Graduates of the Master of Science in Technical Communication program become valued employees for business, industry, government and educational organizations. The broad experience and training you gain here will prepare you to contribute and lead in a range of careers, including:

• Web Design and Development
• Software and Hardware Documentation
• Usability Testing for Documentation
• Industrial Training and Development
• Medical Communication
• Environmental Communication
• Agricultural Communication
• Technology Transfer
• Organizational Information Management
• Human-Computer Interface Design
• Legal Aspects of Communication

In many areas, a Master of Science degree helps qualify professionals to move into management positions. Our placement rate for graduates of the program is excellent. Popular employers include IBM, Lenovo, SAS, Redhat, RTI International, NetApp, Cisco, NC State, Duke and UNC, among others.

You may also opt to continue your education through our Ph.D. program in Communication, Rhetoric and Digital Media.

ENG 522: Writing in Non-Academic Settings

This course provides MSTC students directed work experience including work-site mentoring and evaluation and concurrent academic assignments. This course is completed half in the classroom and half in the field at job or internship for 120 hours. The instructor helps students identify internship or co-op opportunities using campus and program resources. The classroom portion of the course enables students to discuss readings about writing in the workplace as well as share personal work experiences. Written assignments often have students evaluate their own experiences and learn about developing their strengths and weaknesses.

IBM Pathfinder Mentoring Program

The  IBM Pathfinder program is a great opportunity for MSTC students to learn more about technical communication in the workplace. Students sign up to receive an IBM mentor and take part in events such as resume workshops, job shadowing day, IBM lab tours, and much more. Students meet with their IBM mentors on a monthly basis to receive suggestions on their career development and professionalization. The mentoring program also provides great networking opportunities to meet and talk with peers and renowned professionals.

The Technical Communication Association (TCA)

The Technical Communication Association is a student organization that is specifically affiliated with the Technical Communication program, and it is free to join. Leadership and membership opportunities in TCA are also available for all MSTC students. This group made up of current students, faculty and alumni provides opportunities for MSTC students to get more involved in their field and community. TCA annually hosts  SpeedCon, a local conference where technical communication students can present topics relevant to their community. TCA is also involved with local career fairs and maintains connections with alumni who work in the field at tech companies such as RedHat and IBM, as well as communications with the local Society for Technical Communication chapter.