Technical Communication Certificate
Vision Statement
The graduate certificate in technical communication is designed for graduate students and industry professionals seeking a foundation in the theory and practice of technical communication. This foundation provides students with the kinds of competencies expected from technical communication professionals, including writing, editing, design, and software applications.
The technical communication certificate is designed for the following students:
- Part- and full-time UNO students pursuing graduate degrees, who are seeking a cognate area outside, but relevant to, their primary program of study;
- Industry professionals seeking to develop the knowledge and skills for a career in technical communication; and
- Business or technical professionals seeking to enhance their employment opportunities through a professional development program.
Program Contact Information
Tracy Bridgeford, PhD, Director
402.554.3312
tbridgeford@unomaha.edu
Ramon Guerra, PhD, Graduate Program Chair (GPC)
402.554.3636
unoenglishgradschool@unomaha.edu
Program Website
Admissions
General Application Requirements and Admission Criteria
Program-Specific Requirements
Application Deadlines (Spring 2025, Summer 2025, and Fall 2025)
Applications for this program are accepted on a rolling basis. All materials must be submitted prior to the beginning of the semester in which the student has elected to begin coursework.
Other Requirements
- Applicants must have completed a baccalaureate degree in English or a related degree with at least a 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) GPA.
- English Language Proficiency: Applicants are required to have a command of oral and written English. Those who do not hold a baccalaureate or other advanced degree from the U.S., OR a baccalaureate or other advanced degree from a predetermined country on the waiver list, must meet the minimum language proficiency score requirement in order to be considered for admission.
- Paper-based TOEFL: 550, Internet-based TOEFL: 80, IELTS: 6.5, PTE: 53, Duolingo: 105
- If interested in a graduate assistantship ship minimum scores are as follows. Paper-based TOEFL: 600, Internet-based TOEFL: 100, IELTS: 8, PTE: 68, Duolingo: 120
- Statement of Purpose: The statement, about 500-1000 words, should articulate the applicant’s career goals regarding interest in technical communication, any relevant work or life experience, reason for pursuing a graduate certificate in technical communication, and anything else that might help convey the applicant’s personality, spirit, or intellectual character.
Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| ENGL 8816 | DIGITAL LITERACIES FOR TECHNICAL COMMUNICATORS | 3 |
| ENGL 8836 | TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION | 3 |
| ENGL 8856 | INFORMATION DESIGN FOR TECHNICAL COMMUNICATORS | 3 |
| Or other approved courses in consultation with the director. | ||
| Electives | ||
| Select 6 hours from the following: | 6 | |
| ENGL 8806 | ENGLISH INTERNSHIP | 1-3 |
| ENGL 8876 | TECHNICAL EDITING | 3 |
| ENGL 8896 | CAPSTONE COURSE IN TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION | 3 |
| ENGL/CACT 8610 | PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL WRITING | 3 |
| Additional courses may be substituted with the director's approval. | ||
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Exit Requirements
Students will assemble a final portfolio representing their achievement in the five courses (15 hours).The portfolio will contain at least one writing sample/project from each course and will be reviewed by the technical communication program director and one other member of the graduate faculty from the Department of English. Faculty teaching these courses will be aware of this portfolio requirement and will assign work that can be used as part of the portfolio (e.g., a report, user’s manual, website, etc.).