Online Bachelor of Science in Technical Communication

Are you interested in connecting people to one another and their environments? If so, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in technical communication may be an ideal choice for you. In this program, you’ll develop the ability to break down complex information into simpler forms to increase accessibility. You’ll graduate prepared for a variety of roles that require effective communication for success.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 10/16/2024


Total classes:

Total classes: 40

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 120

Degree questions, answered

Have questions about the Technical Communication (BS)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

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What is technical communication?

Technical communication focuses on making complex technical information more digestible and helping users accomplish their goals. Professionals in the field tailor their work to their audience by considering factors like prior familiarity, related experience and level of education.

This broad field 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 more.

What you’ll learn in this technical communication bachelor’s program

In this program, you’ll gain an understanding of how technical communication bridges the gap between dense, detailed data and actionable information. You’ll hone your design thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as learn how to provide users with the context needed to understand complex information. You’ll also develop experience in producing a wide array of materials, such as:

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

If you’d like to pursue more focused studies, you may also consider ASU Online’s technical communication degree concentrations in:

Who’s a good candidate for this program?

Ideal candidates for this technical communication program have a passion for expanding access to knowledge. Common qualities of those who pursue this field of study include comfort with receiving and learning new information, curiosity and willingness to learn.

Additionally, this degree is a good fit for those who work in roles across industries that require them to write or train others. In this program, you’ll gain the experience needed to create documents and electronic communications in ways that multiple audiences understand.

Interested in starting a technical writing career? Check out our article on how to become a technical writer to learn more about how this program prepares you for the role. Plus get expert tips from ASU faculty on how to succeed in the field.

Professional licensure and certification

ASU’s academic programs are designed to prepare students to apply for applicable licensure or certification in Arizona. Completing an ASU program may not meet the education requirements for licensure or certification in another state. If you plan to pursue professional licensure or certification in a state other than Arizona, we strongly recommend you visit our professional licensure page for the contact information of the appropriate licensing entity to seek information and guidance on the requirements.

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 courses

Courses in this program focus on applied, project-oriented learning. You’ll gain an understanding of the fundamentals of technical communication by studying topics such as writing for digital media, web authoring, visual communication, technical editing and more.


Prepare for technical writing jobs and more

Technical communicators work in positions across the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Upon graduation, you can seek roles that involve effective communication, such as content strategist, grant writer, information developer, social media specialist, web content editor and more. Additional potential career paths include, but aren’t 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

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

Learn from leading practitioners in technical communication

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

  • American Educational Research.
  • Association Fellows.
  • American Psychological Association Fellows.
  • Fulbright scholars.

Learn from leading practitioners in technical communication

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

  • American Educational Research.
  • Association Fellows.
  • American Psychological Association Fellows.
  • Fulbright scholars.

How to apply

I am a future

You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.

Learn how to apply.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at 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 Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at 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 Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

Study at a globally recognized university

ASU is a global university recognized for its commitment to innovation, research and high-quality academic programs. Our university is repeatedly awarded peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report and other respected organizations.

#1


in innovation for 10 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.

Top 5


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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