Overview
Studies in the Technical Communication and Media Production Department blend the knowledge of communication practices and technology. Course work focuses on the development of reader-centered, content-driven information products produced in various areas of concentration including corporate communication and training, video and interactive media production, or technical writing and editing.
Bachelor of Science - Technical Communication and Media Production
The department offers a B.S. degree in Technical Communication with four concentration areas:
- corporate communication 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.
Bachelor of Art - Journalism
The journalism program prepares students for careers in traditional and convergent media. A solid education is offered in the basics of journalism with B.A. degree earned in the emphases of News & Editorial, Photojournalism, Magazines, and Public Relations. Students may also choose from three Journalism Minors. Additionally, the Journalism program offers a BA degree in Convergent Journalism in collaboration with the Center for Individualized Learning.
The journalism faculty are academic and working professionals who offer a real-world education in the tenets of journalism; accuracy, truth, fairness, acting independently and minimizing harm. Instructors also teach rigorous courses of First Amendment case studies and ethical issues that prepare students for careers in both print and electronic newsrooms and public relations firms.
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.
