The undergraduate specialization in technical communication prepares students for careers as technical writers and editors, but some students also use this specialization as a pre-professional curriculum, especially for law. The minor develops proficiency in written communication for students in a number of majors. These students recognize the value of communication competency for getting jobs, for doing well in those jobs, and for promotions. Major in English, Technical Communication Specialization Required courses in writing and editing prepare students for developing online and Web documents as well as print documents. These courses for the major emphasize workplace writing and its requirements, including analysis of user needs, information gathering, arrangement, visual design, style, and ethics.
Students also complete courses in visual and oral communication.
Students are encouraged to complete minors and choose electives in technical and scientific fields, especially computer science. Minor in English, Technical Communication Specialization Students who minor in English with the technical communication specialization complete four of the six technical communication courses. Technical Competency Students must demonstrate proficiency in word processing and page layout. Advanced courses and some introductory courses are taught in networked computer classrooms. Software includes Microsoft Word, PageMaker, FrameMaker, Microsoft Publisher, RoboHelp, and Netscape Navigator.