Offered at: San Luis Obispo Campus
The mission of the Technical and Professional Communication Program is to prepare its students for successful careers that combine text, media, and design, such as writing, editing, user experience and design, content strategy, and project management. The program also aims to equip students pursuing scientific and technical careers to communicate effectively and ethically with specialist and non-specialist audiences. The program achieves this mission by providing a high-quality, experiential education that emphasizes “hands-on” class projects, community service, client projects, internships, and teamwork. The program values social justice, community, and creative thinking. The mission of the Technical and Professional Communication Program is to prepare its students for successful careers that combine text, media, and design, such as writing, editing, user experience and design, content strategy, and project management. The program also aims to equip students pursuing scientific and technical careers to communicate effectively and ethically with specialist and non-specialist audiences. The program achieves this mission by providing a high-quality, experiential education that emphasizes “hands-on” class projects, community service, client projects, internships, and teamwork. The program values social justice, community, and creative thinking.
Program Learning Objectives
- Apply the principles of rhetoric, design, and usability to communication challenges.
- Communicate in technical and professional settings in an inclusive, equitable, and ethical manner.
- Design user-centered communiques that meet the needs of a wide range of audiences.
- Integrate communication, creativity, and critical thinking to address community challenges.
- Work cross-functionally with diverse stakeholders to plan, implement, and monitor collaborative projects.
- Acquire and verify subject knowledge through interviews, observations, and other research techniques.
Certificate Requirements and Curriculum
In addition to the program requirements listed on this page, students must also satisfy the following:
- 2.0 GPA is required in all units counted for completion of the certificate.
Note: No more than one-third of the required units may be selected as credit/no credit.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| REQUIRED COURSES | ||
| ENGL 2222 | Introduction to Technical and Professional Communication | 4 |
| ENGL 4491 | Practicum in Technical and Professional Communication | 4 |
| Select from the following: | 3-4 | |
| Corporate Communication | ||
| Humanistic Perspectives in Technical and Professional Editing | ||
| Writing Grant Proposals and Fundraising Appeals | ||
| Copywriting | ||
| Designing Content and Information for the Web | ||
| Select from the following: | 4 | |
| User Experience Writing and Research for Social Impact | ||
| Creative Problem-Solving for Social Impact in Technical and Professional Communication | ||
| Writing for Nonprofits | ||
| Advanced Topics in Technical and Professional Communication | ||
| Designing Instructional Materials | ||
| Digital Content Management Strategy | ||
| Freelance Writing and Entrepreneurship | ||
| Total Units | 15 | |