• On-Campus Component
    No
  • Cost
    $1,665.00 per credit (resident, part-time), $2,601.00 per credit (nonresident, part-time)
  • Total Credits
    30
  • Credential
    Graduate Degree
  • Application Deadlines
    Fall: July 1; Spring: November 1; Summer: April 1
  • Campus
    Twin Cities
  • College
    College of Liberal Arts
  • Department
    Writing Studies

The MS in Technical Communication prepares students for local and global careers in a range of technical communication careers, including online design and social media, software/hardware documentation, information architecture, health/medical communication, environmental communication, and human-computer interface design.

Learn about Graduate Study in Technical Communication

You are invited to attend an upcoming information session via Zoom. Talk with our program faculty to learn more about the master's in technical communication and explore career opportunities. The information sessions are free; registration is required.

Register for a Session

Program Features

The MS in Technical Communication program is tailored to the needs of working professionals. Students develop unique strengths in digital, usability, and science/health/medical communication and build a specialized competency area suited to their career goals.

Students apply research-driven approaches to create and adapt content to solve complex problems in technical communication workplaces. Students connect with workplace professionals through client projects, virtual and global teamwork, mentorships, and emerging technologies. These experiences enable students to develop unique strengths in digital, usability, and science/health/medical communication.

Program faculty and instructors hold prominent roles in national and local disciplinary communities and deliver a curriculum focusing on 21st-century professional challenges. Students also benefit from opportunities to work with the Technical Communication Advisory Board (TCAB), a group of local and national business leaders who provide access to networking, mentoring, and internship opportunities.

Curriculum

Core Courses

Take all of the following:

  • WRIT 5001 – Foundations and Futures of Technical Communication
  • WRIT 5112 – Information Design: Theory and Practice
  • WRIT 5501 – Usability and Human Factors in Technical Communication
  • WRIT 5561 – Editing and Style for Technical Communicators
  • WRIT 5662 – Writing with Digital Technologies

Electives

Select one of the following:

  • WRIT 4562 – International Professional Communication
  • WRIT 5664 – Science, Medical, and Health Writing
  • WRIT 4573W – Writing Proposals and Grant Management

Outside Coursework

Complete nine credits of coursework outside of the Department of Writing Studies. Outside coursework allows students to further specialize and expand their knowledge and skills.

Capstone

  • WRIT 8505 – Professional Practice

See full degree requirements and read more about our program.

 

Online Catalog

Career Outlook

The Occupational Outlook Handbook reports that “Employment of technical writers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations." Employment growth will be driven by the continuing expansion of scientific and technical products. An increase in web-based product support should also increase demand for technical writers. Job opportunities, especially for applicants with technical skills, are expected to be good.

Most of our students are working professionals seeking to move into technical communication as a career or are practicing technical communicators who want to advance their careers. Students graduate prepared for work and leadership roles in such settings as the medical device industry, banking, higher education, online learning, and software development.

Learn more about student's career outcomes. 

Sources: PlayerFM and Bureau of Labor Statistics

A Note about Tuition

Whether you will be charged resident or nonresident tuition depends on a combination of several factors. Please contact One Stop Student Services if you have questions about cost of attendance or about the financial aid eligibility of this program.

Visit the program website for information on program costs.

Certificate in Technical Communication

Prospective applicants are encouraged to consider whether starting in the fully online Certificate in Technical Communication program would be of benefit financially or professionally. Provided certificate students make satisfactory progress in the program, the five core courses can be applied from the certificate to the MS degree upon admission. Please contact the program for further information.