Online Master of Science in Technical Communication

Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in the last 60 hours of their bachelor's program. Alternatively, applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in the last 12 units of their post-baccalaureate transcript.

All applicants must submit:

• Graduate admission application and application fee.
• Official transcripts.
• Personal statement.
• Portfolio.
• Letters of recommendation.
• Up-to-date curriculum vitae or resume.

The admission application requires the submission of a portfolio of at least three documents that demonstrate the applicant's ability to write in a variety of genres. Portfolio documents can include both academic and professional writing for a range of audiences and purposes and need not be in the area of technical communication. The portfolio should be 15 to 30 pages in length.

Since this degree requires a high degree of proficiency in English, an applicant whose native language is not English will be expected to have one the following TOEFL scores: 600 traditional paper-based, 100 internet-based or 250 computer-based.

With a master's in technical communication, you can do technical writing and so much more. You can plan and manage content, research and write for user experience, direct how information is organized, edit complex material and lead communication teams. That work is in demand across technology, health care, government and finance, wherever people need complicated ideas made clear.

Yes, for many working professionals, it is. This master’s degree is ideal for people who want to move into senior or leadership content roles, and it gives you the chance to create a portfolio of work samples to show future employers. In terms of potential income, the highest-paid technical writers earned more than $130,430 in May 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

No. Writing is central, and many courses are writing-intensive, but the coursework covers much more. You'll also work in visual design, data and information visualization, user experience, technical editing and project management. Many courses produce multimedia and design work in addition to written documents, so you ultimately gain a breadth of knowledge.

No. The program is open to applicants from any field, but you do need to submit a portfolio of at least three documents that display your ability to write in multiple genres. Coding is not a prerequisite and not a focus of the degree, though you should be comfortable with technology and willing to learn new tools.

No. The GRE and GMAT are not required for admission. Your application is reviewed on your transcripts, personal statement, letters of recommendation, resume and a portfolio of writing samples.

Most students finish in about two years. The program is 36 credit hours, and courses run in 7.5-week sessions. You can take it part-time to fit your work schedule, so your overall timeline depends on how many courses you decide to take each semester.