Technical Communication Certificate

Department of English, College of Arts & Sciences, and School of Communication,  College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media

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
192A Arts & Science Hall (ASH) 
402.554.3312
tbridgeford@unomaha.edu

Ramon Guerra, PhD, Graduate Program Chair (GPC)
189E Arts & Science Hall (ASH) 
402.554.2096
rguerra@unomaha.edu

Program Website

Admissions

General Application Requirements and Admission Criteria

Program-Specific Requirements

Application Deadlines (Spring 2024, Summer 2024, and Fall 2024)

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

Required Courses
ENGL 8816DIGITAL LITERACIES FOR TECHNICAL COMMUNICATORS3
ENGL 8836TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION3
ENGL 8856INFORMATION DESIGN FOR TECHNICAL COMMUNICATORS3
Or other approved courses in consultation with the director.
Electives
Select 6 hours from the following:6
ENGL 8806ENGLISH INTERNSHIP1-3
ENGL 8876TECHNICAL EDITING3
ENGL 8896CAPSTONE COURSE IN TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION3
ENGL/CACT 8610PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL WRITING3
CMST 8156CORPORATE TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT3
CMST 8196COMPUTER-MEDIATED COMMUNICATION3
Some courses from English or the School of Communication may be substituted with the director's approval.
Total Credits15

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 or the School of Communication. 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.).