Here is a comprehensive list of Technical Writing Certification programs in USA that I’ve compiled for my readers. If you know any other programs, in any country, please let me know and I’ll include them as well.
Austin Community College
Austin Community College in Austin, TX is offering a Business and Technical Communications Certificate Program (thank you Susan H).
Brooklyn College
Technical Writing Certificate Program
Interested in a career in technical writing? Interested in adding something to that degree in English, History, Philosophy, Communications, Advertising, Marketing that will actually enable you to get a job? Tired of teaching school or working as a secretary? Want to put your language skills to use and do some writing in a respectable and rewarding profession? If so, the Technical Writing Certificate Program offered through Brooklyn College may be just for you!
The Brooklyn College Technical Writing Certificate Program took in its first students February 1999. It is a small program in which students have plenty of opportunity to interact with instructors. As of February 2007, people from all over the world have registered for and completed over 400 individual sections of the courses that are offered.
The Brooklyn College Technical Writing Certificate Program is an intensive eight-course program that introduces you to the essential areas in the technical communication and technical writing profession. The entire program is online: you can take the courses individually, or you can take some combination of the eight courses and earn the certificate—right in your own home and from anywhere in the world.
http://www.io.com/~hcexres/brooklyn/index.html
Cal State at Fullerton
Certificate in Technical Writing
Program
The classes in the Technical Writing Certificate will help you develop the skills you need to succeed. You will learn how to write and edit users’ guides and manuals; reports; feasibility and usability studies; proposals; online documents; interpretations of engineering and design specifications and more.
The global economy and the continued growth of technology generate an ongoing need for a wide variety of communication materials, and a strong demand for technical writers. The Technical Writing Certificate was developed to provide a professional training resource for anyone interested in entering this field. A career in technical writing could be just what you’ve been looking for, if you have:
- Good written and oral communication skills
- The ability to distill complex issues down to easily understood language
- Careful attention to detail
- Good organization skills
- A background in science, technology, medicine or the law
The Certificate in Technical Writing consists of six courses totaling 165 hours of lecture and hands-on experience. The certificate graduate will receive 16.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), a nationally recognized unit used for professional development.
http://www.csufextension.org/Classes/certificate/CertDetail.aspx?GN=3051&GV=2
California State University – Channel Islands
Certificate in Technical Writing
The Certificate in Technical Writing provides an opportunity for students from various disciplines to pursue interests in Technical Writing, and the certificate will prove valuable in a variety of career choices. The culmination of the certificate is the Project/Seminar course, which may be an internship or a project the student chooses in consultation with his or her advisor.
Courses may not fulfill the required sequence in the Literature and Writing major as well as count toward the certificate.
http://english.csuci.edu/program/IIf.htm
California State University – Chico
Word Processing Experience
While the program does not yet teach word processing or formally require it, technical writers on the job regularly use automated equipment. Moreover, the industry trend is beyond word processing into graphics preparation and publication design. So for now, it remains the responsibility of the individual student to learn the use of the electronic tools. The program coordinator will aid in identifying and arranging opportunities to develop the appropriate skills.
Application and Admission
Since the Technical Writing Certificate must operate beneath a limited enrollment ceiling, for logistical reasons, admission will be competitive, based on proof of writing skills, technical competency, and professional commitment. Students seeking admission to the program should complete the prerequisite courses and ENGL 130 or ENGL 175 before applying to the Certificate Coordinator.
http://www.csuchico.edu/catalog/cat03/programs/engl/cert_tewr.html
California State University – Dominguez Hills (ONLINE PROGRAM)
“The online Technical Writing Certificate of Completion introduces students to the many aspects of contemporary technical writing practices and helps them develop the skills and confidence to communicate complex technical concepts simply and effectively. Students can take individual courses or the entire series to complete the certificate.”
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Fundamentals of Technical Communication
This 9-week course examines the basic requirements of technical style and organizational patterns used in a variety of business and technical documents. Students learn and practice how to condense extensive information into the fewest words possible without sacrificing content. The class also covers how to identify the audiences and apply various styles to each.
Advanced Technical Communications
This 9-week course further examines the concepts learned in the “Fundamentals” course. Students hone their skills by writing various types of proposals, informal and formal reports, procedures manuals and oral presentations.
Information Design
The final 9-week course gives students a command of the design principals and production processes required for truly effective technical communications. Students will design manuals, procedures handbooks and instructional materials. Students will be required to complete a capstone project that incorporates every aspect of technical writing learned in the program.
http://www.csudh.edu/technicalwritingonline/
California State University – East Bay
Technical Writing Curriculum
Certificate Requirements
To earn a certificate in Technical Writing, you must complete 1 required course. The course is approximately 80 hours. You have six months to complete it but can have that time extended as need.
http://www.extension.csuhayward.edu/certificate/tech_writing/curriculum.shtml
Cleveland State University
Technical Writing Certificate
Developed for both the traditional technical writer, as well as for any professional responsible for designing, creating, testing, and maintaining documentation in the workplace, this certificate program offers a user-focused approach to technical communication. Through a series of interactive workshops, writers and documentation professionals will learn key strategies for becoming an audience-centered communicator. Earn a Certificate in Technical Writing by completing four required courses and two elective courses.
http://www.csuohio.edu/ce/certificates/mgmt/tech_writing.html
De Anza College
Technical Writing Certificate
Technical writers play an essential role in many of the highly technical businesses in Silicon Valley. The ability to write clear and concise documents, manuals, memos, and reports is the key to career success as a technical writer—and success as an executive, manager, marketer, salesperson, or engineer as well!
The Technical Writing Department (TWRT) at De Anza offers an exciting opportunity to study the field of technical communications. The courses are taught by professionals with years of industry experience. As students advance through the TWRT program, they master increasingly complex material, progressing from writing short documents to preparing camera-ready manuals. Classes explore career and professional opportunities through research and interaction with industry professionals.
http://www.deanza.fhda.edu/twrt/
DePaul University
Technical Writing Certificate Program
This program will give you the skills to create effective technical documents, such as proposals, reports, descriptions, and instructions, while showing you ways to create those documents as efficiently as possible. The goal of the program is to help you create quality documents in less time.
This fifteen-hour certificate program thoroughly covers the underlying principles of effective Technical Writing while showing students how to apply those principles in creating technical documents that serve their purposes.
East Carolina University
East Carolina University has a Master’s and PH.D. Program in Technical Communication offered by the English Department (thanks C.S.).
Ferris State University
Technical Writing Certificate
http://catalog.ferris.edu/programsheets/ArtsSciences/technicalwriting_c.pdf
Gatlin Education Services (ONLINE PROGRAM)
Technical Writing – GES 217 — 80 hours
“This nationally recognized Technical Writing online distance learning course is designed for anyone who wishes to develop their technical writing abilities to a professional level. Students will learn research methods, audience considerations, style, drafting and revision techniques, how to work in a collaborative environment, and more. A variety of media and formats will be studied, including websites, emails, proposals, memos, and instructions. This Technical Writing online certificate program is only offered in partnership with major accredited colleges and universities.”
http://www.gatlineducation.com/technical_writing_course.html
Kaplan University (ONLINE PROGRAM)
BS in Communication – Technical Writing from Kaplan University Online
This accredited university offers a wide array of courses suited to busy people who want to earn a degree via their own schedule. Quality courses, relevant material, a great platform and excellent instructors make this a great learning experience that can help you advance your career.
“Much more than an online site where information is picked up and dropped off, Kaplan, who has been educating people since 1937 in traditional classroom settings, and who has developed test preparation kits for over 3 million students, is able to offer students the opportunity to learn with fellow classmates, advisors, and professors.”
http://oedb.org/online-programs/arts-humanities/technical-writing/bs-in-communication3
Kennesaw State University
Technical Writing Certificates
Finally, Atlanta has a comprehensive certificate program for professional technical writers. Continuing Education @ Kennesaw State University is proud to introduce the Technical Writing Certificate, Basic and Advanced levels, for technical writers who want to expand and validate their expertise.
Basic
Students in the project-oriented Basic level course produce portfolio pieces demonstrating skills in Design Principles, Styles and Formatting, Raster Graphics, Information Organization, Vector Graphics in Online Documents, Adobe Acrobat, PagePlus and FrameMaker. Students with experience may qualify to test out of the Basic certificate and proceed to the Advanced certificate. For more information about testing out, click here.
Advanced
Students in the project-oriented Advanced level course produce portfolio pieces demonstrating skills in persuasive communication, assembly / operations / technical manuals, RoboHelp/Flare, desktop editing, picture editing, and vector graphic editing software. Advanced course price includes desktop editing, picture editing, and vector graphic editing software.
Louisiana Tech University
E-Certificate in Technical Writing
The English Department at Louisiana Tech University offers a Certificate in Technical Writing and Communication that you can complete entirely online. This certificate documents the advanced oral and written communication skills that so many employers desire today, and our web-based presentation means you can participate from almost anywhere.
Training in technical writing and communication will help you write better, whether the format is a memo, business letter, technical report, or proposal. You will be more able to create clear and logically organized training materials. In addition, this level of training in technical writing and communication will help you evaluate all your documents for clarity and usability.
This graduate certificate in technical writing and communication offers benefits to people in many fields, including business, aviation, engineering, social work, language, and education. You could use the knowledge you gain from this program if any of these descriptions apply to you:
http://garts.latech.edu/tamaram/GECTW/twcgechome.html
Indiana University East
Technical Writing Certificate
NOTICE: School of Humanities and Social Sciences are currently in the process revising all its degrees. Please contact your advisor for more information.
The Certificate in Technical Communication is intended for all students, whether they are IU East degree-seeking students, graduates with a bachelor’s degree who seek focused education in technical communication, or non-degree-seeking students with specific needs or interests in technical communication. This certificate offers you a focused program in technical and professional communication skills, an area that includes the study of technical writing and communication theory. You will produce written, electronic, and oral presentations within technical communication studies. Technical communication is an area where many students find employment after graduation. While technical communication is a field of study offered within the field of English, many technical communication students can come from fields like the sciences, business, or humanities. The Certificate in Technical Communication is open to both degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking students. The certificate program can be shaped to support various technical communication specializations. Certain courses have prerequisites and you will first need to fulfill those prerequisites.
http://www.iue.edu/hss/english/cert-technical-writing.php
Montgomery College, Maryland
TECHNICAL WRITING CERTIFICATE
This certificate curriculum is designed for those already employed in technical positions or in related positions, seeking to move into careers in technical writing and editing or to upgrade skills in these areas. The emphasis is on tools, techniques, and procedures for developing, preparing, and producing technical documents and presentations in a work environment. Those without appropriate background must obtain the consent of an adviser before enrolling in the curriculum.
http://www.montgomerycollege.edu/curricula/descriptions/cdtechwrite.htm
New York Institute of Technology
Technical Writing Certificate Program
Technical Writing is a rapidly growing and increasingly lucrative profession. A technical writer’s basic job is to translate technical information into something that the ordinary person can understand. Though writing is a big part of this profession, other skills, such as graphic design and illustration, are also important, especially because of the increasing integration of communications, computer technology and the Web. Technical communicators are highly employable in many professions, ranging from computer software companies to medical device companies and Wall Street firms. They work as editors, researchers, writers and Webmasters, creating everything from educational and training materials to safety manuals, maps, technical reports, computer manuals, brochures, proposals, technical specifications, and marketing or public relations releases. After gaining some experience in their fields, technical writers often serve as project managers and team managers, or act as liaisons among the research, production, and marketing components of an organization.
http://iris.nyit.edu/english/techwritcert.html
Rutgers University
Technical Writing Certificate
The need for technical writers capable of communicating scientific or technically sophisticated information to various audiences is well established, and technical writing skills are in demand in a wide range of fields. This certificate program is designed to give students with a science or technical background a strong grounding in the skills of oral, written, and electronic communication. In order to receive a Technical Writing Certificate, students must successfully complete a major or minor in an approved scientific or technical field (such as biology, mathematics, engineering, or computer science) and 18 credits in selected courses, including a 3-credit internship. Students at Rutgers College can use the Technical Writing Certificate to fulfill a minor program requirement. The certificate is administered through the Writing Program as part of the English Department at Rutgers University in New Brunswick. For further information contact the Director of Business and Technical Writing at (732) 932-9273 or bizntech@rci.rutgers.edu.
http://bizntech.rutgers.edu/program/certificate_programs.html
Sacramento State College
Technical Writing Certificate Program
Technical writing and communication is one of the ten fastest growing fields both in the Sacramento area and the nation. Salary estimates for the Sacramento region range from entry-level positions at $40,000-$45,000 to $75,000+ for publication managers. The Technical Writing Certificate Program offers cutting-edge skills and concepts necessary for success in this dynamic field.
Structure
This program consists of seven online courses. This program was designed in collaboration with members of the Sacramento chapter of the Society of Technical Communication (STC).
http://www.cce.csus.edu/catalog/course_group_detail.asp?group_number=106&group_version=2
San Francisco State University
Technical Communication Proficiency Sequence: Certificate
Certificate of Completion
To earn a Technical Communication Proficiency Sequence certificate of completion, you would take four courses (12 units). You could finish after attending part-time, two evenings a week for just two consecutive semesters.
The Curriculum
Your coursework would include both an introduction to fundamental forms, methods, standards, and issues for technical writers, plus dedicated practice in designing and producing technical publications. In addition, you could choose electives focused on editing, desktop publishing, online writing, promotional writing, or advanced topics. You would earn full college credit for all of these courses.
http://www.cel.sfsu.edu/technical-writing/certificate.cfm
UCLA Extension (ONLINE PROGRAM)
“Now you can acquire the technical communication skills and certification you want from the nation’s largest single-campus continuing education program-in the comfort of your own home or office.
Mention that you are an STC member and it gets even better: effective through September 1, 2003, you will receive a $50 discount for one online class per quarter.”
Foundation Courses
· Foundation Skills of Technical Writing (Online)
· Technical Writing (Online)
· Technical Editing (Online)
· Information Design (Online)
While the above courses are offered regularly, the curriculum as a whole is dynamic, with new courses being introduced in response to the special needs of those in the field. The following are courses that, in addition to the above, have typically been offered as part of this program:
Other Courses in the Curriculum
· Creating Readable Documents (Online)
· Technical Writing for the Web (Online)
· Introduction to Policies and Procedures Communication (Online)
· International Technical Communications (Online)
· Introduction to Project Management (Online)*
· Project Management Communications (Online)*
· Project Estimating (Online)*
· Writing Effective Proposals (Online)**
· Managing Effective Proposals (Online)**
· Making Sense of Knowledge Management (Online)
*These courses are particularly helpful when taken sequentially.
**These courses are particularly helpful when taken sequentially
http://www.stcwvc.org/galley/0209/b04tech_communications_ucla.htm
University of California – Riverside – UCR Extension
UCR Technical Writing Certificate
The Technical Writing Certificate was introduced in 1998 in response to the growing demand to more effectively communicate technical material through manuals, reports and online documentation. The program design provides an integrated curriculum covering principles and practices commonly used in technical environments. The program is designed for those who are looking to accent their current careers or enter an entirely new career focusing on technical writing.
http://www.extension.ucr.edu/certificates/technical/
University of California Santa Cruz, Silicon Valley Extension
You can excel in the technical writing field with training and education provided by UCSC Extension in Silicon Valley. The comprehensive certificate program covers state-of-the-art resources, tools, and knowledge needed to advance a successful career and maintain certification.
Program Overview
Technical communicators work in a variety of fields and professionals must expand their skills to keep pace with the needs of Silicon Valley’s most innovative companies. Whether addressing advanced topics or grammar basics, our comprehensive program centers around information usability trains superb technical communicators at all levels in all disciplines.
The program is structured into five modules of courses, each catering to a different need and expertise within the professional community:
- Technical Communication Fundamentals
- Engineering Communication
- Project Leadership
- Advanced Topics in Communication
- Tools and Technologies
Take individual courses to expand or update specific skills, or pursue the certificate for comprehensive training from the professionals who helped define the profession in.
Click here for more information
Univ. of Mass at Lowell
The Certificate Program in Technical Writing
Those with strong writing skills and an aptitude for computers are encouraged to enter this program. Taught by practicing professionals from the high tech industry, students learn to use the most current technologies and processes. Students enrolled in this certificate program are eligible for special internship opportunities and can apply for scholarships sponsored by the Society for Technical Communication.
http://continuinged.uml.edu/certificates/technicalwriting.cfm
University of Missouri – St. Louis
Technical Writing Certificate
Students earn the Certificate in Writing by completing 18 hours in selected writing courses with a grade point average of 3.0 or better. The technical writing emphasis provides a more career-specific strategy for students enrolled in the writing certificate program. The specific requirements for the Technical Writing Emphasis are listed below.
Courses for the certificate should be chosen with the guidance of Jeanne Allison, program coordinator (447 Lucas Hall, 516-5587, allisonjea@umsl.edu). This form should be turned in to the coordinator and updated each semester. If the student elects to complete English 4890 as one of the courses for the certificate, he or she should schedule a meeting with the coordinator to make arrangements for this final project.
When the student has completed requirements for the certificate, the coordinator will notify the university registrar and the college from which the student will graduate. Upon the student’s graduation, completion of the Certificate in Writing will be noted on the official transcript and a certificate will be mailed to the student’s residence. Students who have graduated before completing the Certificate in Writing will receive the certificate in the mail and will have the certificate entered on their official transcripts.
http://www.umsl.edu/~umslenglish/writcert2/techwritingcertificate.html
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Technical Communication Program: An Introduction
The Technical Communication (TC) Program is part of the Department of Engineering Professional Development in the College of Engineering. The TC program offers these opportunities:
- Major communication courses for undergraduates and graduate students
- 24-credit Certificate in Technical Communication
University of Wisconsin-Sout
Minor in Technical Writing
- Minor Requirements [PDF]
from the Undergraduate Bulletin. Additions to or deviations from these categories may be made in consultation with the Minors Adviser. - Minor Approval Form [PDF]
Type in your information and print needed copies before closing document.
Joan Menefee
145 Harvey Hall
University of Wisconsin-Stout
Menomonie, WI 54751-0790Phone: 715/232-2402
E-mail: menefeej@uwstout.edu
Vancouver Island University (ONLINE PROGRAM)
“Almost every product on the market today comes with documentation produced by technical writers. Organizational processes, project status reports, technical articles, new product proposals, presentations, internet support sites–all flow from the efforts of technical writers. For that reason and more, technical communication is carving a niche for itself as a high-demand career.
These courses, part of our Technical Communication online certificate program (non-credit) examine different aspects of Technical Communication with a view towards developing the student’s expertise in a wide variety of skill areas within this career path. Students have two years to complete 5 core courses and 3 electives.”
http://pr.mala.ca/techcomm/index.asp
Washtenaw Community College
Technical Writing Certificate
This certificate program provides comprehensive instructions for students who wish to sharpen their skills in technical communication. As a fast-track program for career changers or a foundational program for first-time professionals, this program provides the knowledge and skills necessary for writing end-user documentation such as printed manuals and online help systems. The student will develop skill in audience analysis, tutorial, procedure, and reference guide writing; project management, document design, technical editing, usability testing, and publishing. Designed to provide the student with practical and theoretical principles of technical writing, the program prepares students for employment in a wide variety of opportunities in technical communication. To this end, students will also learn how to conduct a formal job search and create professional portfolios to better compete for jobs in the field of technical writing. Those without previous college experience can use this certificate to seek work as interns and in co-op positions in technical writing while pursuing the Associate in Arts or Science Degrees in Technical Writing.
http://www.wccnet.edu/academicinfo/creditofferings/programs/atoz/atoz.php?code=CTTWR&year=
***** Non-Certificate Classes *****
William Penn University
ENGL 3012 Technical Writing and Research (4 Credits, 7 Weeks)
Reviews research and documentation skills needed in the business and academic setting. Through hands-on experience gained from searching online information sources, this course introduces document design, technical reports, instructional manuals, newsletters, marketing pieces and writing in the Internet environment.
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