MS Technical Communication at Arizona State University

Programme overview

In the Master of Science program in technical communication, you learn how to design, produce and manage print and digital texts using a variety of tools and technologies. You gain an understanding of the professional, cultural and ethical issues that shape the field. The program balances theory and practice to ensure that you develop the analytical approaches, technological expertise and skills necessary for success as a technical communicator.

Faculty: College of Integrative Sciences and Arts | Department: School of Applied Professional Studies | Duration: 36 credit hours | Study mode: full-time | Location: Tempe, AZ, United States

What you will study

36 credit hours including the required capstone course (TWC 596) Required Core (24 credit hours) TWC 501 Fundamentals of Technical Communication (3) TWC 504 Applied Rhetoric and Technical Communication (3) TWC 505 Research in Technical and Applied Communication (3) TWC 511 Principles of Visual Communication (3) TWC 514 Visualizing Data and Information (3) TWC 531 Principles of Technical Editing (3) TWC 536 Project Management in Technical Communication (3) TWC 544 User Experience (3) Restricted Electives (9 credit hours) TWC 522 Social Media in the Workplace (3) TWC 535 Global Issues in Technical Communication (3) TWC 543 Grant and Proposal Writing (3) TWC 545 Content Strategy (3) TWC 546 Technical and Scientific Reports (3) TWC 551 Copyright and Intellectual Property in the Electronic Age (3) TWC 552 Information in the Digital Age (3) Culminating Experience (3 credit hours) TWC 596 Technical Communication Capstone (3) Additional Curriculum Information Students select three of the restricted elective courses.

Career pathways

Professionals with expertise in technical communication are in high demand across sectors and industries, including technology, business, entertainment, education and community organizations. Career examples: instructional designer, interface designer, IT project manager, public relations manager, social media manager, technical writer, user experience specialist, web administrator.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts. Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: graduate admission application and application fee official transcripts statement of purpose portfolio three letters of recommendation proof of English proficiency Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Domestic applicants: USD 13,327 a year (2026-27). Arizona resident tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads Source

International applicants: USD 24,780 a year (2026-27). International tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads ar Source

Entry terms: Fall, Spring and Summer; the terms available for each programme are listed in Degree Search.

Graduate application deadlines are set by each programme office and listed in Degree Search; the application opens almost a year before the start term. The nonrefundable application fee is $75 for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, DACA and international online students outside the U.S., and $120 for international students on a nonimmigrant visa studying in the U.S. Apply with ASU's graduate application (Law applicants use the law college's site); GRE/GMAT requirements vary by programme.

Apply through the official page: https://admission.asu.edu/apply/graduate/admission

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