Technical Communication ,BS
Data visualization, Editing, Social media, Technical Communication, User Experience, User Interface, User-Centered Design, Visual Communication, online, writing
Learn to make complex technical information clear to others --- a sought-after skill in today's world. Apply effective writing and visual design to produce and manage content that helps others understand complex information.
Technical communication is applied workplace communication that makes technical or specialized information understandable and available to many different users. It involves using a range of technologies to craft an ever-expanding array of print and digital information products: websites, social media sites, help files, training materials, grants and proposals, and data visualizations, to name just a few.
Technical communicators work in many professional roles, such as information developers, grant writers, web interface designers or user experience specialists. What all of these roles have in common is the focus on creating accessible and appealing communication that has a practical purpose and is intended for a particular audience.
Students in the technical communication program learn how to analyze, write, design, produce and manage print and digital information using traditional and developing technologies.
- College/school:
College of Integrative Sciences and Arts
-
Location:
Polytechnic
or
Online
,
ASU Local
- Second language requirement: No
-
First required math course:
MAT 142 - College Mathematics
or any math course that meets the MATH designation -
Math intensity:
General
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
It is now possible to earn an ASU degree with ASU Local, an integrated college experience in which students take advantage of in-person success coaching and programming experiences on site while completing one of 130+ undergraduate online degree programs, all of which come with online faculty interaction and tutoring support.
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.
Students who learn technical communication while studying abroad will have an advantage in many workplaces. Having a global view of applied workplace communication, they become well-rounded communicators, able to use various print and digital information products to relate technical and specialized information. Through participation in one of the more than 300 available Global Education programs, students expand their scope of learning beyond the classroom and gain hands-on experience in different and exciting cultures.
Many of the School of Applied Professional Studies programs allow students to earn credit toward their major for their experiences studying abroad.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that job growth in technical writing will grow higher than average during the next 10 years, at a rate of 7%. Software and electronics companies, media corporations, financial institutions, government agencies, nonprofits and other areas will see an increased demand for writers.
Students in the program prepare for careers such as:
- communication manager
- content strategist
- data visualization specialist
- engineering support specialist
- information architect
- new media or social media specialist
- public relations specialist
- technical writer
- user experience specialist
- web content creator
Example job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
| Career | *Growth | *Median salary |
|---|---|---|
|
3.7%
|
$73,150
|
|
|
5.0%
|
$57,890
|
|
|
9.7%
|
$98,740
|
|
|
9.7%
|
$98,740
|
|
|
2.5%
|
$66,490
|
|
|
13.4%
|
$68,230
|
|
|
6.9%
|
$79,960
|
|
|
17.0%
|
$78,580
|
School of Applied Professional Studies
|
SANCA 233
CISA@asu.edu
480-727-1526
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
