Technical Communication, MS

Program Overview

Arizona State University's Master of Science in Technical Communication equips students with the skills to create effective technical materials. The program emphasizes theory and practice, preparing graduates for diverse roles in technical communication, including writing, editing, design, project management, and research. Graduates are highly sought after in various industries, with transferable skills in analysis, communication, and online content management. The program is offered online, providing flexibility for working professionals.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Science in Technical Communication program at Arizona State University equips students with the skills to design, produce, and manage effective technical communication materials using various tools and technologies. It emphasizes professional, cultural, and ethical issues within the field, striking a balance between theory and practice to prepare graduates for success in diverse technical communication roles. The program culminates in graduates becoming accomplished writers, editors, designers, project managers, and researchers who can communicate effectively with various audiences across different contexts.

Outline:

This program requires the completion of 36 credit hours, with options for a thesis, applied project, or capstone course. The curriculum is divided into three categories:

• Required Core (6 credit hours):
• Applied Rhetoric and Technical Communication (3 credits)
• Research in Technical and Applied Communication (3 credits)
• Restricted Electives (21 or 27 credit hours):
• 21 credit hours if completing a thesis or applied project
• 27 credit hours if completing a capstone course
• Students choose from a list of approved electives covering various technical communication topics
• Other Requirement (0 or 3 credit hours):
• Research Design and Development (3 credits) - required only for students completing a thesis or applied project
• Culminating Experience (3 or 6 credit hours):
• Applied Project (6 credits)
• Technical Communication Capstone (3 credits)
• Thesis (6 credits)

Assessment:

Assessment methods in the program vary depending on the chosen culminating experience:

• Thesis: Evaluated by a thesis committee based on originality, research methodology, analysis, and writing quality.
• Applied Project: Assessed based on project goals, methodology, execution, and final deliverables.
• Capstone Course: Graded through a combination of assignments, presentations, and a final project.

Teaching:

The program boasts a team of experienced faculty with expertise in various technical communication areas. Teaching methods include:

• Interactive lectures: Engaging students through discussions and active learning.
• Collaborative projects: Fostering teamwork and real-world application of skills.
• Technology integration: Utilizing various software and tools relevant to the field.

Careers:

Graduates of the program are prepared for diverse career paths, including:

• Instructional designer
• Interface designer
• IT project manager
• Public relations manager
• Social media manager
• Technical writer
• User experience specialist
• Web administrator
The program emphasizes the development of transferable skills highly sought after by various industries, including:
• Analysis of users and data
• Effective writing and visual communication
• Online content management

Other:

• The program welcomes applicants from all fields, requiring a bachelor's or master's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.00.
• International students require proof of English proficiency.
• The program is offered online, providing flexibility for working professionals.