Program Overview
Texas State University's online Master of Arts in Technical Communication (MATC) program equips professionals and graduates with the skills to effectively communicate in technical and professional settings. The program offers two tracks: thesis for doctoral aspirations and internship for career advancement. Led by renowned faculty with industry experience, the curriculum emphasizes technical writing, editing, user research, digital design, and ethical considerations in technical communication. Graduates are prepared for careers in various industries, including business, government, and healthcare.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The online Master of Arts in Technical Communication (MATC) program at Texas State University is designed for experienced professionals and recent graduates from various disciplines. It aims to prepare students to write, design, and communicate effectively in technical, scientific, and professional environments. The program has two tracks: thesis and internship, both requiring 30 semester hours to complete. The thesis track is suitable for students planning to pursue a doctoral degree, while the internship track is ideal for those currently working full-time or seeking employment in the field. The MATC curriculum provides a solid foundation in technical communication, editing, rhetorical theory, intercultural and international communication, user research, social media and digital design, technical marketing communication, and software. The program also offers access to a state-of-the-art usability lab for user experience research and emphasizes the ethical and cultural issues in technical communication.
Objective
The program's objectives are to:
- Strengthen students' ability to write clear technical and scientific information
- Build and refine technical editing skills
- Teach students to create end-user and developer documentation
- Help students design and create digital content for specific audiences
- Provide access to a state-of-the-art usability lab to conduct user experience research
- Acquaint students with the ethical and cultural issues in technical communication
Teaching:
The MATC program is taught by nationally and internationally recognized researchers with a proven record of teaching excellence. They have earned awards and board memberships from leading professional organizations in the field. All faculty have work experience in business, government, scientific, and medical institutions. They have active research agendas and noteworthy publications in international and intercultural communication, medical and scientific writing, social media and usability testing, government writing, web design, video production, and curriculum development.
Careers:
The MATC program prepares students for current and emerging employment in business, government, environmental, medical, and health industries. Alumni are employed in various roles, including:
- Technical writers and editors
- User research managers and writers
- Grant and communication specialists
- Project coordinators
- Content developers
- Chief publishing officers
Texas State's 37,979 students choose from 97 bachelor’s, 88 master’s and 12 doctoral degree programs offered by the following colleges: Applied Arts, McCoy College of Business Administration, Education, Fine Arts and Communication, Health Professions, Liberal Arts, Science and Engineering, University College and The Graduate College.
Services
Student services
The University has an International Office whose mission is:
- Serving as immigration and cultural advisers to our international students and scholars, advocating on their behalf, and providing services and information that facilitate their cultural adjustment, retention and success.
- Assisting the university at large and our international students, alumni, scholars, faculty and staff in particular, in complying with governmental policies and regulations.
- Promoting global awareness and internationalization at the university by facilitating international agreements, and by administering international programming through hosting and sponsoring international events.
Housing services
Housing at Texas State is unique because students choose which hall they would like to live in, so students can choose any available space in the halls. We offer a variety of living options to accommodate the diverse needs of our resident population. While styles range from traditional to apartment style, the Department of Housing and Residential life believes a traditional hall is the best for first-year students. These halls create a strong sense of community and students living in traditional halls tend to do better academically and socially.Housing is first-come, first served so make sure to sign a contract as soon as possible.
Library services
Albert B. Alkek Library is the most important information resource of the Texas State University community. The Alkek Library Collection Includes:
- More than 1.5 million printed volumes
- 99,700+ electronic journals
- 506,000 e-books
- 430+ databases.
- Over a half-million microform & audio-visual materials.
ICT services
Operating within the Division of Information Technology, Technology Resources provides secure, robust and cost-effective information technologies to Texas State University. We deliver secure telephone, computing, and Internet access as well as provide customer-focused technical support and training to assure optimal use of information technology.
Medical services
Texas State international students are required to obtain coverage under the designated international student health insurance policy or present acceptable proof of other comparable and adequate health insurance coverage to the Student Health Center. The Student Health Center is now offering a new Travel Health Service for all Texas State students, faculty and staff.
Student Life
Campus life
Located about 20 miles outside of San Marcos in Wimberley, Texas, the University Camp is a 126-acre hideaway on the scenic Blanco River boasting two lodges, six campsites, four day-use sites, and several miles of hiking/biking trails. The University Camp is also home to the Texas State GOAL Challenge Course Program. The 3.5 mile trail system courses throughout the property and provides many scenic and nature study opportunities. Mountain biking is a popular trail activity, and portions of the trail are suitable only for experienced riders. The trail is great for family hikes and nature viewing.Swimming, wading, snorkeling, and fishing are excellent in the clear pools above and below the falls.
Sports facilities
The Bobcat Club is the principal fundraising arm of the Texas State Intercollegiate Athletics Department. The Bobcat Club has provided a way for supporters to help talented Texas State student-athletes receive a top-tier education while pursuing their goals both on and off the field of competition. The Department of Campus Recreation will be recognized as a leader in recreation and leisure services.
Student clubs
- CE - National Association of Colleges and Employers
- SoACE - Southern Association of Colleges and Employers
- CEIAINC - Cooperative Education & Internship Association
- TxCEIA - Texas Cooperative Education & Internship Association, Inc.
- NSEA - National Student Employment Association
- SASEA - Southern Association of Student Employment Administrator
- NCDA - National Career Development Association
- SAHRMA - San Antonio Human Resources Management Association
- AHRMA - Austin Human Resources Management Association
- SACUCCA - San Antonio Area Colleges and Universities Career Centers Assoc.
- CTLACC - Central Texas Liberal Arts Career Consortium
Accreditation
SACS - Southern Association of Colleges and Schools has reaffirmed its accreditation of Texas State UniversityABET - Accreditation Board for Engineering and TechnologyACCE - American Council for Construction Education - Accredited February 2013ATMAE - Association of Technology, Management, and Applied EngineeringNSC - National Steering Committee - Concrete Industry Management Program
Entry Requirements:
- Completed online application
- $55 nonrefundable application fee (or $90 for international applicants)
- Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university (non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor's degree)
- Official transcripts from each institution where course credit was granted
- Minimum 2.75 GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework (plus any completed graduate courses)
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in 12 or more hours of undergraduate English, writing, editing, web design, or technical communication/professional writing coursework (other courses may be approved by the graduate advisor)
- Portfolio (submitted as a single PDF document):
- At least two non-fiction, prose documents (combined minimum of 15 pages, double-spaced) consisting of at least one academic research paper written for an undergraduate or graduate course
- Cover letter describing the submitted two (or more) non-fiction, prose documents
- Statement of purpose explaining reasons for pursuing the M.A. in Technical Communication and including background information that demonstrates:
- Interest and/or experience in writing, editing
- Interest and/or experience designing online or paper documents
- Other pertinent information
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- Applicants who have not earned a bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on the exempt countries list must submit an approved English proficiency exam score that meets the minimum program requirements below:
- Official TOEFL iBT scores with a 78 overall
- Official PTE scores with a 52 overall
- Official IELTS (academic) scores with a 6.5 overall and minimum individual module scores of 6.0
- Official Duolingo Scores with a 110 overall
- Official TOEFL Essentials scores with an 8.5 overall
