Apr 19, 2024  
2022-2023 General Catalog 
    
2022-2023 General Catalog ARCHIVED CATALOG: To search archives, MUST use search box to left. Current catalog: catalog.usu.edu.

Master of Technical Communication - MTC


The professional degree program in Technical Communication welcomes applications from the following types of students:

  • students interested in an academic career in technical communication.
  • working professionals seeking advancement and interested in gaining skills in the diverse and complex field of technical communication, which includes user experience, usability, social media, crisis communication, and other professional writing careers.
  • high school English teachers who want to expand their repertoire of English courses to include technical communication.

The entire program may be completed online and prepares students for understanding how culture, technology, and workplace research shape the field and practice of technical communication.

Refer to https://chass.usu.edu/english/tracks/technical-communication-graduate for more information.

Master’s Admission Requirements


The GRE, MAT or GMAT are not required to be considered for the Master of Technical Communication program. 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.​ International applicants from non-English-speaking countries should see the additional requirements described on the Graduate School web page: https://gradschool.usu.edu/apply.

Master’s Admission Procedure


Master’s students must apply for admission to the School of Graduate Studies at https://gradschool.usu.edu/apply/.

The MTC program application requires the following supplemental items:

  1. Letter of intent
  2. Resume or CV
  3. Two samples of applicant’s professional writing
  4. Half-page introduction to each sample
  5. three letters of recommendation from people who can address your readiness for graduate studies

Refer to https://chass.usu.edu/english/tracks/tech-comm-master-resources/application-procedures for more information on your application and help making your application more persuasive. 

Deadlines


The deadline for the online Master of Technical Communication is March 1 for admission in the fall.

Additional Questions


Please address additional questions to Dr. Avery Edenfield at avery.edenfield@usu.edu. You may also send questions to Dr. Jared Colton, Director of Graduate Studies in the English Department, at jared.colton@usu.edu.

Financial Information


For information on the cost of the program, refer to USU Online’s Cost and Financial Aid Page.

Note 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.

Master of Technical Communication Degree Requirements


As part of the 33 credits required to graduate, two or three online classes are offered each fall and spring semester. Occasionally, classes may be offered in the summer. 

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 toward the degree.

Students should complete the three core requirements (ENGL 6400 ENGL 6410  and ENGL 6830 ) at their first opportunity after entering the program.

Students need to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA to remain in good standing. If the GPA falls below a 3.0, the School of Graduate Studies will take action, which could include a letter of warning, probation, or even dismissal from the program. Any grade below a B- will not count toward the degree.

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.

Curriculum


Students take all three core requirement classes and 24 additional credits for a total of 33 credit hours. All classes below are offered for 3 credits each, making a total of 11 courses. At minimum, 7 of these 11 courses must be Master of Technical Communication courses. Courses are not repeatable for credit unless otherwise indicated below.

B. Issues in Professional Communication (12-24* credits required)


Faculty Research Areas


Refer to https://chass.usu.edu/english/directory/tcr-directory for more information.