The academic major will emphasize written, oral and digital communication skills. The coursework will prepare students to gather, analyze and communicate complex information. Students complete courses about social media, interpersonal, group dynamics, visual rhetoric, technical writing and speaking, and critical thinking and information sharing.
“Graduates will become adept at navigating communication processes in order to successfully convey their messages. Students will take courses to prepare them to write and present technical information for people outside a specific subject or industry. As the market indicates, this type of employee is very attractive to employers,” said Sarah Holtan, Chair of the Department of Communication at CUWAA.
The major will help students develop skills for an industry with a positive outlook. According to the American Enterprise Institute, technical writing and editing are among the top liberal arts majors for employment and advancement. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts technical writing and editing jobs will grow a rate faster than other industries. The BLS notes the median pay for technical writers is more than $70,000.
The Department of Communication uses interdisciplinary education in the TPC major. Students are required to take a set of communication courses and additionally select a specialization. The tracks include Health Care, High-Tech Literacy and Corporate/Organizational, which are in-demand fields.
Medical terminology, ethical considerations, and public policy economics are some subjects in the Health Care track. The High-Tech Literacy track includes human-computer interaction, and the connection between science and technology. Finally, the Corporate/Organizational track includes e-commerce, administration professional principles, and communication within organizations.
“I’m regularly asked what type of job a Communication student will get after graduation. With the TPC degree, graduates have so many options, including technical writing, grant writing, web designing, and employee training and development. This program really is the best of both worlds by providing a strong foundation in communication and critical thinking combined with a concrete skill set,” Holtan said.
This program really is the best of both worlds by providing a strong foundation in communication and critical thinking combined with a concrete skill set.
Concordia with be one of the few universities in the region to offer this type of major. A minor is also available for students who major in complementary programs, such as Marketing, English, Business, Computer Science, and Human Relations. The Department of Communication is excited to provide this opportunity for students. Visit the department’s website for more information about other opportunities.
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