Master of Science in Technical Communication
Overview
A proliferation of new technologies and applications has heightened the call for professionals who can communicate complex technical ideas—succinctly and articulately. In response, Northeastern University’s College of Professional Services offers the Master of Science in Technical Communication.
This online master’s degree is designed to improve your technical communication skills and provide you with a foundation for applying those skills across a variety of contexts. With two concentrations from which to choose—biomedical writing or computer industry writing—this graduate degree in technical communication prepares you for a rewarding career as a technical writer, editor, tool expert, or technical trainer.
Program Objectives
- Become adept at organizing, creating, and writing technical communications
- Review key presentation principles, including how to use visuals to organize and deliver content
- Assess the different levels of editing: developmental, technical, and copy editing
- Discover how to tailor a technical presentation to a specific audience
- Evaluate the differences in prose style and determine when they should be used
- Discuss legal, ethical, and cultural issues pertaining to technical communication
- Learn how to create end-user and developer documentation
- Strengthen your interviewing skills in order to effectively obtain technical information
Curriculum
Required Courses (20 q.h.)
Complete all of the following courses:
| TCC 6100 | Introduction to Technical and Professional Writing | 4 q.h. |
| TCC 6102 | Editing Technical Content | 4 q.h. |
| TCC 6110 | Information Architecture | 4 q.h. |
| TCC 6850 | Technical Communications Capstone Project | 4 q.h. |
Choose one of the following courses:
| TCC 6120 | Usability | 4 q.h. |
| TCC 6520 | Marketing Writing | 4 q.h. |
Concentrations (16 q.h.)
Choose one of the following concentrations or create an individualized program with permission from a faculty adviser.
Biomedical Writing Concentration
| TCC 6330 | Information Strategies for Biomedical Writers | 4 q.h. |
Choose three of the following courses:
| TCC 6310 | Regulatory Documentation Processes | 4 q.h. |
| TCC 6350 | Ethical and Legal Issues in Biomedical Communication | 4 q.h. |
| TCC 6360 | Research in Biomedical Communications | 4 q.h. |
| TCC 6370 | Regulatory Writing: Medical Device Submissions | 4 q.h. |
| TCC 6380 | Regulatory Writing: New Drug Applications | 4 q.h. |
| TCC 6320 | Role of Technical Communicator in a Biotech Startup | 4 q.h. |
Computer Industry Writing Concentration
Choose four of the following courses
| TCC 6430 | Writing for the Computer Industry | 4 q.h. |
| TCC 6440 | Advanced Writing for the Computer Industry | 4 q.h. |
| TCC 6420 | Information Design for the Web | 4 q.h. |
| TCC 6400 | Structured Documentation | 4 q.h. |
| TCC 6450 | Managing Technical Publications | 4 q.h. |
| TCC 6460 | Information Management | 4 q.h. |
Open Electives (4 q.h.)
Courses fulfilling the concentration and elective requirements may be taken within this program, or they may be taken, subject to availability, from other College of Professional Studies programs, with the approval of an adviser. Open electives should be consistent with a student's individual plan of study.The College of Professional Studies recommends the following elective for this program: TCC 7983 "Topics" 2 q.h.
Total Quarter Hours: 40
Admissions Requirements
Below are the official Admissions Requirements for this program.
- Online application
- Statement of purpose (500-1000 words): identifying your educational goals and expectations from the program; please be aware that the University's academic policy on plagiarism applies to applicant's statement of purpose
- Professional resume: current resume that displays job responsibilities, relevant experience, and education history
- Two letters of recommendation: from individual(s) with either academic or professional knowledge of your capabilities, such as a faculty member, current employer, mentor, or colleague
- Official undergraduate degree documentation
- Proof of English language proficiency: ONLY for students for whom English is not their primary language: English language proficiency guidelines
For general admissions information and recommended admissions deadlines, Graduate Admissions.
All requirements must be received prior to review.
Tuition
Estimated total tuition for this program is $21,400.00.
Tuition for individual courses is based on the number of quarter hours. Most courses are 3-6 quarter hours. See Graduate Tuition Rates for details.
Use our Tuition Calculator below to see if transfer credit or tuition reimbursement from your employer could reduce your total tuition.
Tuition Calculator
Please note: The estimated total tuition is based on tuition rates for Academic Year 2011-12 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time.
Student Profile
Who Will Your Classmates Be?
This program is designed to improve the skills of existing technical communicators as well as those who are looking to enter the field. Incoming students come from a variety of industries, but often work in a technical field, such as:
- Computer systems
- Software
- Science
- Engineering
- Publishing
Graduates typically pursue careers as
- Technical writers or editors
- Technical trainers
- Tool experts
An undergraduate degree is required.
Career Outlook
Put Your Degree to Work
As companies increase their need to convey technical and scientific information—whether through users’ guides, technical manuals, or training materials—those with solid writing and communications skills and a technical background enjoy outstanding job prospects.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of technical writers is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations, due to the continuing expansion of scientific and technical information and the growing presence of customer service and web-based product support networks.
Talk to an Enrollment Coach
We can walk you through your program options and the application process.
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- 877.668.7727
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- Contact Us
Upcoming Academic Term Dates
-
Spring Term
April 9, 2012 (6- & 12-week classes)
May 21, 2012 (6-week classes) -
Summer Term
July 2, 2012 (8-, 6-, and 4- week classes)
July 30, 2012 (4-week classes)