Master's Degree: MA | Technical Communication

Master's Degree: MA

We are currently waiving the GRE for admissions decisions.

What degrees are offered?

We offer the Master of Arts in Professional and Technical Communication. Our MA program prepares students for positions as technical writers/editors, content developers, or usability professionals. Our graduates most often take positions in companies within the information technology, consulting, and healthcare industries.

Graduates of our MA program have a 100% job placement rate. Learn more about the field of technical communication and your career opportunities.

How much will this program cost?

UNT has been named one of America's Best College Buys® for 23 consecutive years. You can use a calculator to estimate your tuition and fees. If you want to compete for a departmental scholarship, you must apply and be admitted before February 1.

What classes do I take?

All TECM classes emphasize skills needed in the workplace: like writing documentation, designing for user experience, and coding websites. Students learn advanced software skills (e.g., MS Word, Adobe InDesign, MadCap Flare, etc.), and most classes involve client-sponsored projects that produce work students can show off to potential employers.

Core courses, 12 hours


Topics courses, 9 hours from the following


Practicum or thesis, 6 hours


or

  • TECM 5950 - Master's Thesis

ELECTIVES, 3 HOURS

  • a graduate course approved by the Director of Graduate Studies

PORTFOLIO REVIEW AND DEFENSE

  • a collection of artifacts created in coursework accompanied by a defense of your decisions in creating them

For the complete list of degree requirements visit the Graduate Catalog. Not all courses are offered every semester. Talk with the graduate advisor about upcoming courses.

What are the admission requirements?

We offer rolling admissions for our Master's program. Admission into any of Tech Comm's MA program is a two-step process.

1. Apply to the Toulouse Graduate School

  • Complete your online ApplyTexas application.
  • Request your official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended.
  • Submit your standardized test scores. All applicants must submit GRE scores. International applicants must also submit their TOEFL (or IELTS) scores.

To be eligible for admission to the MA with a major in professional and technical communication, applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA on the last 60 hours of undergraduate semester credit hours prior to receiving a bachelor's degree or a 2.8 GPA on all undergraduate work. The MA requires no foreign language competency.

The applicant must also submit scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Applicants whose native language is not English must also submit a score on the TOEFL examination. Applicants whose undergraduate degree is not in professional and technical communication may be required to take 3-6 hours of graduate leveling courses as approved by the graduate director. These courses would count as electives toward the MA degree.

NOTE: We do not accept test scores other than the GRE and TOEFL (or IELTS) scores. The department does not grant conditional admission to applicants who have not submitted all test scores.

2. Email the following documents to the Tech Comm Graduate Advisor

  • A 500-750 word personal statement in response to one of the following prompts:
    • Describe a situation where you successfully used technical communication. How do you believe UNT's MA with a major in professional and technical communication will complement what you already know about the field?
    • ​Summarize the most recent article you read about technical communication. Discuss how this article informed your thinking about technical communication and then how UNT's MA with a major in professional and technical communication will enhance your understanding of the field.
  • A current vita or resume.
  • A writing sample or professional portfolio (optional).

An admission decision will be made once the applicant's file is complete. Tech Comm accepts applications throughout the year; however, visit the Toulouse Graduate School Web site for their application deadlines.

For the complete list of admission and degree requirements, visit the UNT Graduate Catalog.

What marketable skills does this degree develop?

Marketable skills for this degree include interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skill areas, that are valued by employers, and are primary or complementary to the major. The marketable skills goal was designed to help students articulate their skills to employers. UNT's marketable skills were faculty-developed and approved by employers or discipline-specific agencies, e.g., internship providers, chambers of commerce, workforce development boards, and other workforce-related entities. For information on these marketable skills - https://vpaa.unt.edu/thecb/class/tecm.

Who do I talk to?

Graduate advising is by appointment only. Please email TCgrad@unt.edu or call the office at (940) 565-4458 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Chris Lam, Director of Graduate Studies.