Technical Communication Graduate Certificate Programs

Updated: Dec 9, 2023

Technical communications are different modes of conveying digital, engineering, scientific, and other technical information. Enrolling in an Online Technical Communication Graduate Certificate program is an excellent way to learn how to transform complex technical information into understandable and engaging content. Graduates who wish to specialize in this area will gain the necessary skills in analysis, design, technical writing and editing, development, usability, and publication management.

What Are the Online Technical Communication Graduate Certificate Requirements?

Students interested in pursuing an online Technical Communication Graduate Certificate program should know all the entrance requirements before applying. Although it is vital to verify the specific requirements of the academic institution of choice, most schools will ask the following:

A bachelor's degree in any field from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.00 (out of 4.00) GPA in the last two years of your program (or) A master's degree in any field from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.00 GPA overall
If your native language is not English, proof of excellent English communication skills is required. Most institutions will accept IELTS, PTEA, and TOEFL, although some universities will make exceptions.
Official transcripts
Current, updated resume
2-3 letters of reference
The admission application and corresponding fees
A statement of purpose or personal essay

What Types of Classes Are Included in the Online Technical Communication Graduate Certificate Curriculum?

The typical online Technical Communication Graduate Certificate can be completed in 1-2 years, depending on the academic institution, total credits, and the course load per semester. For instance, the University of Minnesota offers a 15-credit program with five courses, whereas the Illinois Institute of Technology provides a 12-credit program with four courses. Moreover, you may also encounter schools that offer multiple types of Technical Communication Graduate Certificates, such as the New Jersey Institute of Technology, which provides five specialized graduate certifications under which you can study concentrated courses. That said, across the board, standard courses may include:

Introduction to Technical Communication
Introduction to Critical Thinking for Technical Communicators
Principles & Practice of Technical Writing
Technical Editing and Styling
Research & Analysis in Technical Writing
Information Design
Introduction to Adobe Creative Cloud, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop
Document Creation and Development
Modes of Communication: Digital, Verbal, Visual, and Written
Interface & Website Design
Usability Research
Editing/Technical Editing
Intercultural Communication
Project Management and Publication

What Type of Careers Can I Pursue with an Online Technical Communication Graduate Certificate?

After completing a Technical Communication Graduate Certificate, a graduate may pursue many successful career paths, including:

Technical Writer/Editor: Technical writers take complex technical information and create user-friendly, easy-to-read, engaging content and documents.
Technical Illustrator: Technical illustrators are similar to specialized writers, taking complex technical information and communicating it through diagrams or images.
Information Designer: Information designers are similar to technical illustrators, although their job centers around the initial process of finding efficient ways to present the information.
Localizer/Localization Specialist: Localizers adapt and change text and designs for products and services. They must ensure that the product appears as though it was made in or for the country it will be adapted to. Localization specialists or managers are experts in the field.
Usability Analyst/Specialist: Usability analysts adapt and change software products to meet the needs and preferences of the target users.
Technical Content Specialist: Technical content specialists generally manage web pages or social media accounts, overseeing the content strategy, developing and implementing the content, updating existing content, and researching and analyzing relevant information.
Documentation Specialist: Documentation specialists collect, analyze, write, distribute, and maintain important company documentation.
Information Architect: Information architects specialize in ways to build and structure user-friendly information into websites and software.
Web Designer: Web designers design and create websites by combining different modes of technical communication in a visually appealing manner.