Technical Writing
The following is a description of current program requirements. Students who enrolled previously should consult the catalog for the year in which they began the program, and/or their advisor.
Area
Technical Writing Certificate
Length
Two semesters (one-year) program
Purpose
The technical writing certificate responds to the current and projected high demand for technical writers in business services or engineering and management services; government; and printing and publishing. Nationwide the employment of technical writers is expected to increase faster than average (i.e. 21 percent to 35 percent) for all occupations through 2010, and in Northern Virginia the growth rate is even higher. Technical writers rank number 24 in the Virginia Employment Commission's list of occupations with the largest increase in employment growth between 1998 and 2008 (74 percent).
Occupational Objectives
technical writer, technical writer/editor, writer, writer/editor and all specialized fields requiring the support of a technical writer/editor
Program Requirements
The curriculum integrates courses in technical writing/editing, desktop publishing and Web page design – the three special skills areas needed to give participants an edge in technical writing and to help them become effective technical writers. It is geared toward those already working in a technical field who wish to develop their technical writing expertise; those who have an educational background already in English and who wish to develop a specialization in technical writing; or those who want to explore a technical writing career. This program provides students the specific skills and knowledge needed for technical communication, prepares them for the challenges facing today's technical communicator and takes them through formal course work designed to enhance career opportunities in the technical writing field. The program includes, as its final component, an internship that may consist of 1) on-the-job training in approved businesses, industrial and service firms or government agencies; 2) career orientation and training in selected businesses, industrial and service firms or government agencies; or 3) a special project/research study relevant to the field.