| Technical writers can come from a variety of different backgrounds. Some may have knowledge of engineering or computer science, while some may be more experienced with English literature. But, most technical writers, namely 95%, do have some kind of bachelor degree, according to the Society for Technical Communication (STC). Therefore, since most technical writers have received undergraduate training, a question for many is whether or not technical writers usually go on to receive graduate degrees. The answer is that it usually depends on the personal preference of the technical writer. Some choose to go straight into the workplace, and some decide to continue their education and gain more valuable skills before finding a job. However, for the technical writers who want to attend graduate school, the next question is in deciding which school to attend. According to the Council of Graduate Schools, there are over 1,800 institutions in the United States that offer graduate degrees. Out of all those choices, which graduate schools offer the best technical writing programs? After all, technical writing is a concentration that covers a variety of different programs and careers choices. Consequently, not all technical writing graduate students will study the same subjects, so when selecting the right graduate school, one should make sure that the program offers an assortment of diversity, and will satisfy both long-term and short-term goals of career advancement and personal satisfaction. However, most importantly the program should provide the skills in writing, editing, graphics, and document desgin necessary for a career as a professional technical writer. Examples of Recommended Graduate Schools: Carnegie Mellon Univeristy College of Humanities and Social Sciences Department of English, Master of Arts in Professional Writing Pittsburg, PA Emerson College School of the Arts, Department of Writing, Literature, and Publishing Master of Arts in Publishing and Writing Boston, MA James Madison University The Institute of Technical & Scientific Communication Master of Arts in Technical and Scientific Communication Master of Science in Technical and Scientific Communication Harrisonburg, VA Northeastern University College of Arts and Sciences Department of English, Master of Technical and Professional Writing Boston, MA University of Michigan Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies Master of Science in Technical Information Design and Management Ann Arbor, MI University of Washington College of Engineering, Department of Technical Communication Master of Science in Technical Communication Seattle, WA |
| So, what kind of education do you need to become a technical writer? |
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