Mar 29, 2024  
2014-2015 General Catalog (Spring, Summer 2015) 
    
2014-2015 General Catalog (Spring, Summer 2015) ARCHIVED CATALOG: To search archives, MUST use search box to left. Current catalog: catalog.usu.edu.

English - MTC


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The professional degree program in Technical Communication is designed for students who already have some training and/or experience as practitioners of technical writing. The entire program may be completed online and prepares students for careers as developers and managers of technical documents. When they graduate, students will be qualified to determine and defend writing policy and practices in their workplaces. No matter where you go, you’re sitting on our campus. For more information about the program, visit https://english.usu.edu/htm/graduate/graduate-study/masters-of-technical-communication.

Master’s Admissions Requirements


The School of Graduate Studies requires that students present scores no lower than the 40th percentile in the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General test or Miller Analogies Test (MAT). However, these are minimal standards, and applicants will need to post considerably higher scores in order to be competitive with other applicants for this program. The GRE Subject test in English is not required. Applicants to the Master of Technical Communication program may take the GRE, MAT, or GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test).

 International applicants from non-English-speaking countries must present a minimum score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 80 (internet-based), or the equivalent score of 6.0 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Applicants need to have a minimum GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale in the last 60 credits taken in order to be considered.

Master’s Admission Procedure


Master’s students must apply for admission to the School of Graduate Studies. The online application for Graduate Studies can be found at rgs.usu.edu/graduateschool/htm/admissions. There is a $55 fee required with the application. Here are the steps in the application process:

1. Fill out the online application.

2. Pay the application fee.

3. If you haven’t already done so, take the GRE or MAT test.

4. Provide a copy of your transcript.

5. Provide three contacts for letters of recommendation.

6. Send a letter of intent (usually 250-750 words).

7. Send a writing sample.

8. Applicants to the online Master of Technical Communication Program should also send a current CV (curriculum vitae) or resume to the English Director of Graduate Studies (DGS).

International Students

International applicants from non-English-speaking countries must also take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) unless their undergraduate degree is from a university in an English-speaking country. International students must also submit an I-20 application form and a financial guarantee. Please visit the Graduate School web page describing international application procedures and the Utah State web page providing information for international students. Find more information here.

Deadlines

There are two deadlines for the online Master of Technical Communication: March 1 for admission in summer or fall and November 1 for admission in spring. For the master’s programs in English, American Studies, and Folklore, the main deadline is January 15. All application materials should arrive at Utah State by the deadline.

Additional Questions

Please address additional questions to Dr. Christine Cooper-Rompato, Director of Graduate Studies in the English Department. E-mail: christine.rompato@usu.edu Phone: (435) 797-3856

Financial Information


For information on the cost of the program, see http://distance.usu.edu/engwriting-MS/. You can also call (800)233-2137 or send an email to distance.info@usu.edu.

Not that employees of Utah State University may be eligible to receive a tuition reduction for this program. Call Human Resources for further information at 435-797-0216.

MTC Degree Requirements


As part of the 33 credits required to graduate, three online classes are usually offered each fall semester and another three in the spring semester. However, since the semester’s seminars typically include one or two non-repeatable classes, a student who has already taken those classes may only be able to take one or two of the available seminars in some semesters. Occasionally, classes will be offered in the summer - either online seminars or 3-credit, one-week, on-campus workshops. Students may also petition the Director of Graduate Studies to substitute an appropriate class in another program or department for a class in group C below.

The curriculum has been designed to allow students to complete all requirements within a three-year period although students may take longer if they choose. The School of Graduate Studies requires students to complete their degrees in no more than six years. Extensions of this deadline are sometimes allowed, but classes expire after EIGHT years and will no longer count towards the degree.

There are no prerequisite classes but some students may be advised to take preparatory classes. Classes may be taken in any sequence although students should complete the two core requirements (6400 and 6410) at their first opportunity after entering the program.

Students in the master’s program who are able to come to the Logan campus may be able to include some face-to-face classes in their programs of study. For advising on how these classes will fit into the four groups below, contact the Director of Graduate Studies.

Division of Classes


Students select classes from the three groups below for a total of 33 credit hours. All classes below are offered for 3 credits each.

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