Technical Communication, MS
Information Design, Professional Communication, Technical Communication, technical writing
Are you gifted at comprehending and breaking down complex technical information? Such in-demand professional communication skills are applicable to careers in many sectors, and this program is open to applicants from any field.
The MS program in technical communication teaches students how to design, produce and manage print and digital texts using a variety of tools and technologies.
The curriculum provides students with an understanding of the professional, cultural and ethical issues that shape the field; it balances theory and practice to ensure students develop the analytical approaches, technological expertise and skills necessary for success as a technical communicator.
Students complete the program as accomplished writers, editors, designers, project managers and researchers who are able to respond effectively to a range of audiences, issues and communication situations.
- College/school:
College of Integrative Sciences and Arts
- Location: Polytechnic or Online
36 credit hours including a thesis, or
36 credit hours including the required applied project course (TWC 593), or
36 credit hours including the required capstone course (TWC 596)
Required Core (6 credit hours) Restricted Electives (21 or 27 credit hours) Other Requirement (0 or 3 credit hours) Culminating Experience (3 or 6 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information Students complete an applied project, capstone course or thesis for the culminating experience. Students who choose the capstone option will complete a total of 27 elective credit hours. TWC 506 is a requirement for students completing an applied project or thesis only.
TWC 504 Applied Rhetoric and Technical Communication (3)
TWC 505 Research in Technical and Applied Communication (3)
TWC 506 Research Design and Development (3)
TWC 593 Applied Project (6) or
TWC 596 Technical Communication Capstone (3) or
TWC 599 Thesis (6)
Students who do not have previous technical communication coursework or relevant industry experience must take TWC 501 Fundamentals of Technical Communication as a restricted elective. For a full list of the approved elective courses, students should inquire at the academic unit offices.
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- statement of purpose
- portfolio
- three letters of recommendation
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. Since this degree requires a high degree of proficiency in English, an applicant whose native language is not English is expected to have one the following TOEFL scores: 100 iBT® taken in a testing center or 250 computer-based.
All applicants must submit a written letter of application that includes a detailed statement of purpose as well as a portfolio of at least three documents that demonstrate the applicant's ability to write in a variety of genres. Portfolio documents can include both academic and professional writing for a range of audiences and purposes and need not be in the area of technical communication. The portfolio should be 15 to 30 pages in length. The writing samples in the portfolio are evaluated using a rubric that considers several criteria, including a demonstration of the ability to focus on a specific purpose and to meet audience needs and show organization, clarity, mechanical soundness and overall effectiveness.
All applicants must submit three letters of reference, either academic or professional, that speak to the background and capabilities of the applicant.
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
Professionals with expertise in technical communication are in high demand across sectors and industries, including technology, business, entertainment, education and community organizations. Graduates are prepared for positions in the private, public and nonprofit sectors with plenty of professional opportunities for career advancement.
Analysis of users and data, writing and creating visuals, and managing online content are valuable skills to businesses and institutions. Maintaining rhetorical awareness and understanding of complex information is critical to impactful management and presentation of specialized content to broad audiences.
Career examples include:
- instructional designer
- interface designer
- IT project manager
- public relations manager
- social media manager
- technical writer
- user experience specialist
- web administrator
School of Applied Professional Studies
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SANCA 233
SAPSGrad@asu.edu
480-965-1970
Admission deadlines
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
