Online Master of Science in Technical Communication

Arizona State University’s Master of Science in technical communication empowers you to communicate with a variety of audiences through print and digital media. Featuring a flexible curriculum tailored to your specific career goals, this program provides you with an understanding of professional, cultural and ethical issues shaping the field.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 08/22/2024


Total classes:

Total classes: 12

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 36

Degree questions, answered.

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The skills you’ll develop in this master’s in technical communication

Throughout this technical communication master’s degree, you’ll learn how to create documents and resources that convey information in a more suitable format for its intended audience and purpose. Focusing on topics including data analysis, content management, technical writing, research and technology use, you’ll graduate with experience and important transferable skills, such as:

  • Analyzing data visualization across a range of products.
  • Collaborating with people of diverse backgrounds.
  • Conducting user research on complex communication products.
  • Creating communication pieces in multiple media formats.
  • Managing design projects.
  • Writing clearly and effectively for specific audiences.

You can also enhance your expertise in specific areas of interest by focusing coursework on specialized topics ranging from data visualization to grant writing and beyond. Additionally, this program culminates in the creation of an applied project, capstone or thesis that’s relevant to your goals.

Who's a good candidate for this master's program?

 

If you’re comfortable dealing with new information and are interested in creating documents and electronic communication that helps others understand it, this master’s program may be a great fit for you. Covering design, management, technical writing and other techniques for producing a variety of content types, this master’s in technical communication prepares current and future writers, editors, designers and researchers for leadership and management roles within the field.

What kind of degree is a master’s in technical communication?

 

This master's degree is a writing-intensive program that incorporates principles in communication, engineering and design. The curriculum emphasizes theory and practical, project-oriented, coursework that prepares you for jobs across many fields.

Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to enhance your writing abilities and explore new skills within projects that include elements of multimedia, user experience and design. Although this program doesn’t require coding as a prerequisite, you must be comfortable working with technology and willing to learn new technical competencies.

Will my diploma say ‘online’?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.” 

Technical communication graduate courses

With an assortment of electives to choose from, you'll have the opportunity to tailor your studies to your professional goals. You’ll also complete a capstone, applied project or thesis where you’ll apply your learning through research and the creation of a written and designed deliverable.


Core

Applied Rhetoric and Technical Communication


Core

Research Design and Development


Core

Research in Technical and Applied Communication


Elective

Content Strategy


Elective

Copyright and Intellectual Property in the Electronic Age


Elective

Fundamentals of Technical Communication


Elective

Global Issues in Technical Communication


Elective

Grant and Proposal Writing


Develop the skills you need for jobs in technical writing and more

The technical skills you’ll develop in this program will apply to a variety of careers in the private, public and nonprofit sectors. As the demand for individuals proficient in digital communication strategies and technical writing continues to rise, you’ll have more opportunities to pursue specialized career paths upon graduating. Potential career examples include, but aren’t limited to:

Content developer

Content strategist

Content writer

Grant/proposal writer

Information designer

Information developer

Professional writer

Social media specialist

Social media writer

Respected educators known for their contributions to the field

Faculty in the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts are deeply committed to exploration in their fields of work. Many of our faculty and staff are recognized both nationally and internationally for their achievements.

  • American Educational Research Association fellows. 
  • American Psychological Association fellows. 
  • Fulbright scholars. 
  • Numerous achievement awards in fields from psychology to writing.

Respected educators known for their contributions to the field

Faculty in the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts are deeply committed to exploration in their fields of work. Many of our faculty and staff are recognized both nationally and internationally for their achievements.

  • American Educational Research Association fellows. 
  • American Psychological Association fellows. 
  • Fulbright scholars. 
  • Numerous achievement awards in fields from psychology to writing.

How to apply

Applicants to the Master of Science in technical communication program must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts.

Application requirements

Additional application information

A top destination for learning and professional growth

ASU is a global university recognized for its commitment to innovation, research and high-quality academic programs. Our university has been recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report.

#1


in innovation for 9 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.

Top 5


best online bachelor’s programs.

Top 10%


best global universities. 

80%


of graduates reported that their experiences at ASU inspired them to explore new career opportunities.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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