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certificate in technical communication.

The Technical Communication Certificate is offered through the Department of English in conjunction with the School of Communication. All courses are crosslisted and may be taken under either or both course numbers.

The Graduate Certificate in Technical Communication is designed for graduate students and industry professionals seeking a foundation in the theory and practice of Technical Communication. This foundation provides students with the kind of competencies expected from technical communication professionals, including writing, design, editing, and technology.

The Technical Communication Certificate is designed for the following students:

  • part- and full-time UNO students pursuing graduate degrees, who are seeking a cognate area outside, but relevant to, their primary program of study;
  • industry professionals seeking to develop the knowledge and skills for a career in Technical Communication; and
  • business or technical professionals seeking to enhance their employment opportunities through a professional development program.
Requirements - Admission to the graduate certificate program:
  • a baccalaureate degree with at least a 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) GPA
  • online graduate application along with the application fee
  • One copy of official transcripts from all previously attended universities
  • a statement of purpose articulating career goals (250-500 words)
  • a writing sample (preferably a technical document such as a report, but academic essay is also acceptable)

Required Course Work

The Graduate Certificate in Technical Communication consists of 4 core courses (12 credits) and one elective (3 credits) for a total of 15 credits. These credits can consist of a combination of English and Communication credits.

Although each course lists graduate standing as the only prerequisite, students should be aware that the program director strongly recommends taking the courses in the order they appear.

Core Courses (12 credits)

ENGL/JOUR 8816 Digital Literacies for Technical Communicators
ENGL/JOUR 8836 Technical Communication
ENGL/JOUR 8856 Information Design for Technical Communicators
ENGL/JOUR 8876 Technical Editing Other Approved Courses

(NOTE: Other courses and workshops may be developed as requested by students and institutions or as developments in the field warrant).

ENGL/JOUR 8896 Capstone Course in Technical Communication
SPCH 8156 Communication Training & Development Skills
SPCH 8196 Communication Training and Development Skills
SPCH 8536 Cross-Cultural Communication

Portfolio Requirement

Students will assemble a portfolio representing their achievement in the five courses (15 credits). The portfolio will contain at least one writing sample/project from each course and will be reviewed by the Technical Communication program coordinator and one other member of the Graduate Faculty from the English department or School of Communication. Faculty teaching these courses will be aware of this portfolio requirement and will assign work that can be used as part of the portfolio (e.g., a report, user's manual, web site, etc.).

Quality of Work

Students must earn a grade of “B” (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better in each course applied toward the 15 credits required for the Technical Communication certificate.

For more information...

Please call (402) 554-3636.

last updated : 11/7/2011 at 12:56pm