Why Study Technical Communication

Undergraduate Program Home Technical Communication Home

why study technical communication?

"I chose TCO because of the diversity the program offered. The skills you learn can be applied in a variety of fields and industries, giving me endless career possibilities.

Only one year out of college and I have already applied my unique skillset to serve web and publication needs at Mercer's School of Engineering as well as many local businesses in the Macon area, earning two international awards for my achievements.

Currently I am preparing to begin a year-long internship at the global financial firm UBS in London, England where I will work as a Project Analyst within a global educational team, fulfilling multimedia and instructional design project needs.

Because of my excellent training within the Technical Communication program, I feel confident I will be able to apply my skills to not only a different business sector than I am accustomed, but also a different country."

~Carla Paschke, BS TCO 2005

Technical Communication, a comparatively new major when stacked against traditional majors such as mathematics or english, stands as one of the most innovative and career applicable majors in existence.

With strong foundations in math, science, and writing, Technical Communication teaches students to think analytically, handle highly technical information, and communicate this information effectively to a given audience.

Unlike the writing exercises students complete during high school and into many college courses, writing within Technical Communication is framed within a business context. Students learn to write effective business documents ranging from an inneroffice memo to a proposal requesting millions of dollars in funding. These writing skills are partnered with both oral and visual communication skills, equipping students with the skills to successfully communicate on all levels within an organization-- a highly coveted trait.

Because of the extreme value employers place on outstanding communication skills, technical communication graduates may enter a number of industries, providing them with great flexibility in regards to choosing a career.

Technical communication graduates also have many possibilities for advanced study as a foundation in technical communication can be applied to a number of advanced degrees such as law school, medical school, or graduate school.

Technical communication also allows for much diversity within the field itself due to the breadth of topics covered within courses. Graphic designers and technical editors will take the same courses, yet diverge upon graduation on different paths depending on their unique niches. This provides students with even more flexibility as to how they wish to apply their degree to the real world, and it is this flexibility that makes technical communication a truly valuable degree.

For more information on the value of a technical communication degree, view the following .pdf documents:

What TCO Can Do for You (.pdf)
TCO Factsheet (.pdf)