Technical Communication, M.S. (face-to-face and web-based)

Field of study

This program is practice-oriented, emphasizing a problem-solving approach to empower professionals in many disciplines to communicate more effectively. Candidates bridge the complex and isolated worlds of scientific and technical specialties through effective communication strategies.  It is possible for highly motivated, focused candidates to complete the program in one year.

Degree Program

A 31-credit program of study offered by Montana Tech of the UM and University of Montana-Missoula, including a six-credit thesis or major project. The program is offered both face-to-face and web-based, though the studio courses T.C. 5476 and T.C. 5486 must be taken face-to-face. For the project option, a student may pursue interests in a specific profession or an academic discipline and demonstrate competency by applying state-of-the-art communication skills. Portions of the major project or thesis may be developed as components of assignments in course work. The project or thesis topic will be discussed, refined, and approved by the candidate’s major advisor and a graduate committee.

Examinations

Candidates for a Master’s Degree in Technical Communication must present their MS project or thesis orally and lead the resulting discussion. Within this context, the successful candidate will also demonstrate the integration of course work as it relates to the project or thesis, and to identified professional goals.

MSTC Curriculum

Some prerequisites to graduate study may be required. MSTC faculty determine deficiencies and note them in acceptance letters. You must maintain a 3.0 GPA when completing deficiencies, and courses taken as prerequisites do not count toward graduate credit. Note that most students will complete the courses listed below over three to four semesters, and are encouraged to take additional elective courses such as T.C. 5126, Environmental Communication.

Fall Semester

• T.C. 5376 - Ethics Proseminar 1 credit
• T.C. 5416W - Rhetorical Theories & Professional Communication 3 credits
• T.C. 5476 - Print Production/Multimedia Productions 3 credits
• T.C. 5506 - Intercultural Communication 3 credits
• T.C. 5616 - Research Methods 3 credits
• T.C. 5946 - Graduate Seminar 1 credit
• T.C. 5996 - Thesis/Graduate Project 3 credits

Spring Semester

• T.C. 5016 - Professional Presentations 1 credit
• T.C. 5056 - Technical Writing & Editing 3 credits
• T.C. 5426 - Seminar In Technology, Communications & Culture 3 credits
• T.C. 5486 - Print Production/Multimedia Productions 3 credits
• T.C. 5946 - Graduate Seminar 1 credit
• T.C. 5996 - Thesis/Graduate Project 3 credits
• Electives 3 credits