• On-Campus Component
    No
  • Cost
    $817.00 per credit
  • Total Credits
    15
  • Credential
    Graduate Certificate
  • Application Deadlines
    Fall: July 1; Spring: November 1; Summer: April 1
  • Campus
    Twin Cities
  • College
    College of Liberal Arts
  • Department
    Writing Studies

The Certificate in Technical Communication prepares students to pursue careers in technical writing and editing, web content writing and management, information architecture, online content/social media editing, and e-learning design. 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.

Students in the certificate program who apply for and are accepted into the MS in Scientific and Technical Communication program are typically eligible to have all five certificate courses applied to the MS.

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 post-baccalaureate certificate in technical communication and explore career opportunities. The information sessions are free, but registration is required.

Register for a Session

Core Courses

  • 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

See full degree requirements.

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 students' 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 financial considerations.