Overview
Studies in the Technical Communication and Media Production Department blend the knowledge of communication practices and technology. Course work in technical communication develops essential skills for working professionals in the technical, scientific, medical, media production, or corporate communications fields.
Technical Communication and Media Production Department course work focuses on the development of reader-centered, content-driven information products produced in various areas of concentration including corporate communications, media and interactive media production, or technical writing and editing.
Bachelor of Science The Technical Communication and Media Production
Department offers a B.S. degree in Technical Communication with four concentration areas, a technical communication minor, and three certificate programs. In addition, the department offers a digital media minor in conjunction with the Departments of Art and Communication Arts and Sciences and a training and organizational development minor in conjunction with the Departments of Communication Arts & Sciences and Teacher Education. The four major concentrations are:
- corporate communications and training
- interactive media production
- technical writing and editing
- video and media production
Each individual concentration teaches theory, concepts, and practical applications that can be employed in various areas of business, industry, government, and the media production field. With the exception of the two extended major options, all students must complete a minor.
Upon completion of a degree program in technical communication, students should be able to:
- Communicate knowledge of the field both orally and in writing.
- Relate technical communication principles from their selected areas of concentration.
- Apply theory and principles in a practical manner to their areas of concentration.
- Conduct research, synthesize technical information and write in the appropriate format of their concentration.
- Present technical information in a media or interactive media format suitable to their areas of concentration.
- Produce or oversee the production of technical information in a media or interactive media format suitable to their area of concentration.
Computer Skill Requirement
Computer skills are required of all students majoring, minoring, or enrolled in a certificate program in the department. Students can meet this requirement by:
- providing documentary evidence at the time they see their department advisor of previous satisfactory completion of an academic or industrial training course in computer literacy and document processing.
–or–
- successful completion with a grade of “C” or better of an approved MSCD course in CIS or CSS in the semester following the declaration of their major, minor, or enrolling in a certificate program. The department advisor will work with the student to select the most appropriate course for the student’s academic needs.