The Certificate in Technical Writing

Course Requirements for the Certificate: 29-30 units

The following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required of all candidates for this certificate.

2 courses required:

ENGL    001    Freshman Composition    3.0    FS *

Prerequisites: English Placement Test.

CSCI    010    Computer Literacy    3.0    FS

1 course selected from:

CMST    011    Speech Comm Fundamentals    3.0    FS *

CMST    012    Small Group Communication    3.0    FS *

5 courses required:

CDES    003    Writing for Electronic Media    3.0    FS

Prerequisites: ENGL 001.

ENGL    230    Proposal Writing    3.0    FA

Prerequisites: ENGL 130 or ENGL 175; faculty permission.

ENGL    289    Internship In English    1.0-3.0    FS

NOTE: ENGL 289 must be taken for 3 units.

CMST    114    Persuasion    3.0    FS

Prerequisites: CMST 011.

MGMT    180    Managing People, Bus Proc, & Chg    3.0    FS

1 course selected from:

CDES    023    Visual Communication Concepts    2.0    FS

CDES    186A    Digital Pre-publishing I    3.0    FS

Prerequisites: CDES 010, CDES 080, or faculty permission.

1 course selected from:

ENGL    130    Report Writing    3.0    FS

Prerequisites: ENGL 001.

ENGL    175    Rhetoric and Writing    3.0    FS

Prerequisites: ENGL 001.

ENGL    235    Writing for Computer Industry    3.0    SP

Prerequisites: ENGL 230 (may be taken concurrently).

A GPA of 2.5 is required for all courses taken for the certificate.

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.