Technical communication degrees emphasize producing, designing and managing information to help people do things. Technical communications generally deal with three main things:
- Communicating about technical or specialized topics, like computer applications, medical procedures, or environmental regulations.
- Communicating by using technology, such as web pages, help files, or social media sites.
- Providing instructions about how to do something, regardless of how technical the task is or even if technology is used to create or distribute that communication.
Graduates are well-equipped to translate complex information, create instructions and documentation, and to help organizations deal with complex information systems and data.
Technical communications courses include the following:
- Writing strategy courses focus on the key elements of understanding, analyzing, and strategizing the creation and distribution of technical information.
- Visual communication courses teach design principles and concepts like document design and typography.
- Data visualization courses help u students understand how complex data can be simplified and accurately represented to nonexperts.
- User experience courses walk students through the UX research and design process.
Graduates with this degree are generally interested in technical communication careers. Technical communicators typically focus on specialized and complex topics in business, science and technology. This field is also smaller than the field of general communication.
One common position for a technical communicator is technical writer. This job involves crafting manuals, guides, articles and similar material about complex topics. Technical writers earn a median salary of $71,850. The career has a faster-than-average projected job growth of 8% through 2028, according to the BLS. In some cases, employers provide short trainings for their product or industry.
Another common position for a technical communicator is information systems manager. This position involves planning information processes and systems for large organizations to help manage the information assets that these organization produce. Information systems administrators earn a median salary of $146,360. The career has a faster-than-average projected job growth of 11% through 2028, according to the BLS. This position normally requires a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience or a graduate degree.
Choosing a communications degree for your career
Communication professionals add value to businesses. They share technical information with colleagues and customers in meaningful ways.
Arizona State University offers two online degrees to help you pursue a career in communications. Choose from a Bachelor of Science in technical communication or a Bachelor of Science in communication. Through these programs, ASU Online can prepare you to communicate with a variety of stakeholders. An undergraduate degree in either of these fields can serve as the cornerstone of a career that uses communication.
Sources:
ASU Online – Online Bachelor of Science in Communication
ASU Online – Communication, BS
ASU Online – Online Technical Communication Degree (BS)
ASU Online – Technical Communication, BS
Human Resources Managers by Bureau of Labor Statistics
Public Relations and Fundraising Managers by Bureau of Labor Statistics
Technical Writer by Bureau of Labor Statistics