Technical and Professional Communication: is dynamic field where specialists combine expertise in communication with expertise in media technologies to produce, develop, support, manage, and analyze information and data for accessible, equitable use.
While a skills-based curriculum can quickly become outdated as technologies become obsolete and new technologies emerge to replace them, a graduate degree in TPC that combines theory and practice prepares students to adapt and apply critical thinking to the contexts in which they write, making them invaluable assets to even rapidly-changing industries and communities.
With training and professional development in TPC, students will find employment or expand employment opportunities as…
- Technical writers/editors
- Regulatory writers
- Non-profit writers
- Digital designers
- Data analysts
- Product / communication managers
- Web developers/coordinators
- Information developers
- Business intelligence managers
- User experience designers/ specialists
- Usability analysts & specialists
Our Program:
Inspired by the land-grant mission and Hispanic-Serving designation of NMSU, our program is designed be broadly accessible, including for working adults across New Mexico (and beyond), who can use this degree to access and excel in stable employment opportunities.
Program Features
- 36 credits [2 years if full time, 9 credits/semester; students may enroll part time]
- Asynchronous courses delivery to accommodate student schedules & needs
- Curriculum combines concepts & theories with practical application & skill building
- Capstone requirement culminates in professional portfolio
- Expert faculty, with academic expertise and professional industry & nonprofit experience
- Faculty advising, with individualized feedback and mentoring
- Degree granted from New Mexico State University
Sample Two-Year Rotation for Full Time Student
|
|
Fall A | Spring A | Fall B | Spring B |
|
Theory |
Introduction to TPC
|
Special Topics in Rhetoric and TPC*
|
Rhetoric Core
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Special Topics in Rhetoric and TPC
|
|
Praxis |
User Experience
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Document Design |
Media Theory & Practice |
Web Design & Development |
|
Application |
Tech Editing |
Internship**
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Proposal/grant writing
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Capstone***
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* Special Topics based on faculty expertise, including visual technologies, intercultural communication, environmental & risk communication, health communication, etc.
** Internship requirement can be fulfilled through current employment (when applicable/desirable for those already employed) or through program-assisted placement.
*** Capstone course facilitates student production of professional portfolio
Application Instructions
Prospective students should apply through NMSU graduate school: http://apply.nmsu.edu/apply. Graduate applications are rolling (reviewed regularly) but need to be received by July 1 (for fall semester start) or November 1 (for a Spring semester start).
Campus: NMSU-Online
Degree: Masters
Intended Major: Technical and Professional Communication
Applications requirements:
- Statement of Purpose [Please specify Technical and Professional Communication]
- Current resume / CV
- Writing Samples (can be academic or professional)
- 3 Letters of Recommendation (can be academic or professional)
- Transcripts from undergraduate degree (minimum GPA 3.0)
No GRE Required!
Questions? Contact Dr. Kellie Sharp-Hoskins, Program Coordinator: kcsharp@nmsu.edu
