"Providing you with real-world experience to take a leadership role in an always-evolving media environment."
"In the TCEM program, you will receive hands-on training for a relevant and rewarding career as a technical communicator. As a graduate of the program, you will be able to use writing to explain complicated concepts and technologies, help people solve problems, and communicate across cultures. Your TCEM degree will prepare you for your first job and provide you with the flexibility and real-world experience to take a leadership role in an always-evolving media environment, " -Travis W. Matteson, PhD and Nicholas L. Stefanski, JD, PhD, assistant professors in the English & Humanities Department
Employment of technical writers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 5,400 openings for technical writers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. In 2022, median pay for technical writers was $79,960; editors, $73,080; public relations specialists, $67,440; and writers and authors, $73,150.
As product innovation continues, technical writers will be needed to convert complex information into a format that nontechnical users of these products understand. The continuing expansion of scientific and technical products and growth in digital product support needs will drive employment demand for these writers.
Employment Opportunities
- Technical Writers
- Documentation Specialists
- Content Developers
- Professional Editors and Publishers
- Project Managers
- Proposal Writers
- UX Writers
In this program, you will:
- Gain hands-on experience with an internship in the industry
- Create a professional portfolio to showcase your skills
- Develop a specialization to support your career goals
| Occupational Title | SOC Code | Employment 2022 | Projected Employment 2032 |
Change 2022-2032 Percent/Numeric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Technical Writers | 27-3042 | 54,700 | 58,400 | 7%/3,700 |
Applications are now being accepted for this new program!
The TCEM BS will offer experiential technical education in:
- Composing, managing, analyzing, and delivering technical information to specific audiences in a variety of forms, media, and contexts.
- Creating and analyzing communication in emergent media environments and communities.
- Entering the global marketplace as skilled intercultural communicators, technical practitioners, and scholars.
Additionally, the program will prepare students to be technical practitioners and scholars who can communicate about specialized information with technology and project management skills. Students will be equipped to pursue opportunities in a variety of industries by selecting competencies in several potential areas to enhance employability for graduates of the program.
This bachelor’s program meets the growing demand by industry for strong writing and communication skills in technical areas. Job opportunities in technical communication and emergent media are expanding and expected to grow over the next several years. As skilled professionals trained to clearly communicate technical information and to mediate between expert and non-expert audiences, graduates will find employment in a wide variety of sectors including engineering and manufacturing, insurance and financial services, computer technology, and more.