Technical Writing is a rapidly growing and increasingly lucrative profession. A technical writer's basic job is to translate technical information into something that the ordinary person can understand. Though writing is a big part of this profession, other skills, such as graphic design and illustration, are also important, especially because of the increasing integration of communications, computer technology and the Web. Technical communicators are highly employable in many professions, ranging from computer software companies to medical device companies and Wall Street firms. They work as editors, researchers, writers and Webmasters, creating everything from educational and training materials to safety manuals, maps, technical reports, computer manuals, brochures, proposals, technical specifications, and marketing or public relations releases. After gaining some experience in their fields, technical writers often serve as project managers and team managers, or act as liaisons among the research, production, and marketing components of an organization.

View a short video presentation exploring the importance of good writing skills in the professional world. You will need RealPlayer to view this video.

For more information about the technical writing profession, read "New Professional Path May Await in Shadows," by Laura Ramsay.

Students enrolled in our Technical Writing Certificate Program will learn how to research, visualize, design, and develop both print and electronic documents. Anyone in any major can get this useful Certificate in addition to his or her regular degree. It does not cost extra and it will not add to the number of credits required for graduation. Most students can easily fit the small number of extra credits required into their elective hours or use the technical writing certificate as a minor concentration within their major.

Candidates for the Technical Writing Certificate complete 18 credits of course work in the professional communications area. Courses include:

Foundation Class

FCWR 304 : Communication for the Technical Professions

Intermediate Classes
(Prerequisite: FCWR 304 or any Group B course [previous core] or Foundation of Professional Communication [Discovery Core])

WRIT 366: Survey of Technical and Professional Document Production
DGIM 101: Introduction to Digital Imaging

Advanced Classes

WRIT 351: Advanced Technical Writing
WRIT 363: Writing for the Web

Electives
(Certificate candidates choose one of the following advanced courses)

SPCH 205: Professional Speaking and Advanced Oral Communication
WRIT 220: Workshop in Publication
LITR 240: The Art of Prose: Scientific Writing
WRIT 355: Advanced Writing and Editing Techniques
WRIT 360: Seminar in Professional Writing
WRIT 415: Internship in Technical and Professional Writing

Students in any major can opt for the Technical Writing Certificate. The English Department encourages any student who is interested in technical communications or who is interested in enhancing their technical major to consider pursuing the Technical Writing Certificate. For more information, please call the English Department at 516-686-7557 or send e-mail to Dr. Kevin LaGrandeur.

If you would like to enroll in the program, please fill out the Technical Writing Certificate Enrollment Form, attach it to an email message, and send it to Dr. Kevin LaGrandeur (klagrand@nyit.edu).