BATC Program Overview
Welcome to the web page for the Bachelor of Arts in Technical Communication. Technical communication has been taught at Texas Tech since 1927. The undergraduate specialization was established in 1976 and the major was approved in 2007. [click here for most recent brochure]
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Work in the Industry of Your Choice
BATC majors need knowledge in an industry such as medicine, finance, manufacturing, science, and so on. Some students use elective courses, or a double major, to help them gain industry knowledge: others use their required, 18-21-hour minor. Industry-knowledge courses allow a BATC major shape a career path. Talk to your BATC advisor about how to design your curriculum so that you accomplish your career goals. |
Program Goals
Technical communication courses teach a variety of communication skills:
- Creating documents to solve workplace problems, such as a need for information or a plan of action
- Analyzing audiences or users, their needs, and constraints
- Gathering information through primary and secondary research
- Representing user interests in product design and document development
- Using technology in research, development, and production
- Using both print and digital media
- Using information ethically
Technical Communication Major
Required courses in writing and editing prepare students for developing online and Web documents, as well as print documents.
These courses for the major emphasize workplace writing and its requirements, including analysis of user needs, information gathering, arrangement, visual design, style, and ethics.
Students also complete courses in visual and oral communication and are encouraged to complete minors and choose electives in technical and scientific fields, especially computer science.
Careers in Technical Communication
The job market for technical communicators (“information designers and developers”) is strong, especially in high-tech companies. In fact, Money magazine ranked technical communication as one of their "Best Jobs in America."
We have placed graduates with the following companies:
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Placement of graduates is excellent. Many of the positions accepted by graduates involve writing on the cutting edge of technology. A list of job descriptions is available at Careers and Jobs.
Internships
An internship or co-op can provide valuable work experience. Technical communication majors may earn academic credit for internships by enrolling in ENGL 4378 and completing the requirements (a portfolio and report).
STC http://english.ttu.edu/stc/
Membership in STC (Society for Technical Communication), the international organization of professional technical communicators, complements your classroom and job experience.
The Texas Tech chapter sponsors field trips for students and a spring job symposium. It offers programs on a variety of topics, such as website development, job search strategies, and portfolio preparation.
Membership includes a subscription to the journal, Technical Communication, and to the newsletter intercom. Active members may also compete for national scholarships and membership in the honor society, Sigma Tau Chi.
Alumni Award in Technical Communication
An award of $100 is given each year to recognize the best senior course project. Selection criteria include the project’s appropriateness to aim and audience, effectiveness of design, and meeting of professional standards. Three alumni choose the winning project.
History
Technical communication has been taught at Texas Tech since 1927. The undergraduate specialization was established in 1976, and the master’s degree in technical communication and Ph.D. in technical communication and rhetoric were established in 1993.
Computer Facilities
The networked computer classrooms are equipped with scanners, laser printers, a CD-ROM burner, and specialized software. All classes are taught in computer classrooms. The program also features a state-of-the-art usability laboratory.
Contact Information
Dr. Thomas Barker
Director of Technical Communication
Department of English
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX 79409-3091
English/Philosophy Building Room 211A
Voice: (806) 742-2500 ext. 237
Fax: (806) 742-0989
Email: thomas.barker@ttu.edu