What degrees are offered?
We currently offer the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Professional and Technical Communication.
Both programs prepare students for entry-level positions as technical writers/ editors, content developers, or usability professionals, most commonly working on teams to create user guides, web content, and proposals in companies within the information technology, consulting, and healthcare industries. Students earning the BS will be especially well-qualified for technology-heavy positions (e.g., front-end web developer, business analyst, etc.) in information technology and software companies.
Learn more about the field of technical communication and your career opportunities.
How much will these programs cost?
UNT has been named one of America's Best College Buys® for 22 consecutive years. You can use a calculator to estimate your tuition and fees. Get more information about the cost of undergraduate programs.
When do I need to apply?
We have rolling admissions so you can apply at any time. If you want to compete for a departmental scholarship, you must apply and be admitted before February 1. Get more admissions information for freshmen or for transfer students.
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.
Look below for the list of required courses and sample syllabi. You can also download the following files to help you understand what classes you need (in the 2018-19 catalog).
- BA Advising Sheet
- BS Advising Sheet
- BA Plan for those with 30 hours of CORE credit
- BS Plan for those with 30 hours of CORE credit
- BA Plan for those with 60 hours of CORE credit
- BS Plan for those with 60 hours of CORE credit
Those students who fall under the 2018-19 Catalog are required to take 10 major courses (30 hours).
- TECM 2700: Technical Writing
- TECM 2800: The Profession of Technical Communication
- TECM 3100: Visual Technical Communication
- TECM 3200: Information Design for Electronic Media
- TECM 3550: Content Strategy in Technical Communication
- TECM 4100: Writing Proposals
- TECM 4180: Advanced Technical Communication
- TECM 4190: Technical Editing
- TECM 4300: Usability & User Experience
- TECM 4500: Content Analysis
Students are also required to take 2 elective courses (6 hours).
- TECM 3500: Digital Media for Professional Communication
- TECM 4250: Writing Technical Manuals & Procedures
- TECM 4400: Advanced Information Design
- TECM 4700: Science Writing
- TECM 4800: Special Topics
- TECM 4920: Cooperative Education (Internship)
Instead of meeting the CLASS-required foreign language requirement like BA students, BS students must complete 2 technology foundation courses (6 hours) from one of the options below.
BS Technology Option 1:
BS Technology Option 2:
BS Technology Option 3:
For the complete list of degree requirements visit the Undergraduate Catalog.
Not all courses are offered every semester. You can view the planned course offerings here.
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?
**We strongly encourage our students to meet with an advisor before enrolling each semester.**
Please call the office at (940) 565-4458 to schedule an appointment to meet with the undergraduate advisor.
Dr. Charlie Riccardelli, Undergraduate Advisor
Dr. Ryan Boettger, Assistant Department Chair
