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Subject:RE: Good tech writing schools? From:Chuck Martin <CMartin -at- serena -dot- com> To:TECHWR-L <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Thu, 27 Jan 2000 10:15:18 -0800
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Sarah Park [mailto:cul8r_98 -at- yahoo -dot- com]
> Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2000 5:06 PM
> To: TECHWR-L
> Subject: Good tech writing schools?
>
> I am considering a career change and would like to enter the technical
> writing profession. I have general knowledge in the use of several
> industry programs such as MS Word and Adobe Framemaker. I am
> uncertain
> whether I should pursue a degree program or certificate program in
> technical writing. Can any of you offer suggestions? Also, I was
> wondering if you know the best schools that offer tech. writing
> programs? The location is not important, since I am willing to travel
> anywhere in North America to attend a good school. I would greatly
> appreciate any information you can provide. Thanks!
>
Not that I'm the least bit biased, of course, because there are now dozens
of certificate and degree programs across the country, but when I got my
degree back in 1993, the Technical Communications program at my school was
one of only three in the entire U.S. that was a full-fledged department, not
"just" a degree available through a Communications or English department.
(You decide if that's important or not.) The TC department is also part of
the College of Engineering, rather than Arts & Sciences; my degree is signed
by the Dean of the College of Engineering. This I think is important, that
tech writing is thought of an as engineering discipline.
The TC department here also offers Masters degrees in Technical
Communication and Technical Japanese (still, as far as I know, the only one
of those anywhere), as is currently developing a Ph.D. program.
--
Chuck Martin
Sr. Technical Writer, SERENA Software
"People who use business software might despise it, but they are getting
paid to tolerate it....Most people who are paid to use a tool feel
constrained not to complain about that tool, but it doesn't stop them from
feeling frustrated and unhappy about it."
- "The Inmates are Running the Asylum"
Alan Cooper
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