This certificate program is intended for college graduates and professionals seeking a career transition who wish to learn the methods of designing, developing and delivering technical information for the computer industry. Courses in the program build an understanding of the skill requirements expected by employers, address how to design and develop technical information that demonstrates solid architecture, build an understanding of the current tools of technical information developers, build interpersonal skills, and build a fundamental understanding of online technologies that drive the industries of Silicon Valley commerce. The program culminates with a final project that begins a student's portfolio of writing samples, and develops essential job search strategies to enter the job market. Requirements To earn a Certificate in Technical Writing and Communication, participants must complete the eight required courses listed in the yearlong schedule and three electives.
Elective choices change quarterly.
It is possible to complete this program in a year or less. Prerequisite Interested people who are not certificate candidates may enroll in any or all of these courses. To meet certificate requirements, an overall B average must be maintained. She has 17 years of experience designing, developing, and producing usable technical and scientific information for products, software user interfaces, multimedia and online information systems, and print documentation. She is also a principal technical writer at Vertical Networks, where she designs information and interaction for product user interfaces, embedded user assistance, and custom help systems.