Technical Writing, B.S.
The B.S. in Technical Writing
The B.S. in Technical Writing (TW) is one of the oldest undergraduate technical communication degrees in the country with a history that stretches back to 1958. The program prepares students to produce clear and effective communication that translates complex scientific and technical information for diverse audiences. Whether students come from writing backgrounds seeking to engage with STEM fields, or from STEM disciplines looking to develop the communication skills employers demand, the degree offers a flexible, individually tailored course of study. Students engage in intensive practice in writing, editing, and user-centered design alongside technical and scientific coursework.
This interdisciplinary curriculum positions graduates for a field defined by ongoing shifts in media, tools, and communication practice. Career paths include technical writing, science and medical communication, UX writing, content strategy, and information design, among others.
Program Learning Outcomes
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Professional Writing Proficiency: Produce professional documents across standard genres (correspondence, reports, instructions, proposals) and platforms (print and digital media) that demonstrate mastery of writing conventions, including grammar, clarity, concision, and organization.
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Rhetorical Knowledge and Analysis: Apply rhetorical theory and principles to analyze communication as a complex rhetorical process; evaluate existing documents, identify strengths and weaknesses, and adapt information for different audiences, purposes, and contexts.
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Visual Communication and Document Design: Apply principles of document design, typography, and visual hierarchy to create professional documents that effectively integrate textual and visual elements; use relevant design software to produce print and digital media.
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Research Methods: Utilize appropriate methods to gather, evaluate, and develop information from primary and secondary sources; incorporate research effectively into professional documents; and conduct basic user and usability testing to evaluate communication effectiveness.
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Professional and Ethical Practice: Apply professional writing ethics, particularly the responsible use of information; demonstrate professional workplace behaviors including collaborating effectively, meeting deadlines, and addressing organizational concerns in communications.
- Technical Foundation: Apply fundamental technical skills (calculus, statistics, computer programming, etc.) in the creation and evaluation of technical communication, with track-specific depth in either specialized technical fields (TC track) or scientific disciplines (SMC track).
Technical Writing Tracks
The B.S. in TW recognizes the important changes taking place in communication-based careers and includes two distinctive tracks, one in Technical Communication (TC) and one in Scientific and Medical Communication (SMC). Both tracks begin with a common core of foundation courses, as well as a shared set of prerequisites in math, statistics, and computer programming. The two tracks differ in the set of theory/specialization courses beyond the core, with each track including a specialized set appropriate to its focus, as well as with electives outside of the Department of English to deepen their area of specialty in their track.
In both tracks, TW students:
- work on real projects for actual clients,
- learn group interaction and management skills,
- and develop a flexible repertoire of skills and strategies to keep up with advances in software and technology.
Above all, they focus on developing structures and information strategies to solve a broad range of communication and information design problems.
TW students are able to draw on exceptional resources on and off campus to enhance their education. Most obvious are the course offerings of Carnegie Institute of Technology, the Mellon College of Science, and the School of Computer Science. Additional course offerings in business, organizational behavior, policy and management, psychology, history, and design are also encouraged. TW students can also apply for grants and fellowship through the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholar Development to work on independent research projects with faculty.
While the TW major appeals to students with strong professional interests, both core and elective requirements develop the broad intellectual background one expects from a university education and prepare students to either enter the workplace upon graduation or pursue graduate study in fields as diverse as communications, business, instructional design, information design, education, and science and healthcare writing. Additionally, all TW students are required to enroll in Professional Seminar (76-300), which meets once a week during the fall term and provides majors with the opportunity to meet and network with practicing professionals in a range of communications fields.
The Technical Communication (TC) Track
The Technical Communication track (TC) prepares students for careers in the rapidly changing field of technology, digital media, and information design. Students learn the fundamentals of visual, verbal, and on-line communication as well as the technical skills needed to design, communicate, and evaluate complex communication systems and to manage the interdisciplinary teams needed to develop them. Students become fluent in both print-based and electronic media across a variety of information genres and learn to design information for a range of specialist and non-expert audiences. The TW/TC major can be pursued as a primary major within Dietrich College or as an additional major for students in other Colleges with an interest in combining their specialized subject matter knowledge with strong writing and communications skills. Graduates of this track are likely to follow in the footsteps of previous TW students from Carnegie Mellon who are currently employed as technical writers, content designers, and information consultants in a range of technology and communication-based organizations including Salesforce, Google, Apple, IBM, Oracle, and Microsoft.
The Scientific and Medical Communication (SMC) Track
The Scientific and Medical Communication track (SMC) is designed for students who seek careers that focus on communication and information design problems in health, science, and medicine. It should appeal to students with interests in the health care professions, science and public policy, patient education, science journalism and related fields. Like the TC track, the SMC track is designed to provide both the technical and the communication skills needed to analyze and solve complex communication problems. Students learn the fundamentals of visual, verbal, and on-line communication as well as the technical skills needed to design, communicate, and evaluate complex information systems and to manage the interdisciplinary teams needed to develop them. Students become fluent in both print-based and electronic media across a variety of information genres and learn to design information for a range of specialist and non-expert audiences The TW/SMC major can be pursued as a primary major within Dietrich College or as a secondary major for students in other Colleges, such as the Mellon College of Science, with an interest in science or medicine.
Curriculum
In addition to fulfilling all of the Dietrich College of the Humanities & Social Sciences degree requirements for B.S. candidates, Technical Writing majors must fulfill 16-17 courses (depending on Track) for a minimum of 134-146 units (depending on Track), which includes a set of three to four prerequisite courses in calculus, statistics, and computer science. All prerequisites should be completed by end of sophomore year. Prerequisites may double count without limit toward requirements for other majors, minors, and general education curricula.
Mathematics Prerequisite (1 course)10 units
| Complete one of the following: | Units | |
| 21-111 | Differential Calculus | 10 |
| 21-112 | Integral Calculus | 10 |
| 21-120 | Differential and Integral Calculus | 10 |
| 21-127 | Concepts of Mathematics | 12 |
Statistics Prerequisite (1 course)9 units
| 36-200 | Reasoning with Data | 9 |
Computer Science Prerequisites (1 - 2 courses*)10-22 units
TC Track:
| Students in the Technical Communication (TC) track must complete two required Computer Science courses: | ||
| 15-110 | Principles of Computing | 10 |
| 15-112 | Fundamentals of Programming and Computer Science | 12 |
SMC Track:
| Students in the Scientific and Medical Communication (SMC) track complete one required Computer Science course: | ||
| 15-110 | Principles of Computing | 10 |
15-110 Principles of Computing is designed for students with little or no prior programming experience and is appropriate for students in both the SMC and TC tracks. 15-112 Fundamentals of Programming and Computer Science prepares students in the TC track for all other advanced Computer Science courses.
Beyond these prerequisites, students in both TC and SMC tracks take a common set Core Requirements in writing, communication, professional development, and information design and architecture.
Departmental Core Requirement (1 course)9 units
| Introductory Genre Writing Course | ||
| 76-212 | Introduction to TV Writing | 9 |
| 76-260 | Introduction to Writing Fiction | 9 |
| 76-261 | Intro to Writing Creative Nonfiction | 9 |
| 76-265 | Introduction to Writing Poetry | 9 |
| 76-269 | Introduction to Screenwriting | 9 |
TW Core Requirements (6 courses)42 units
| 76-271 | Introduction to Professional and Technical Writing | 9 |
| 76-300 | Professional Seminar | 3 |
| 76-390 | Style | 9 |
| 76-391 | Document & Information Design * | 9 |
| 76-487 | Information Architecture & Content Strategy ** | 9 |
| 76-488 | Information Architecture & Content Strategy Lab ** | 3 |
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prerequisite = 76-271 Introduction to Professional and Technical Writing
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prerequisite = 76-271 Introduction to Professional and Technical Writing + 76-391 Document & Information Design
Theory/Specialization Courses (3 courses)27 units
To complement the Core Requirements listed above, TW students take a set of three Theory/Specialization courses specific to either the TC or SMC track. In addition, students in the TC track take 3 electives in management, technology, and social issues, and students in the SMC track take a series of three courses in the natural sciences or engineering relevant to their areas of interest.
Complete three courses to deepen your area of specialty and complement your chosen track (TC or SMC) in the major. At least one course must be chosen from the Recommended Courses list for TW majors. The other two courses may be chosen from the Recommended Courses list and/or the Additional Options list. TW students should select courses in consultation with the Department of English academic advisor.
Recommended Courses
| Recommended Courses include but are not limited to the following (choose one): | ||
| 76-375 | Emerging Technologies in Writing | 9 |
| 76-395 | Science Writing | 9 |
| 76-425 | Rhetoric, Science, and the Public Sphere | 9 |
| 76-474 | Software Documentation | 9 |
| 76-476 | Rhetoric of Science | 9 |
| 76-490 | Digital Rhetorics | 9 |
| 76-494 | Healthcare Communications | 9 |
| Additional Options include but are not limited to the following: | ||
| 76-318 | Communicating in the Global Marketplace | 9 |
| 76-325 | Intertextuality | 9 |
| 76-366 | Grant and Proposal Writing | 9 |
| 76-372 | News Writing | 9 |
| 76-375 | Emerging Technologies in Writing | 9 |
| 76-389 | Rhetorical Grammar | 9 |
| 76-395 | Science Writing | 9 |
| 76-425 | Rhetoric, Science, and the Public Sphere | 9 |
| 76-474 | Software Documentation | 9 |
| 76-475 | Law, Performance, and Identity | 9 |
| 76-476 | Rhetoric of Science | 9 |
| 76-481 | Introduction to Multimedia Design | 12 |
| 76-490 | Digital Rhetorics | 9 |
Electives (3 courses)27 units minimum
TW majors take three courses outside of English to deepen their area of specialty in their track. Typically, students in the TC track select courses that focus on management, technology, and social issues. Students in the Science and Medical Communication (SMC) track select courses in the natural sciences, engineering, or statistics. Students should work with the Department of English academic advisor and the TW Program Director to select courses that are meaningful for their track.
Electives for the TC Track (choose 3):
| Technical Communication Electives | ||
| 19-211 | Ethics and Policy Issues in Computing | 9 |
| 19-403 | Policies of Wireless Systems | 12 |
| 03-121 | Modern Biology | 9 |
| 36-309 | Experimental Design for Behavioral & Social Sciences | 9 |
| 36-350 | Statistical Computing | 9 |
| 42-202 | Physiology | 9 |
| 51-261 | Communication & Digital Design Fundamentals | 9 |
| 51-262 | Communication and Digital Design Fundamentals | 9 |
| 51-264 | Product Design Fundamentals | 9 |
| 70-311 | Organizational Behavior | 9 |
| 70-332 | Business, Society and Ethics | 9 |
| 70-342 | Managing Across Cultures | 9 |
| 79-212 | Jim Crow America | 9 |
| 79-230 | The Arab-Israeli Conflict and Peace Process Through 1948 to Present | 9 |
| 80-220 | Philosophy of Science | 9 |
| 80-221 | Philosophy of Social Science | 9 |
| 80-234 | Philosophy of Race and Gender | 9 |
| 80-244 | Environmental Ethics | 9 |
| 85-213 | Human Information Processing and Artificial Intelligence | 9 |
| 85-241 | Social Psychology | 9 |
| 85-370 | Cognitive Neuropsychology Research Methods | 9 |
| 88-341 | Team Dynamics and Leadership | 9 |
| 88-366 | Behavioral Economics of Poverty and Development | 9 |
Electives for the SMC Track (choose 3):
Students following the SMC Track must take three courses from any of the following subject areas/codes:
- Biology: 03-xxx
- Chemical Engineering: 06-xxx
- Chemistry: 09-xxx
- Civil Engineering: 12-xxx
- Electrical & Computer Engineering: 18-xxx
- Mechanical Engineering: 24-xxx
- Materials Science & Engineering: 27-xxx
- Physics: 33-xxx
- Biomedical Engineering: 42-xxx
Double Counting
Students may double count up to two courses with other programs outside of the Department of English. NOTE: courses being used for the Dietrich General Education requirements do not have a double-counting limit. Also, the Mathematics and Computer Science prerequisite requirement courses for the Technical Writing major do not have a double-counting limit, nor do the Electives required for each specific track (TC track or SMC track).
Transfer Courses
Students may transfer up to two advisor-approved courses from other non-CMU programs/institutions toward the primary or additional major in Creative Writing or the BHA in Technical Writing, with the exception of the Introductory Genre Writing Course and Technical Writing Core Requirement Courses. If the two-course maximum is met, other related transfer courses will be considered for general education requirements and free electives for graduation. Please see the Dietrich College Advanced Standing and Transfer Credit Policy for more information.
Recommended Curriculum Pathway: B.S. in Technical Writing
This plan is the recommended pathway for completing the B.S. in Technical Writing in four years. While it is not required for students to follow this pathway precisely, it is highly recommended for students to do so, and we recommend students begin the major’s courses as early as possible. Students in Dietrich College may declare their primary major as early as February 1. Students who have not declared their major in the Department of English may still take courses with us.
Students may also view the four-year plan (also known as a Pathway) for the B.S. in Technical Writing via the Stellic Degree Audit Application.
| First-Year | Second-Year | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Spring | Fall | Spring |
| GEN ED: Foundations: Communication Course | GEN ED: Foundations Data Analysis Course | GEN ED: Foundations Scientific Inquiry Course | GEN ED: Foundations Intercultural & Global Inquiry |
| GEN ED: Disciplinary Perspectives: Humanities Course | GEN ED: Disciplinary Perspectives: Social Sciences Course | 15-112 Fundamentals of Programming and Computer Science (for TC Track students only) | GEN ED: Perspectives on Justice & Injustice |
| GEN ED: Grand Challenge Seminar Course | 15-110 Principles of Computing | TW: Introductory Genre Writing Course | 76-390 Style |
| TW: Mathematics Prerequisite Course | 76-271 Introduction to Professional and Technical Writing* | 76-300 Professional Seminar | TW: Technical Communication Elective #1 (TC Track students) OR Free Elective (SMC Track students) |
| Free Elective | Free Elective | Free Elective | Free Elective |
| Third-Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Spring | Summer |
| GEN ED: Foundations: Contextual Thinking | Open for course exploration, requirements for other majors/minors, study abroad, etc. | GEN ED: Experiential Learning |
| GEN ED: Disciplinary Perspectives: The Arts | Open for course exploration, requirements for other majors/minors, study abroad, etc. | |
| 76-391 Document & Information Design* | Open for course exploration, requirements for other majors/minors, study abroad, etc. | |
| TW: Technical Communication Elective #2 (TC Track students) OR Natural Science & Engineering Elective #1 (SMC Track students) | Open for course exploration, requirements for other majors/minors, study abroad, etc. | |
| Free Elective | Open for course exploration, requirements for other majors/minors, study abroad, etc. | |
| Fourth-Year | |
|---|---|
| Fall | Spring |
| GEN ED: Disciplinary Perspectives: Additional Course (Business, Design, Engineering) | TW: Theory and Specialization Course #3 |
| TW: Theory and Specialization Course #1 (from Recommended List) | TW: Free Elective (TC Track students) OR Natural Science & Engineering Elective #3 (SMC Track students) |
| TW: Theory and Specialization Course #2 | 76-487 Information Architecture & Content Strategy* |
| TW: Technical Communication Elective #3 (TC Track students) OR Natural Science & Engineering Eletive #2 (SMC Track students) | 76-488 Information Architecture & Content Strategy Lab* |
| Free Elective | Free Elective |
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These courses must be taken in the sequence indicated. 76-271 is offered all semesters and therefore can be taken fall or spring of sophomore year. 76-271 is a prerequisite for 76-391, and 76-271 + 76-391 are the prerequisites for 76-487 and 76-488. 76-391 is typically only offered in the fall semesters, and 76-487 and 76-488 are typically only offered in spring semesters.