Technical Communication (AATCD)

Associate in Arts

In this program, students explore the technical communication process in detail and develop skills in audience analysis, project management, technical writing and editing, document design and usability testing. Using tools of the technical communication profession, students prepare content for print and online delivery, develop screencast training modules, learn how to conduct a formal job search and create professional portfolios to showcase their skills.

The Technical Communication Associate in Arts degree is designed for students transferring to a four-year university and seeking a Bachelor of Arts degree. The General Education requirements fulfill both Washtenaw Community College's requirements and the MTA Transfer requirements.

As a fast-track program for career changers or a foundational program for first time professionals, the Technical Communication certificate program provides the knowledge and skills necessary for writing end-user documentation such as printed manuals, online help systems and screencast training modules. This certificate can be used to seek work as interns and in co-op positions in technical communication while pursuing the Associate in Arts Degree in Technical Communication.

This is a high demand, high skill and high wage program as defined by the Michigan Community College Network.

Career Outlook in Michigan

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2088Annual Job Openings

10% 10 Year Employment Growth

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37,898Median Earnings

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73,740Median Earnings

490Annual Job Openings

7% 10 Year Employment Growth

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Program is also available online

2024-2025 Academic Requirements

In this program, students explore the technical communication process in detail and develop skills in audience analysis, project management, technical writing and editing, document design and usability testing. Using tools of the technical communication profession, students prepare content for print and online delivery, develop screencast training modules, learn how to conduct a formal job search and create professional portfolios to showcase their skills.

The Technical Communication Associate in Arts degree is designed for students transferring to a four-year university and seeking a Bachelor of Arts degree. The General Education requirements fulfill both Washtenaw Community College's requirements and the MTA Transfer requirements.

Basic computer literacy.

Division
Humanities, Social & Behav Sci
Department
English & College Readiness
Advisors
Lisa Veasey
Laura Beck
Brittany Middlebrook
First Semester
Class Title Minimum Credits
COM 101   Fundamentals of Speaking 3
ENG 107   Technical Writing Fundamentals 3
ENG 111   Composition I 4
Elective   Math Elective(s) 3
Total 13
Second Semester
Class Title Minimum Credits
ENG 208   Technical Writing for Print Delivery 3
ENG 226   Composition II 3
Elective   GDT Elective Select one course from the following: GDT 104, GDT 106 or GDT 108 3
Elective   Soc. Sci. Elective(s) 1* 3
Elective   Soc. Sci. Elective(s) 2* 3
Total 15
Third Semester
Class Title Minimum Credits
ENG 209   Technical Writing for Online Delivery 3
Elective   Arts/Human. Elective(s) 1* 3
Elective   Nat. Sci. Elective(s)* 3
Elective   Restricted Elective(s)** 3
Elective   WEB Elective Select one course from the following: WEB 110, WEB 113 or WEB 115 3
Total 15
Fourth Semester
Class Title Minimum Credits
ENG 218   Technical Writing for eLearning 3
ENG 245   Job Search Success Seminar 2
Elective   Arts/Human. Elective(s) 2* 3
Elective   Nat. Sci. Lab Elective(s)* 3
Elective   Restricted Elective(s)** 3
Elective   Elective(s) to reach minimum 60 credits 3
Total 17

Total Credits Required
60

Footnotes

*If your course(s) exceeds the recommended credit hours, you will need to reduce the number of credits in the restricted electives. Students who plan to transfer to a 4-year university are encouraged to meet with the Technical Communication program advisor to select appropriate general education courses.
**JRN 210 is strongly recommended. Students must meet with the Technical Communication program advisor to select additional elective courses.