Technical Writing (TW) - Primary Major
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 in print and on-line communication 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.
In addition to satisfying all of the Dietrich College degree requirements for B.S. candidates, which include the General Education curriculum, TW primary majors must complete coursework in the following areas below, based on their chosen track.
Learn how to declare your primary major in Technical Writing.
Science and Medical Communication 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, scientific journalism or related fields. The SMC track is designed to provide both the technical and the communication skills needed to analyze and solve complex communication problems. Students will 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. You will also 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.
Curriculum: 16 courses, 140 units minimum
Prerequisite Requirements (3 courses, 29 units):
Mathematics Prerequisite
One of the following
21-111 Calculus I
21-112 Calculus II
21-120 Differential & Integral Calculus
21-127 Concepts of Mathematics
Statistics Prerequisite
36-200 Reasoning with Data
Computer Science Prerequisite
15-110 Principles of Computing
Departmental Core INTRODUCTORY GENRE WRITING COURSE Requirement (1 course, 9 units):
76-212 Introduction to TV Writing
76-260 Intro to Writing Fiction
76-261 Intro to Writing Creative Nonficiton
76-265 Intro to Writing Poetry
76-269 Intro to Screenwriting
TWC Core Requirements (6 courses, 48 units):
76-271 Introduction to Professional & Technical Writing
76-300 Professional Seminar
76-390 Style
76-391 Document & Information Design
76-487 Information Architecture & Content Strategy
76-488 Information Architecture & Content Strategy Lab
Science & Medical Communication Track Courses (6 courses, 54 units minimum):
Theory/Specialization Courses
- Recommended Course - 1 required
Courses include but are not limited to:
76-395 Science Writing
76-425 Science in the Public Sphere
76-474 Software Documentation
76-476 Rhetoric of Science
76-481 Introduction to Multimedia Design
76-494 Healthcare Communications
- Additional Options Course - 2 required
Courses include but are not limited to:
76-318 Communicating in the Global Marketplace
76-325 Intertextuality
76-372 News Writing
76-389 Rhetorical Grammar
76-395 Science Writing
76-425 Science in the Public Sphere
76-474 Software Documentation
76-475 Law, Performance, and Identity
76-476 Rhetoric of Science
76-481 Introduction to Multimedia Design
39-605 Engineering Design Projects
Natural Science and Engineering Electives
Complete 3 advisor-approved courses that contribute to your chosen focus. The courses may be all in one area, such as biology, or spread across areas. Additional options include advanced courses in any of these areas as well as basic and advanced classes in statistics, or engineering. Consult your Department of English advisor on the appropriateness of specific courses for your interests. Courses in this category may double count for both the TW/SMC degree and a major or minor in another department.
Technical Communication Track
The Technical Communication track (TC) prepares students for a career in the rapidly changing areas of software and digital media. Students will 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. Majors will 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. Graduates of this track are likely to follow in the footsteps of previous TW students from Carnegie Mellon who are currently employed as web designers, information specialists, technical writers, and information consultants in a range of technology and communication-based organizations including Salesforce, IBM, Oracle, Microsoft, Apple, and HP Vertica.
Curriculum:
Prerequisite Requirements (4 courses, 41 units):
Mathematics Prerequisite
One of the following
21-111 Calculus I
21-112 Calculus II
21-120 Differential & Integral Calculus
21-127 Concepts of Mathematics
Statistics Prerequisite
36-200 Reasoning with Data
Computer Science Prerequisites
15-110 Principles of Computing
15-112 Fundamentals of Programming & Computer Science or 02-120 Programming for Scientists
Departmental Core INTRODUCTORY GENRE WRITING COURSE Requirement (1 course, 9 units):
76-212 Intro to TV Writing
76-260 Intro to Writing Fiction
76-261 Intro to Writing Creative Nonficiton
76-265 Intro to Writing Poetry
76-269 Intro to Screenwriting
TWC Core Requirements (6 courses, 48 units):
76-271 Introduction to Professional & Technical Writing
76-300 Professional Seminar
76-390 Style
76-391 Document & Information Design
76-487 Information Architecture & Content Strategy
76-488 Information Architecture & Content Strategy Lab
TEchnical Communication Track Courses (6 courses, 54 units minimum):
Theory/Specialization Courses
- Recommended Course - 1 required
Courses include but are not limited to:
76-395 Science Writing
76-425 Science in the Public Sphere
76-474 Software Documentation
76-476 Rhetoric of Science
76-481 Introduction to Multimedia Design
76-494 Healthcare Communications
- Additional Options Course - 2 required
Courses include but are not limited to:
76-318 Communicating in the Global Marketplace
76-325 Intertextuality
76-372 News Writing
76-389 Rhetorical Grammar
76-395 Science Writing
76-425 Science in the Public Sphere
76-474 Software Documentation
76-475 Law, Performance, and Identity
76-476 Rhetoric of Science
76-481 Introduction to Multimedia Design
39-605 Engineering Design Projects
Technical Communication Electives
Three advisor-approved courses in management, technology, and social issues that contribute to your focus.