Online Bachelor of Science in Technical Communication

Technical communication, the process of breaking down complex information into simpler forms to increase accessibility, is vital in both professional and personal life. Making information more easily understood is broadly beneficial. Arizona State University's Bachelor of Science in technical communication online can build the talents needed for many roles where effective communication is crucial for success.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 10/11/2023


Total classes:

Total classes: 40

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 120

Degree questions, answered.

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What is technical communication?

Technical communication focuses on making detailed information more accessible and effective. Professionals in the field tailor their work to their audience by considering factors like prior familiarity, related experience and level of education. They produce a wide variety of materials, including:

  • Grants and proposals.
  • Information graphics.
  • Instruction manuals.
  • Social media content.
  • Software self-help guides.
  • Training programs.
  • Websites.

Technical communication is a broad field that includes multiple types of content creation and communication. In addition to writing and editing, technical communication can include visual design, front-end web development, usability testing, user experience and many other related tasks.

Why earn a Bachelor of Science in technical communication?

 

A technical communication degree offers two foundational benefits:

  • An emphasis on helping others understand valuable information.
  • Communication knowledge and abilities that are useful across the economy.

Technical communication bridges the gap between dense, detailed data and actionable information. Technical writers and those in similar roles are problem-solvers. They develop guidance and offer context to make their offerings useful.

These talents are relevant throughout the modern world. They apply to everything from consumer products to advanced business software. That means you can seek out many career paths related to effective communication as a content strategist, grant writer, information developer, social media specialist, web content editor and more.

Students in the online technical communication degree also have the option to pursue a concentration in user experience.

What traits are beneficial for technical communication students?

 

Top professionals in technical communication constantly seek out and review new information. They also embrace working with a wide variety of audiences. As a student, you should have a deep interest in expanding access to knowledge.

Does my technical communication degree 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.” That’s because ASU Online students learn from the same faculty and receive the same course content as in-person students receive.

Featured technical communication degree courses

This program offers an applied focus, hands-on learning and small class sizes. You will develop an understanding of the concepts driving technical communication while building your talents and practical knowledge. Courses include:


TWC 421: Principles of Web Authoring (L)


TWC 490: Capstone


TWC 301: Fundamentals of Writing for Digital Media (L)


TWC 401: Fundamentals of Technical Communication (L)


TWC 411: Principles of Visual Communication (L)


TWC 431: Principles of Technical Editing


What can I do with a technical communication degree?

Technical communicators work in fields ranging from information design to social media marketing. You might build expertise with multiple audiences within a specific field or across an industry. Work opportunities are available in the public and private sectors. Career examples include, but are not limited to:

Communications Specialist


Growth: 3.7 %
Salary: $73,150

Computer Support Specialist


Growth: 5.0 %
Salary: $57,890

Document Management Specialist


Growth: 9.7 %
Salary: $98,740

Editor


Growth: -4.0 %
Salary: $73,080

IT Project Manager


Growth: 9.7 %
Salary: $98,740

Instructional Specialist


Growth: 2.5 %
Salary: $66,490

SEO Specialist


Growth: 13.4 %
Salary: $68,230

Technical Writer


Growth: 6.9 %
Salary: $79,960

Web Developer


Growth: 17.0 %
Salary: $78,580

Educators committed to interdisciplinary teaching, learning and discovery

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.

Educators committed to interdisciplinary teaching, learning and discovery

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.

Technical communication degree admission requirements

I am a future

You are considered a first-year student for application purposes if you have not attended college at all, or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours (with a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA).

1. Review competency requirements

2. Review other admission requirements

3. Complete online application

4. File your FAFSA

5. Request ACT or SAT scores

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain admission to ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if the Earned Admission Pathway is right for you.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain admission to ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if the Earned Admission Pathway is right for you.

A college dedicated to solving problems and addressing challenges

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 10


best online bachelor's programs. 

Top 10%


best global universities. 

80%


of graduates reported 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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