Online Technical Communication Degree :: Accredited Universities

Through Arizona State University's Bachelor of Science in technical communication, students learn how to produce, design and manage information, using both traditional and developing technologies.

Students develop a wide range of skills and knowledge, including how to:

- Collaborate with colleagues and other professionals
- Respond to the needs of specific audiences
- Use standard tools for accessing, retrieving and evaluting information
- Use conventions of format and structure in documents
- Develop flexible strategies for drafting, revising, editing and proof-reading
- Apply appropriate standards, laws, policies and accepted practices for the use of a variety of technologies
- Work confidently in a range of digital environments

The curriculum brings together information, writing, multimedia, and communication technology to prepare students for careers as technical writers/editors, publication managers, information designers, instructional and training developers and more.

Students who complete the technical communication program are often employed by software and electronics companies, media corporations, financial institutions, government agencies, non-profit and for-profit organizations.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must successfully complete ASU competency requirements. Admission may be granted with one deficiency in no more than two competency areas. Deficiencies cannot be in both math and laboratory science. Students must earn a minimum 2.0 in any subject area. Most competencies may also be met by test scores or college courses.

English - 4 years (composition/literature based)
Math - 4 years - Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II and one course requiring Algebra II as a prerequisite.
Laboratory Science - 3 years total (1 year each from any of the following areas are accepted: Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Integrated Sciences, and Physics)
Social Science - 2 years (including one year American History)
Foreign Language - 2 years (same language)
Fine Arts - 1 year

Applicants must also meet at least one of the following:

Top 25% in high school graduating class
3.0 GPA in competency courses (4.0 = A)
ACT 22 (24 nonresidents)*
SAT Reasoning 1040 (1110 nonresidents)*

*ASU does not require the writing portion of these tests.

Official transcripts must be mailed directly to Undergraduate Admissions by the records office of the issuing institution(s). ASU does not accept transcripts delivered by hand or fax. Please have your previous academic institution(s) mail your official transcript to the appropriate ASU mailing address

Individual Review
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All students who don’t meet the above standards will be evaluated through a process called Individual Review. Through this process Undergraduate Admissions will review all available information about a student’s application, carefully considering all aspects of a student’s academic background and accomplishments. Submission of an ACT or SAT test score is highly recommended. In some cases, additional information might be requested.

International Applicants
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TOEFL and IELTS score must be mailed to the university.

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Entry Requirements

Applicants who are graduates of accredited high schools (or who hold a GED certificate) with no prior college work will be considered for admission to Minnesota State University.

International Applicants
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International applicants must provide English Language proficiency test result in one of the following ways

- TOEFL paper-based test score of 500 or better; OR

- TOEFL computer-based test score of 173 or better; OR

- TOEFL internet-based test score of 61 or better; OR
completion of Level 112 at an English Language School (ELS) in the U.S.; OR

- a score of 5.5 or better on the academic IELTS; OR

- a SAT Critical Reading sub-score of 400 or higher; OR

- students transferring from a U.S. college or university may satisfy the English proficiency requirement by the completion of one semester of Freshman English Composition I with a C or better grade. If the student is transferring from a school that is on the quarter system they would have to complete Freshman Composition I & II with a C or better grade; OR

- successful completion of the Intensive English Language Institute program at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

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The graduate program in technical communication prepares students to be professional information developers, technical or professional writers, and editors who are skilled at using the written and spoken word, along with visuals, to effectively inform and instruct a wide range of audiences. Graduates typically pursue work in industry, teaching opportunities, or doctoral studies. All coursework for the Master of Arts in English: Technical Communication Option may be completed in residence or online.

Entry Requirements

The pre-requisites for admission to the M.A. program are

- At least 28 quarter or 18 semester hours in one or more of the following areas: literature, linguistics, speech, or mass communications.

- At least 2.75 cumulative G.P.A.

Candidates whose native language is not English must have a TOEFL score of 550 or above.

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Effective technical communication requires a talent for writing as well as an understanding of how to organize and present complex information. This unique online Bachelor's Degree in Technical Communication program is designed to give students the knowledge and skills needed to produce a wide range of technical documents—from scientific articles and instruction manuals to software documentation and research reports.

It uses the latest Internet-based teaching methods to cover essential subjects for professional technical writers. The program starts by establishing a strong foundation in English and logic, then addresses more specific topics such as writing for professions, writing for the media, online documentation, and technical writing. It also allows students to focus their studies by choosing from electives in graphic communication and production, proposal or promotional writing, and writing for medical, software, or regulatory agencies.

Upon graduation, students will be well prepared to embark on a career as a technical writer, editor, or communications manager. And even those considering other professions will benefit from the program’s focus on developing critical skills in writing, communications, and analytical thinking.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must submit one of the following

Official high school degree
Official GED
Official associate degree showing degree conferral and date

International applicants for whose English is not a primary language must prove English language proficiency in one of the following ways:

TOEFL - 79
IELTS - 6.5

Other Fees

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This online Master’s in Technical Communication program is designed to improve your technical communication skills and show you how to apply them in a variety of settings. Like its on-campus counterpart, the online degree program prepares you for a rewarding career as a technical writer, editor, tool expert, or technical trainer. It also lets you choose between specializations in writing for the biomedical or computer industries. And the online format offers ongoing interaction with faculty and fellow students as well as greater flexibility for candidates with professional and family commitments.

The online Master’s in Technical Communication is designed to help students grasp the most important concepts and skills required for success as a technical writer. These include:

1. Becoming adept at organizing, creating, and writing technical communications

2. Understanding key presentation principles, including how to use visuals to organize and deliver content

3. Mastering the different levels of editing, from manuscript development to technical and copy editing

4. Learning how to tailor a technical presentation to a specific audience

5. Evaluating differences in prose style and determining how they should be used

6. Understanding legal, ethical, and cultural issues pertaining to technical communication

7. Learning how to create end-user and developer documentation

8. Strengthening the interviewing skills needed to effectively obtain technical information

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

International applicants for whose English is not a primary language must prove English language proficiency in one of the following ways:

TOEFL - 79 and a writing portion of 20
IELTS - 6.5

Other Fees

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