ready to assist you as you plan your transfer to CLA. The Transfer to CLA website provides additional information to help you in your transfer exploration and planning.
- Technical Writing and Communication Department Advising - The departmental advisor can answer questions that are specific to the major.
- Office of Admissions - Requirements for admission to CLA are not the same as the requirements to declare a major. Read through the CLA Transfer Admissions requirements to learn more, and contact the Office of Admissions with any questions.
If you are a current UMTC student or a UM-Rochester student, you will use the
Change of College application process.
Career Paths
All liberal arts degrees help CLA students develop their Core Career Competencies, and technical writing and communication majors develop specific skills that are applicable to lots of different careers. These skills include strong written communication skills, digital literacy, and analytical & critical thinking.
Students who take the SuperStrong Interest Inventory receive a three-letter interest code, which identifies their top three areas of interest, work activities, potential skills, and personal values. The interest code "EIA" is often associated with this major, however, the SuperStrong assessment can help you understand how your interests connect to a variety of majors and career options. You can learn more about common employer types and occupations associated with this major. You can also see CLA specific examples of alumni careers below.
Internship & Job Search Websites
- Handshake
- MediaBistro
- The Write Jobs
- Minnesota Council of Nonprofits
- Idealist (Nonprofit positions in the US and internationally)
Professional Organizations
Alumni Career Examples
Below is a small sampling of what alumni with this major have pursued, organized by the most common career fields they go into (although keep in mind that there are alumni in all eight of the career fields). You can also utilize the LinkedIn's Alumni Tool and the Maroon and Gold Network to further explore alumni career pathways and connect directly with professionals.
Note: *Asterisks denote that further education and/or training is often required
Internships
- Technical Writing Intern, The Toro Company
- Science Communications Internship, Biotechnology Institute, Univ. of Minnesota
- Technical Writing Intern, Graco
- Digital Health Intern, Boston Scientific
- Academic Intern, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
- Information Technology Intern, Boston Scientific
- Technical Documentation Intern, Unisys
- Technical Writing Intern, Boston Scientific
- Technical Writing Intern, Graco
Entry-Level
- Web Content Writer/Editor, University of Minnesota
- Communication Specialist, C.H. Robinson
- Online Communications & Design Specialist, Self Esteem Brands
- Technical Writer, Thomson Reuters
- Account Executive, Houck Advertising
- Technical Writer, Preco
- Writer, Amcom Software
- Technical Writer, Optum Health
- Associate Technical Writer, Graco
Experienced
- Online Communication & Design Specialist, Self Esteem Brands
- Technical Writer, Christian Reformed World Relief
- Designer, Periscope
- Technical Writer, Medtronic
- Editor, National Renewable Energy Lab
- President, Riverview Writing
- Technical Writer, Eco Water Systems Inc.
- Lead Technical Writer, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Note: *Asterisks denote that further education and/or training is often required
Entry-Level
- Planning Analyst, Target
- Marketing Manager, Degrees of Entertainment
- Business Development Representative, Epicor Software
- Marketing & Sales Intern, Matterport
- Recruiting Intern, Simpatico Staffing Co.
Experienced
- Manager, Mayo Clinic*
- Marketing Director, Brookfield
- Operations Director, GovDelivery
- Project Manager, IBM
- Project Manager, Resource Data Inc.
- Marketing Manager, Filament Marketing
- Training and Development Specialist, J&B Group
- Administrator, Delta Airlines*
- Marketing Director, Health Partners Inc.
- Consultant, Boston Scientific*
- Account Executive, Exponent
- Training and Development Associate, Target Stores