phd in technical writing

Department of English

Our Program

The PhD qualifies people to conduct independent research by various methods and thus to contribute to knowledge. The PhD is usually a qualification for a professorial position in a university. The aims of study are broad knowledge of the literature on technical communication and rhetoric, specialized knowledge of some aspect of technical communication or rhetoric as reflected in the dissertation research, and ability to conduct ongoing independent research using one or more methods.

The PhD in Technical Communication & Rhetoric (TCR) is designed for students with an interest in rhetoric, writing, technical communication, and composition. The degree in TCR requires 48 hours of graduate work in rhetoric and technical communication beyond the bachelor's degree, 12 hours of Qualification Exam research, and an additional 12 hours of Dissertation research for a total of 72 hours. Credits earned on a master's degree may count toward these totals.

The degree prepares students for wide array of positions at colleges, university writing programs, and industry positions. The keystone to our success is our specialized courses in qualitative and quantitative research methods taught by the largest TCR faculty program in the world. 

Areas of Emphasis

Students in our programs often specialize in one of three areas: Technical Communication and User-Centered Design; Rhetorical Theory and Practice; or Composition, Writing Studies, and Literacy. These emphasis areas are meant as heuristics to guide students in course selection and career preparation; students are encouraged to take courses in any emphasis area.

Technical Communication and User-Centered Design

Graduate students who specialize in technical communication and user-centered design gain experience in the theories, practices, histories, teaching, and management of workplace communication in institutional and non-institutional settings and in both global and local contexts. Students gain experience in a variety of technical genres; communicating with and about technologies; technical communication practices; design processes; and research methods around usability, user experience, design, and workplace communication—in preparation for positions in industry, consulting, nonprofit work, teaching, and/or research.

5060: History and Theory of Composition. Seminar in history and contemporary theories of composition and rhetoric studies. Required for all new teaching assistants and graduate part-time instructors.

5067: Methods of Teaching College Composition.  Introduces methods of teaching writing through assigned readings, supervised participation in teaching activities, and seminar discussion.

5361: Introduction to Rhetorical Theory. Classical and modern theories of rhetorical invention.

5362: Rhetorical Analysis of Text. Classical and modern theories of rhetorical analysis.

5364: History of Rhetoric. Survey of history and theories of rhetoric with an emphasis on applications to written communication.

5368: Studies in Written Argumentation. History and theories of written argumentation.

5369: Discourse and Technology. Study of the effects of computer networks and digitally mediated knowledge management on theoretical, practical, and pedagogical notions of discourse and discourse communities.

Former Student Work

• Dissertation: Rhetorical Organization in Contemporary Chinese and English Argumentation: A Contrastive and Comparative Study
• Dissertation: Understanding Users Undergoing Change: An Examination of an Innovative Hybrid First-Year Composition Course
• Publication: "New Process, New Product:  Redistributing Labor in a First-Year Writing Program."
• Publication:"Argument in Hypertext: Writing Strategies and the Problem of Order in a Non-Sequential World"
• Publication:"Writing Dialogically: Bold Lessons from Electronic Text."
• Publication: "The Necessity of Teaching Intercultural Communication Competence in Literacy Classes"

Rhetorical Theory and Practice

Graduate students who specialize in rhetorical theory and practice acquire knowledge in traditional study of ancient Greco-Roman rhetoric and build on that knowledge to consider myriad neglected and contemporary rhetorical practices. Students gain experience and knowledge that primes them to research and study public, embodied, visual and other sensory rhetorics; the rhetoric of science, technology, and medicine; material and environmental rhetorics; and digital and social media rhetorics. Studying how rhetors, writers, designers, and creators use available means and mediums of persuasion to engage a wide variety of contemporary audiences unites the disparate areas.

5366: Teaching Technical and Professional Communication. Theory and teaching of technical and professional writing with special attention to developing course objectives, syllabi, and teaching techniques.

5371: Foundations of Technical Communication. Theory and practice of technical communication.

5372: Technical Reports. Theory and practice of reports and proposals.

5373: Technical Manuals. Theory and practice of manual development and design.

5374: Technical Editing. Substantive editing and design of technical documents.

5375: Document Design. Theory and practice of creating comprehensible, usable, and persuasive texts.

5376: Online Publishing. Design and testing of online documents to support instruction and information retrieval.

5383: Grants and Proposals. Theoretical issues and practical experience dealing with the genre and process of writing grants and proposals.

5387: Publication Management. Strategies of managing processes and knowledge that support publication.

5388: Usability Testing and Research. Methods of planning, conducting, and analyzing usability tests.

• Dissertation: Knowledge-Building Spaces in Technical Communication: Navigating a Tertiary Orality
• Dissertation: Teaching Intercultural Communication in a Service Technical Writing Course: Alternative Ways of Presenting Intercultural Issues in Technical Writing Textbooks and in Real Classrooms
• Dissertation: Open-Source Software Development and User-Centered Design: A Study of Open-Source Practices and Participants
• Dissertation: The Role of Rhetorical Invention for Visuals: A Study of Technical Communicators in the Workplace
• Dissertation: Technical Communication in the Public Sector: Convergence Analysis of Historical Discourse and the Reports of the Immigration Commission, 1911
• Dissertation: Web-based Training Evaluation in the Workplace: Practices, Instructional Architectures, and Skills
• Dissertation: Ethos and Exigence: The White Paper in Technical Communication
• Dissertation: Decision-Making as a Rhetorical Act: The Role of Choice in the Design and Delivery of an Online Education Program
• Publication: Editing from the Author's Viewpoint: Results of an International Survey
• Publication: Editing from the Author's Viewpoint: Cross-cultural Results

Composition, Writing, and Literacy Studies

Graduate students who specialize in composition, writing, and literacy studies gain experience that prepares them to research and study writing, the teaching of writing, composing practices, literacy practices and ideologies, online literacy and writing instruction, digital cultures and new media rhetoric, writing program administration, and other issues related to writing and literacy.

5384: Rhetoric of Scientific Literature. The foundational, canonical course for the emphasis. It deals with rhetorical critique of classic science arguments, such as Darwin's Origin of the Species. It also introduces ideas developed further in the specialty courses.

5386: Discourse and Social Issues. Especially when it is taught with a focus on social issues also being those of a scientific nature (e.g. environmental, risk communication, classification, etc.).

5369: Discourse and Technology. Especially when it is taught with a focus on documentation of technology as used in the medical profession or in other applications of science.

5382: Theory and Research in the Written Discourses of Health and Medicine. Current theory and research in the written discourses of health and medicine, focusing on the roles of technical and professional.

• Dissertation: The making of knowledge in science: Case studies of paleontology illustration
• Publication: Metaphor and Knowledge: The Challenges of Writing Science.
• Publication: Optimism and Pessimism on the High Plains: A Tale of Archaeological Reports.
• Publication: You Just Don't See Enough Normal': Critical Perspectives on Infant-Feeding Discourse and Practice
• Publication: Understanding Women's Concerns in the International Setting Through the Lens of Science and Technology
• Publication: The Medical Normalization of Abnormal Bodies: Intersex and Resistance
• Publication: Artificial Intelligence as a Discursive Practice: The Case of Embodied Software Agent Systems

Degree Requirements May Seminar

Dr. Beau Pihlaja Program Director and Advisor [email protected]

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Search Utah State University:

Phd in technical communication and rhetoric.

Doctoral Program

The Technical Communication and Rhetoric (TCR) PhD program at USU prepares students to work as researchers and teachers at colleges and universities. In this program you will take courses in rhetorical theory, cultural and empirical research methods, online pedagogy, and more. Our PhD students have the freedom to conduct research on topics that matter to them, such as climate change communication, professional communication in the Global South, and accessible document design for people with disabilities.  Please reach out to  Lynne McNeill , the Director of Graduate Studies, for specific programmatic questions. 

Career Application

Most graduates of the Technical Communication and Rhetoric PhD program go on to work as university professors. Our PhD program is known for addressing issues of social justice, community engagement, diversity, and service learning— education that prepares our students to be competitive in the academic job market. For examples, recent graduates have accepted tenure-track jobs at Virginia Tech, Texas State, Boise State University, and Montana State University.  

Technical Communication & Rhetoric News

March 8, 2024

Undergraduates Karli Kallas and Maren Archibald Present Research

On Friday, February 16th, two Technical Communication and Rhetoric students, Karli Kallas and Maren Archibald, presented their research at the Utah Conference of Undergraduate Research.

March 1, 2024

Hannah Stevens Publishes in Communication Design Quarterly

Hannah Stevens, PhD candidate and English Department graduate instructor, has recently published her article, “Publicly Available, Transparent, and Explicit: An Analysis of Academic Publishing Policy and Procedure Documents,” in Communication Design Quart...

January 29, 2024

Chen Chen Publishes in Technical Communication

Assistant Professor Chen Chen recently published an article in Technical Communication: “Reporting Online Aggression: A Transnational Comparative Interface Analysis of Sina Weibo and Twitter.”

Program Advisor

Lynne S McNeill

Associate Professor; Director of Graduate Studies

+1 435 797 0264 Logan (RWST 301B) [email protected]

Suggested Supplements

• English Graduate Handbook 
• Digital Writing and Publication Certificate
• Archiving and Public Programming

Scholarships & Financial Aid

•   PhD Financial Information

Forms for Graduate Students

•   PhD Program Forms

Rhetoric and Writing (Ph.D.)

Campus:   Virginia Tech Blacksburg Campus,  Instructions: Residential/On Campus

Program Overview

Carolyn Commer, Director, Ph.D. Program in Rhetoric and Writing

The PhD Program in Rhetoric and Writing at Virginia Tech focuses on rhetoric in society. We study language use and rhetorical activity in public, academic, corporate, and governmental settings in a collective effort to engage pressing social and cultural issues through academic discourse, public policy, and community outreach. 

Why choose this program?

• Virginia Tech’s Rhetoric and Writing doctoral program has distinguished faculty whose research attends to social problems, disciplinary questions, and the information demands of a cyberconnected world. Areas of strength include medical rhetoric, data visualization, human rights, human-computer interaction, user experience, and cultural and feminist rhetorics. 
• Virginia Tech is a top-notch research institution and the College of Liberal Arts & Human Sciences where English is housed possesses a variety of opportunities available to students which enable students to excel. 
• Our small program enables students to get individualized attention with award-winning and research active faculty. 
• We engage in rhetoric and writing research that contributes to social progress, examines how literate practices create, circulate, and prioritize societal values and the public policies based on those values, and examines how rhetoric and writing empower and control access to power in these social systems. 

What You'll Study

Degree requirements will include 60 hours of graduate coursework past the bachelor's degree plus 30 hours of research and dissertation. Of those 60 hours of coursework, up to 30 may be transferred from an appropriate Master's degree. Because rhetoric and writing are inherently interdisciplinary subjects, this program invites students to complete some coursework in related fields such as Language and Literature, Communication, Science and Technology Studies, Political Science, Human-Computer Interaction, Women's and Gender Studies, Science and Technology in Society, ASPECT, and Engineering Education, as well as courses in preparing the future professoriate offered by the Virginia Tech Graduate School.

Admissions Requirement

• Minimum GPA 3.0 (4 Scale)
• GRE Optional
• TOEFL/ IELTS score Required  (If Applicable)

Learn more 

Tuition and Fee

Tuition & Fee Rates

Funding Opportunities

The Department of English has a limited number of  graduate assistantships and fellowships  available for students applying for full time study on the Blacksburg Campus. Entering students can apply for such funding as part of their admissions application.  No separate application  required.

Find out what loans are available as a graduate student and other opportunities.

How to Apply

Visit this page for information on how to apply, including requirements, deadlines, and application fee.

Course List

• Course List (Blacksburg)

Applications Deadlines

Priority deadline:  January 16 for consideration for funding Final deadline:  January 16

Visit Campus

Visit Campus / Attend an Open House

Contact Program Leader

Carolyn Commer , Director, Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Writing 416 Shanks Hall  181 Turner Street NW  Blacksburg, VA 24061 [email protected]

Contact Program Specialist

Marie Trimmer Graduate Programs Coodinator 310 Shanks Hall 540-231-4659  [email protected]

Current Students

• Download Plan of Study
• Timetable of Classes

Rhetoric and Writing (Ph.D.) Faculty 

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Center for Rhetoric in Society

At the Center for Rhetoric in Society, we examine multiple rhetorics, bridging academic and public discourses to enact engagement and social change. Our mission is to investigate language use through rhetorical and narrative analysis to understand significant social problems. Graduate research assistants participate in all aspects of the Center, including grant writing, assisting faculty in research, organizing research symposia, and writing scholarly articles. 

Faculty Bookshelf

Related Programs

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

English (M.A.)

Department of English

Dietrich college of humanities and social sciences, technical writing program, the technical writing program is a subspecialty of professional writing, focused on the skills for making complex, technical information accessible and navigable to both users and stakeholders..

The Technical Writing Program is a strong fit for students with dual interests in writing and STEM fields, or who wish to strengthen a primary major in STEM with the communication skills expected of team members and managers.

As English’s only Bachelor of Science degree, the major blends coursework in writing, document design, and user experience methods with additional work in computer science, mathematics, and statistics. Students specialize further through elective courses and professional experiences, earning a concentration in either science and medical communication, or technical communication.

Technical writers are sought after for their plain language and user experience research skills by software companies, instructional design firms, hospitals and insurers, and in engineering and federal government positions.

Declare Technical Writing

Professional & Technical Writing

Explore Technical Writing

Primary major, additional major, technical writing faculty.

• Undergraduate Admissions

Questions? Reach out to Laura Donaldson, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Programs and Academic Advisor at  [email protected]

Want To Visit? Schedule a visit to the Technical Writing Program through  this form.

Spotlight: Wilson Ekern

Meet wilson. .

Wilson (Class of 2021) majored in Technical Writing in the Department of English. He also graduated with an additional major in German Studies.

What was your favorite English course and why?

Style. It really teaches you the tools for writing clearly and communicating your ideas effectively.

Learn more about Wilson!

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Department of English Language and Literature

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PhD in Rhetoric and Writing

We have faculty members with a broad range of interests including language diversity, second language writing, writing program administration, K-12 composition, public rhetorics, community writing, multimodal composition, and technical communication. With a limited amount of core requirements, our students are able to select courses that best suit their research and teaching interests. In addition to gaining valuable face-to-face and online teaching experience at a diverse flagship Hispanic-serving institution in courses ranging from first-year writing to technical writing and professional communication, students have the opportunity to engage in program building efforts via a variety of administrative positions connected with first-year writing, online writing instruction, and technical writing and professional communication. Please contact Program Faculty if you have any questions.

About the Degree

The PhD concentration in Rhetoric and Composition requires 51 hours of coursework, comprehensive exams in three areas, a Foreign Language requirement, and a doctoral dissertation. Typically, PhD students have recently completed a Master’s degree in English with something in excess of 30 semester hours. The English department accepts up to 24 of those hours toward the PhD degree, leaving students 30 hours of regular course work to complete from the time of matriculation.  The PhD requires a minimum of four years of extended study to master a specific subject completely and to extend the body of knowledge about that subject. Applicants should already possess a Master’s degree in English or a related discipline. 

Note: Students who did graduate work in a discipline other than English likely will not transfer the full 24 hours to the PhD program. Such students will need to complete more than 30 hours of regular course work before moving on to the dissertation. The Associate Chair of Graduate Studies (ACGS) and the Committee on Studies (COS) determine the number of hours students are able to transfer to the PhD.

Required Coursework (51 hrs)

(for complete requirements, see the Graduate Handbook)

As explained above, PhD students must take 51 hours of course work before taking the Comprehensive Examinations and moving on to the dissertation. These hours must be distributed as follows:

Core Course (3 hrs)

• Engl. 542: Major Texts in Rhetoric (3 hrs)

Distribution Requirements (15 hrs) 

Students must take 15 hours of coursework in Language, Theory, and Pedagogy, as described below.

Language and Theory (9 hrs) 

Students must take a total of nine hours from Language and Theory courses, at least three of which are from Language and three from Theory courses.

Language (at least 3 hrs from the following)

• Engl. 541: English Grammar (3 hrs)
• Engl. 545: History of the English Language (3 hrs)
• Engl. 547: Old English (3 hrs)
• Engl. 548: Beowulf and Other Topics (3 hrs)
• Engl. 549: Middle English Language (3 hrs)

Theory (at least 3 hrs from the following)

• Engl. 510: Criticism and Theory (3 hrs)
• Engl. 511: Special Topics: Criticism and Theory; Literacy and Cultural Movements (3 hrs)
• Engl. 540: Topics in Language or Rhetoric (3 hrs)
• Engl. 543: Contemporary Texts in Rhetoric (3 hrs)
• Engl. 610: Studies in Criticism and Theory (3 hrs)

Pedagogy (6 hrs) 

Students must take six hours of pedagogy courses from the following or from approved substitutions in other departments. (All new Teaching Assistants, including those who have previous teaching experience or similar course work elsewhere, are required to take Engl. 530, which is offered every Fall semester, in the first semester they begin teaching at UNM.)  In addition to the courses here, we also offer practica in online writing instruction and stretch/studio writing instruction.

• Engl. 530: Teaching Composition (required of all new TAs) (3 hrs)
• Engl. 533: Teaching Professional & Technical Writing (3 hrs)
• Engl. 534: Composition Theory (3 hrs)
• Engl. 592: Teaching Literature (3 hrs)

Seminars (9 hrs) 

All PhD students must take at least three seminars offered in the English Department. RW students typically take three versions of ENGL 640, which are offered at least once a year and which vary in topic. Recent topics have included New Media Literacies for the 21st Century, Teaching Diverse Student Populations, and The Sociopolitical Contexts of Writing Instruction.

• Engl. 640: Studies in Language and Rhetoric (3 hrs)
• Engl. 650: Studies in British Literature (3 hrs)
• Engl. 660: Studies in American Literature (3 hrs)
• Engl. 680: Studies in Genre, Backgrounds, Forces (3 hrs)

Electives (24 hrs) 

The required courses above total 30 hours; students who have transferred 24 hours from the MA into the PhD will have fulfilled the minimum course requirements, excluding dissertation hours, required for the degree. Students who need more course credits, should fulfill their remaining hours with approved graduate courses in English or related disciplines under the advisement of the COS and the ACGS.

All 54 regular course requirements must be completed before enrolling for dissertation hours, Engl. 699.

Dissertation (no fewer than 18 hrs)

• Engl. 699: Dissertation (3-12 hrs, no limit).

Language Skill Requirement

With the approval of the ACGS and COS, PhD students may satisfy the language skill requirement in one of three ways.

By demonstrating competency in two language skills. “Competency” can be demonstrated with a grade of B or better through a second semester, second-year level undergraduate course or through a graduate-level reading course in a language other than English. Students may use English 547 (Introduction to Old English) and 548 (Advanced Old English) to fulfill competency.

By demonstrating fluency in one language skill. “Fluency” can be demonstrated in one of several ways with a grade of B or better: through the second-semester, third-year level undergraduate course in a language other than English; or through two graduate-level reading courses in a language other than English. Students may use English 547 (Introduction to Old English), 548 (Advanced Old English), and an Old English 650 or another 548 to fulfill fluency.

By combining competency in one language skill with a similar competency in a research skill such as a computer-programming language or Statistics. Competency in the research skill can be established by the completion of a second-semester, second-year course with a grade of B or better or two graduate courses.

Competency and Fluency can be demonstrated through coursework from previous institutions, coursework at UNM, or tests administered either by UNM or CLEP. The decision as to which research skills courses such as a computer-programming language and Statistics will satisfy the Department’s language requirements will be negotiated between the ACGS, COS, and appropriate faculty from other departments; other research tools may be approved in exceptional cases in which similar provisions must be made for rigorous academic study in the subject.

Note: Course credits for classes used to complete the language skill or research requirement cannot normally be counted toward the 51 credit hours of regular course work required for the degree..

Comprehensive Examinations

To ensure a thorough and broad knowledge of English as a discipline, the Department of English requires PhD students to take comprehensive examinations in three different fields. Under the advisement of the COS, PhD students should select their three fields of study early in the course of their doctoral program, so that they can take course work that enhances their understanding of their three fields. 

Dissertation Prospectus and Its Defense

After passing the Comprehensive Examinations, PhD students must organize a Dissertation Committee, write and submit a Dissertation Prospectus, and successfully defend the prospectus before the Dissertation Committee. The prospectus defense must be completed no later than six calendar months after passing the Comprehensive Examinations.

The PhD Dissertation

A dissertation is a formal, scholarly document, seldom less than 150 double-spaced pages and often much longer, which makes an original contribution to its field and shows a professional mastery of academic methods and materials. Few dissertations are written in less than a calendar year. PhD students who are also Teaching Assistants commonly find that the process takes two years. UNM requires that students must complete all degree requirements, including the dissertation and defense, within five years of advancing to candidacy (i.e. passing the Comprehensive Examinations). 

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Graduate Program Professional and Technical Writing

• Program Details
• Info Sessions
• Admission Details

Degree Details

• Masters (M) Total Credits 48 (mix of online, hybrid, and on-campus courses) Start Term Fall, Winter, Spring Delivery Method On campus Flexible

Learn more about our academic program delivery methods

Professional and Technical Writing Master's Degree Overview

Mix of in-person, hybrid, and online courses for maximum flexibility.

To accommodate both working professionals and full-time students, most of our courses are offered during late-afternoon or evening hours, fully online, or as hybrid courses. Our small classes encourage a personalized experience. 

We encourage applicants from a variety of backgrounds, including recent college graduates in the humanities, social sciences, and STEM disciplines, those embarking upon new careers, as well as students from outside of the US.

Professional and Technical Writing Master's Degree: Why PSU?

What can i do with a master's degree in professional and technical writing.

• Technical writer at a Portland software company
• Research consultant at a national health insurance company
• Account manager at a creative agency
• Technical content specialist for an office at PSU

Browse Course Material

Course info, instructors.

• Caroline Beimford
• Dr. Andreas Karatsolis
• Dr. Suzanne T. Lane
• Dr. Leslie Ann Roldan
• Dr. Jessie Stickgold-Sarah

Departments

• Comparative Media Studies/Writing

As Taught In

• Academic Writing
• Technical Writing

Learning Resource Types

Graduate technical writing workshop, course description.

This course is designed to improve the student’s ability to communicate technical information. It covers the basics of working with sources, including summarizing and paraphrasing, synthesizing source materials, citing, quoting, and avoiding plagiarism. It also covers how to write an abstract and a literature …

This course is designed to improve the student’s ability to communicate technical information. It covers the basics of working with sources, including summarizing and paraphrasing, synthesizing source materials, citing, quoting, and avoiding plagiarism. It also covers how to write an abstract and a literature review. In addition, we will cover communication concepts, tools, and strategies that can help you understand how engineering texts work, and how you can make your texts work more effectively.

This course is limited to MIT graduate engineering students based on results of the Graduate Writing Exam .

You are leaving MIT OpenCourseWare

Graduate Writing Center

Technical writing - graduate writing center.

• Citations / Avoiding Plagiarism
• Critical Thinking
• Discipline-Specific Resources
• Generative AI
• iThenticate FAQ
• Organization and Structure
• Punctuation
• Abbreviations and acronyms
• Active and Passive Voice
• Commonly confused words
• Numbers and mathematics
• Parallelism
• Prepositional phrases and concision

Technical Writing

• Writing Process
• Writing a Thesis
• Quick Clips & Tips
• Presentations and Graphics

Technical writing covers an array of complex topics, but you don't need complicated sentences to convey complicated ideas. In fact, simple sentences can help to convey technical information more clearly, so  editing for concision and clarity  is key in technical writing.

Take it from William Zinsser in his book  On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction : "Examine every word you put on paper. You’ll find a surprising number that don’t serve any purpose."

For further information on technical writing, attend the next session of our " Technical Writing " workshop. Workshops are offered in the first four weeks of each quarter; you can sign up during workshop season through  WCOnline . Alternatively, watch the video  version.

Determining how much to explain and how much technical terminology to use can trip up technical writers. Consider who your audience is and how much background information you need to provide for those readers to understand your topic.

A common consideration when writing a  thesis is to imagine your audience as other students in your field, who may not know the details of your specific research but have a significant amount of background knowledge. However, when your document is intended for an interdisciplinary audience, you will need to explain a lot more of the basic concepts than you would for a field-specific audience. 

Active or Passive Voice

While you may have heard that the  active voice is preferable to the  passive , different fields have different style conventions: some fields use passive voice to avoid referring to the author(s), while others use the first person ("I" or "we"), and still others use the third person ("the author" or "this research").

Reading articles in your field can help you determine what the preferred style is in your field; if you find inconsistencies, check with your advisor on which style to use.

Lists, Tables, and Figures

Use lists, tables, and figures strategically. Some information is better presented as a numbered or bulleted list instead of a paragraph; list formatting tends to make the information easy to spot on the page and clearly differentiates list items. Tables are also helpful tools for presenting information in a concise, easy-to-read format, while figures help your readers to visualize information. For more guidance, see our resources on  graphics and posters .

For further information on the use of figures and tables, attend the next session of our " Illustrating Your Thesis with Figures and Tables " workshop.

Technical Writing Links

• GWC workshop video (36:11): " Technical Writing "
• Handout: " The 'Paramedic Method ,'" J. M. Gay
• Handout: " Sciences ," UNC Chapel Hill Writing Center
• GWC Video (8:25): " Achieving Concision with Prepositions "
• Video (3:46): " Technical Writing: How to Simplify Sentences ," Kristin Sainani, Stanford University
• Handout: " Preparing a Scientific Paper for Publication ," AIP Style Manual, 4th ed.
• Article: " Elements of Technical Writing Style ," Richard S. Barr
• Book:  Writing Science in Plain English , Anne E. Greene, University of Chicago Press, 2013
• Book:  Scientists Must Write: A Guide to Better Writing for Scientists, Engineers and Students , 2nd ed., Robert Barrass, Routledge

Scientific Reports Links

• Handout: " Scientific Reports ," UNC Chapel Hill Writing Center
• Handout: " Writing a Scientific Research Article ," Columbia University
• Article: " The Science of Scientific Writing ," George Gopen and Judith Swan,  American Scientist
• Online lab manual:  Descriptions - Mechanism and Process , Leo Finkelstein, Jr., General Engineering
• Book:  Style and Ethics of Communication in Science and Engineering , Jay D. Humphrey and Jeffrey W. Holmes, Morgan & Claypool Publishers
• Book:  The Craft of Scientific Writing , 3rd ed., Michael Alley, Springer

Book:  Handbook of Writing for the Mathematical Sciences , Nicholas J. Higham, 2nd ed., Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, 1998

Writing Topics A–Z

This index makes findings topics easy and links to the most relevant page for each item. Please email us at [email protected] if we're missing something!

A    B    C    D    E    F    G    H    I    J   K   L    M    N    O    P    Q   R    S    T    U    V    W   X  Y   Z

Why You Should Consider a Career in Technical Writing

What is technical writing and how does it differ from other kinds of content? Northeastern alumna Kate Schneider, a senior technical writer at MadCap Software, explains.

I’m used to getting a blank stare when I tell people my occupation. “A technical writer?” they ask. “What is that?”

“Well, I write the directions for a software program. So whenever my users need help, they click the ‘Help’ button and they read my writing. If you’ve ever used Help in Word or something, that was written by someone like me.”

(This is where I get the blank stare.)

“Oh. I never realized that someone actually wrote that stuff.”

I usually laugh and make some kind of self-deprecating joke. Yes, I write that stuff. And I love it .

What Does a Technical Writer Do?

Simply put, technical writers explain things. We take complicated concepts and break them down into easy-to-understand pieces. We’re also skilled at organizing information so it flows logically. With these skills, a technical writer is often responsible for many kinds of writing: manuals, online Help systems, or even video tutorials.

How Is it Different from Other Kinds of Writing?

I’ve had lots of different jobs where I’ve written lots of different things: proposals, reports, press releases, and marketing slicks. The documentation I write as a technical writer is very different from all of these other kinds of writing.

First, technical documentation is often heavily focused on steps and processes, and it is painstakingly organized. This attention to detail and organization makes it easy for you to find out what you need to do, do it, and get on with your day. The key purpose of a technical document is to help you learn what you need to know.

Second, technical documentation is usually very direct. You won’t find any extra fluff in an online help system (although technical writers love to use examples to illustrate concepts). Instead, we get right to the point and tell you just what you need to know—and all of the caveats and warnings that will help you along the way.

Third, although it is direct, technical documentation is also very detailed. While a report or proposal might give a “30,000-foot overview” of a topic, that isn’t adequate in technical documentation. To a technical writer, the more information in your document, the better. By getting to know everything about our product and explaining everything we can, we help our readers understand the product and learn to use it correctly. Can you imagine if an airplane manual only gave a brief overview of how to operate an airplane?

So Why Do You Do It?

Sometimes when I get that blank stare, people ask me why I do what I do. Well, I love my job because technical writers are behind the scenes, helping people when they need it. When you’re setting up your coffee maker, a technical writer wrote those instructions. When a pilot is safety checking an airplane, a technical writer wrote that manual. When you’re browsing the internet for the answer to a question and find some product FAQs or online help, a technical writer wrote that content.

So the next time you’re installing new software on your computer and encounter an error, or you can’t remember how to set up a Microsoft Excel macro, click the Help icon and search the documentation. Someone writes that stuff, and we do it because we want to help.

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Technical Writing Graduate Academic Certificate Online

Graduate academic certificate offered by the UNT College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences

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Our online Technical Writing GAC is a flexible four-course certificate offered in 8-week sessions and taught by award-winning scholars in the field of technical communication. We offer two pathways for prospective students. For students looking to change careers and become technical writers, we offer an industry-centric pathway that highlights the writing, designing, and production skills contemporary technical writers need. Students pursuing the industry pathway must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited university, but the degree does not need to be in a field related to technical writing. For students who already have an MA or a PhD in a related content area and who want additional technical writing teaching credentials, we offer the teaching-centric pathway that highlights pedagogical and writing strategies for technical writing classrooms. We offer rolling admissions, and new sessions begin every 8-12 weeks.

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MA & PhD

The rhetoric and scientific & technical communication graduate degree programs are now in their third decade of preparing scholars for work as strong contributors to their disciplinary communities.

The MA and PhD programs offer students the opportunity to learn from world-class faculty while living in a community with a long history of innovation in the sciences, the arts, and digital media.

Master's in Rhetoric and Scientific & Technical Communication

The Master of Arts (MA) will prepare you for doctoral-level research through courses and seminars in research methods, rhetoric, writing studies, pedagogy, and technical communication, technology, and culture. Those are complemented with other courses in a specialty area as well as a supporting field of courses outside the department so that you complete your degree with a broad base of knowledge. The MA is a two year program.

Requirements for the MA

PhD in Rhetoric and Scientific & Technical Communication

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a research degree that will prepare you for faculty positions in our core areas of rhetoric, writing studies, pedagogy, technical communication, technology, and culture. Our core coursework leads to seminars and courses in your concentration and is complemented with a supporting program of courses offered by other departments at the University of Minnesota related to your specialty area. The PhD is a five year program.

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Technical + Scientific Writing

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For questions about courses, curriculum, assessment and teaching, please contact: Dr. Christa Teston , Director [email protected] Julianna Crame , Graduate Writing Program Associate crame.1 @osu.edu Dr. Susan Lang [email protected]

Course Offerings

English 3305: Technical Writing Following science, technology, engineering and biomedicine’s lead, this course takes a socially just approach to teaching technical writing. To facilitate such an approach, we will rely on a decolonial lens. That is, we won’t just produce technical documentation; we will also consider how technical writing is a form of power that can either act in service to or disrupt harmful social hierarchies. We will experiment with how to craft technical documents that amplify equity and inclusion. Toward that end, you’ll gain experience with rewriting policy documents, researching public land use, destigmatizing medical instructions and communicating scientific research.

English 3020: Writing about Sustainability GE(N) : Sustainability theme “Writing about Sustainability” is an advanced-level writing course that fulfills the GE requirements for the Sustainability Theme by asking students to consider their place in the natural world through the following learning activities: conducting primary and secondary research, analyzing data, composing and revising written arguments, and becoming more proficient with the conventions of academic discourses. Throughout the semester, we will use rhetorical theory as a lens for asking and investigating answers to some of the following questions: How do we interact with the natural world, and how does our human-made environment interact with the natural environment? How unequal are these encounters? Which groups in society have access to a natural environment that is safe vs. dangerous, polluted vs. unpolluted, wild vs. built, sustainable vs. unsustainable? How has and could writing about such questions affect meaningful change?

2024 Best Colleges with Professional and Technical Writing Degrees in America

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1-25 of 280 results

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA •

• • Rating 3.9 out of 5   1,359 reviews

Freshman: It's important to acknowledge that college experiences vary greatly from person to person, and while some may face challenges or difficulties, others may find their time in college to be transformative and rewarding. Instead of focusing on the negatives, perhaps you could consider exploring constructive criticism or discussing specific areas for improvement in the college experience. This approach allows for a more balanced and productive discussion that can lead to positive changes and improvements in the education system. If you have specific concerns about your college experience, it might be helpful to address them directly with the appropriate channels within your institution or seek support from counselors or advisors. Remember, challenges are a natural part of any educational journey, and there are often resources available to help navigate them. ... Read 1,359 reviews

• grade  A+ Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 7%

Net price $26,123

SAT range 1500-1570

#7 Best Colleges in America .

Blue checkmark.

PHILADELPHIA, PA ,

1359 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says It's important to acknowledge that college experiences vary greatly from person to person, and while some may face challenges or difficulties, others may find their time in college to be... .

Read 1359 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : A+ ,

Acceptance Rate : 7% ,

Net Price : $26,123 ,

SAT Range : 1500-1570 ,

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL •

• • Rating 3.7 out of 5   1,493 reviews

Freshman: There is a wealth of awesome student communities to join which really contributed to my experience. Classes are challenging but Northwestern offers many unique opportunities to explore different things and some uncommon ones like design classes. Performing arts are abundant on campus, so there is always something to see on the weekends! ... Read 1,493 reviews

Net price $22,095

SAT range 1490-1570

#15 Best Colleges in America .

EVANSTON, IL ,

1493 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says There is a wealth of awesome student communities to join which really contributed to my experience. Classes are challenging but Northwestern offers many unique opportunities to explore different... .

Read 1493 reviews.

Net Price : $22,095 ,

SAT Range : 1490-1570 ,

Washington University in St. Louis

Saint Louis, MO •

• • Rating 4.11 out of 5   1,573 reviews

Sophomore: I am a sophomore at WashU. The depth of the education and the number of opportunities (if you seek them) can be life-changing. The business school is super good at hosting recruitment events if your interested in business careers, and the academics ARE HARD -- You will do a lot of work. CS department could be stronger; premed/ bio/chem/pre-law deps / olin are excellent. The undergraduate student body is tight-knit and mostly extremely friendly. People are very smart but not obnoxious or entitled. Campus life is great because many of the undergrads (freshmen, sophomores, and some juniors) live on campus. The housing is excellent, and many students have kitchens on campus. St Louis is certainly not a luxury city (i.e. NY or LA) but does have good restaurants (DRIVE NOT WALK AWAY) and a cheap cost of living (concerts are usually way cheaper). It is way better than being in the woods, but not the bestest place. The school has partially impeded on the fun with their attack on greek life. ... Read 1,573 reviews

Acceptance rate 12%

Net price $23,432

#16 Best Colleges in America .

SAINT LOUIS, MO ,

1573 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says I am a sophomore at WashU. The depth of the education and the number of opportunities (if you seek them) can be life-changing. The business school is super good at hosting recruitment events if your... The undergraduate student body is tight-knit and mostly extremely friendly. People are very smart but not obnoxious or entitled. Campus life is great because many of the undergrads (freshmen,... .

Read 1573 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 12% ,

Net Price : $23,432 ,

Queens University of Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, NC

• • Rating 3.76 out of 5   617

Minnesota State University Moorhead

MOORHEAD, MN

• • Rating 3.55 out of 5   818

University of Houston - Downtown

HOUSTON, TX

• • Rating 3.9 out of 5   1,496

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA •

• • Rating 3.71 out of 5   1,483 reviews

Freshman: Carnegie Mellon University suits those who believe in working hard, working hard, and playing hard occasionally. The academics are demanding and challenging, which ultimately creates dedicated, disciplined students, or burnout. Many people require some kind of passion to be here, as it takes passion to get through the intense workload. On the surface, the social life at CMU seems pretty dead. However, after actively looking for clubs, organizations, and student groups, I found there are a lot of opportunities to be part of communities that are passionate and welcoming. I also love that CMU is very invested in their student's success: it is easy to get help from academic advisors, pursue research positions, and take interesting opportunities to get your education outside the classroom. Overall, I am very proud and happy that I came here :). ... Read 1,483 reviews

Acceptance rate 11%

Net price $33,499

#20 Best Colleges in America .

PITTSBURGH, PA ,

1483 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Carnegie Mellon University suits those who believe in working hard, working hard, and playing hard occasionally. The academics are demanding and challenging, which ultimately creates dedicated,... .

Read 1483 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 11% ,

Net Price : $33,499 ,

University of Texas - Austin

Austin, TX •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   6,774 reviews

Freshman: I love that UT has a sense of community, especially in the sporting department. Being able to witness school spirit is an aspect I love about this school. I also enjoy the vast number of majors and programs, as well as student organizations that are available for all to join. However, I’ve had a slightly difficult time realizing that because UT is so large, it’s extremely easy to sink into the cracks, and figuring your own stuff out is essential. No one is going to hold your hand through course registration or career decisions, but I think- despite the inconvenience- it teaches students how to be an adult much more effectively than a gentler approach. Overall, I love UT and Austin and can’t recommend it enough! ... Read 6,774 reviews

Acceptance rate 31%

Net price $17,434

SAT range 1230-1500

#42 Best Colleges in America .

AUSTIN, TX ,

6774 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says I love that UT has a sense of community, especially in the sporting department. Being able to witness school spirit is an aspect I love about this school. I also enjoy the vast number of majors and... .

Read 6774 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 31% ,

Net Price : $17,434 ,

SAT Range : 1230-1500 ,

University of Georgia

Athens, GA •

• • Rating 3.99 out of 5   5,780 reviews

Senior: Going to UGA was the best decision I could have made! It is a great combination between academics and a social scene. I felt like there was always something to do, but there also wasn't immense pressure to go with the crowd. The campus is beautiful with many places to study and hang out with friends. Athens as a whole has also been so much fun to live in. It was more of a small town that I originally expected, but I learned to love its charm. As for academics, I have found great mentorship from my professors, and I have genuinely enjoyed every program I have gotten involved in on campus. There is a lot of freedom to explore different majors and take courses outside of your direct line of study. I always felt challenged but never like I was being given impossible work. ... Read 5,780 reviews

Acceptance rate 43%

Net price $17,180

SAT range 1220-1420

#49 Best Colleges in America .

ATHENS, GA ,

5780 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Senior says Going to UGA was the best decision I could have made! It is a great combination between academics and a social scene. I felt like there was always something to do, but there also wasn't immense... .

Read 5780 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 43% ,

Net Price : $17,180 ,

SAT Range : 1220-1420 ,

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University of Washington

Seattle, WA •

• • Rating 3.79 out of 5   4,680 reviews

Graduate Student: The University of Washington offers a vibrant school life characterized by a welcoming atmosphere and warm-hearted professors who genuinely care about their students' success. Interactions with classmates are often pleasant and enriching, fostering a sense of community. However, safety concerns linger as an area needing improvement. While the campus exudes warmth and inclusivity, addressing safety issues would further enhance the overall experience, ensuring students can focus on their studies without worry. Despite this aspect, the university's positive attributes, from its supportive faculty to its friendly student body, create a conducive environment for academic and personal growth. ... Read 4,680 reviews

Acceptance rate 48%

Net price $10,603

SAT range —

#60 Best Colleges in America .

SEATTLE, WA ,

4680 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Graduate Student says The University of Washington offers a vibrant school life characterized by a welcoming atmosphere and warm-hearted professors who genuinely care about their students' success. Interactions with... .

Read 4680 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 48% ,

Net Price : $10,603 ,

University of South Florida

Tampa, FL •

• • Rating 3.82 out of 5   7,545 reviews

Graduate Student: University of South Florida is by far the safest campus across Florida that I have known. The campus police are on guard 24/7 and they notify all suspicious activities to students immediately as soon as they take place. The professors at USF are also very open and friendly. They can be very strict sometimes in terms of academics; however, they are mostly easy to get along with after class. Most of these professors also uphold good personal values and principles, which is very respectable. The students here are mostly down-to-earth and chill; there are seldom serious conflicts between students across all majors. The food on campus might not be the best, but it still provides us with a lot of convenience in terms of the location of several dining halls. Above all, I personally recommend USF because I think it is a college that offers a good learning experience and very little stress outside of academic reasons. ... Read 7,545 reviews

Acceptance rate 44%

Net price $11,004

SAT range 1140-1330

#67 Best Colleges in America .

TAMPA, FL ,

7545 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Graduate Student says University of South Florida is by far the safest campus across Florida that I have known. The campus police are on guard 24/7 and they notify all suspicious activities to students immediately as soon... .

Read 7545 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 44% ,

Net Price : $11,004 ,

SAT Range : 1140-1330 ,

Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN •

• • Rating 3.83 out of 5   5,146 reviews

Alum: Academically challenging school that heavily focuses on STEM majors. If you are in liberal arts, there is a nice community but it is small and not nearly as funded as the STEM programs. Campus is walkable filled with nice community spaces and plenty of libraries, cafes, and rooms to study and meet with classmates. A lot of school spirit centered around the athletics. Most people live off campus starting second year. The apartments in Chauncey Square are an excellent location and close to night life spots and restaurants. Campus is very diverse and there are many opportunities to join clubs and student groups. Purdue is only 1 or 2 hours away from two different international airports, and shuttle busses run nearly everyday between those airports and Purdue campus, making travel easier for international or out of state students. Boiler up! ... Read 5,146 reviews

• grade  A Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 53%

Net price $12,576

SAT range 1200-1470

#79 Best Colleges in America .

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN ,

5146 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Academically challenging school that heavily focuses on STEM majors. If you are in liberal arts, there is a nice community but it is small and not nearly as funded as the STEM programs. Campus is... .

Read 5146 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : A ,

Acceptance Rate : 53% ,

Net Price : $12,576 ,

SAT Range : 1200-1470 ,

University of Pittsburgh

• • Rating 3.75 out of 5   4,357 reviews

Freshman: Pitt has a gorgeous campus and I've really enjoyed my time here so far! However, they won't tell you how bad the food is. The dining halls (especially the eatery) are not very good and the wait times for on-campus meal swap locations make it difficult at times. The housing process is very easy when entering freshman year, but incredibly stressful and difficult following that. These are really the only things I have to complain about. Overall, the school pride is great, we have nice architecture, fun sports, and plenty of green space for sunny days. ... Read 4,357 reviews

Acceptance rate 49%

Net price $24,286

SAT range 1280-1470

#84 Best Colleges in America .

4357 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Pitt has a gorgeous campus and I've really enjoyed my time here so far! However, they won't tell you how bad the food is. The dining halls (especially the eatery) are not very good and the wait times... .

Read 4357 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 49% ,

Net Price : $24,286 ,

SAT Range : 1280-1470 ,

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI •

• • Rating 3.91 out of 5   6,304 reviews

Sophomore: Michigan State University is a fantastic place to be! The campus is expansive, with lots of academic buildings and recreational spots. Professors here are generally supportive, although some courses can be quite challenging. The variety of clubs and activities ensures there's something for everyone. As a Spartan, I appreciate the sense of community and the opportunities for personal and academic growth. Safety is still a concern ... Read 6,304 reviews

Acceptance rate 88%

Net price $22,803

SAT range 1160-1360

#86 Best Colleges in America .

EAST LANSING, MI ,

6304 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says Michigan State University is a fantastic place to be! The campus is expansive, with lots of academic buildings and recreational spots. Professors here are generally supportive, although some courses... .

Read 6304 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 88% ,

Net Price : $22,803 ,

SAT Range : 1160-1360 ,

North Carolina State University

Raleigh, NC •

• • Rating 3.84 out of 5   3,453 reviews

Sophomore: Overall, my first year at North Carolina State university was pretty good. There was not a lot of crime, although we did get a few alerts here and there. The dorm I stayed in was decent but the housing situation is so hectic I wasn't able to get a dorm for my second year. The food options are somewhat limited and many people said the dining hall food made them sick but it tasted alright sometimes. I enjoyed it and will continue attending, I would just like to see the food situation improve and have something to make it a little safer, as often people unaffiliated with the school would come on campus and bother students. ... Read 3,453 reviews

Acceptance rate 47%

Net price $14,852

SAT range 1280-1460

#88 Best Colleges in America .

RALEIGH, NC ,

3453 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says Overall, my first year at North Carolina State university was pretty good. There was not a lot of crime, although we did get a few alerts here and there. The dorm I stayed in was decent but the... .

Read 3453 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 47% ,

Net Price : $14,852 ,

SAT Range : 1280-1460 ,

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University Park, PA •

• • Rating 3.9 out of 5   7,598 reviews

Sophomore: As a sophomore at Penn State, I can confidently say it's been an incredible experience! The campus is vibrant, with top-notch facilities and a diverse student body. Professors are engaging and supportive, fostering a dynamic learning environment. There's a wealth of extracurriculars to explore, from clubs to sports. The sense of community here is unmatched, making it easy to find your niche and form lasting friendships. Plus, the surrounding area offers endless opportunities for adventure. Penn State truly feels like home away from home! WE ARE! ... Read 7,598 reviews

Acceptance rate 55%

Net price $26,747

SAT range 1210-1390

#104 Best Colleges in America .

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA ,

7598 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says As a sophomore at Penn State, I can confidently say it's been an incredible experience! The campus is vibrant, with top-notch facilities and a diverse student body. Professors are engaging and... .

Read 7598 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 55% ,

Net Price : $26,747 ,

SAT Range : 1210-1390 ,

Arizona State University

Tempe, AZ •

• • Rating 3.81 out of 5   11,836 reviews

Freshman: My experience with ASU has been really great! Although it’s already been one semester since I joined ASU but the diversity and the programs and the education system I got introduced to for the first ever time in my life it’s been so enjoyable and hell of a ride! I have no words to express my views as they aren’t just limited to words just like friendships as they don’t have any language barrier you can tag along with anyone your vibe match with and that experience the people I met, the projects I worked on the people I was surrounded with during the times of my classes I learned alot of things and alot of valuable lessons! I found people to look up to different people sharing different stories from all parts of the world after classes felt like a peaceful weekend enjoying the California sunset. During my English classes I learned about the American culture shared my experiences, made friends with new people and now that I’m going back for summers I got my own stories to tell my family ... Read 11,836 reviews

Acceptance rate 90%

Net price $14,808

#106 Best Colleges in America .

TEMPE, AZ ,

11836 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says My experience with ASU has been really great! Although it’s already been one semester since I joined ASU but the diversity and the programs and the education system I got introduced to for the first... .

Read 11836 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 90% ,

Net Price : $14,808 ,

University of Massachusetts Amherst

Amherst, MA •

• • Rating 3.97 out of 5   5,525 reviews

Sophomore: I really enjoy the social aspect of the University of Massachusetts. Since it’s such a big school, it’s an amazing way to meet new people and create great college experiences. Another positive is the food provided at Umass, as it is recognized as #1 in college dining. There is great variety and you can definitely get your moneys worth with the meal plan! The only negative I’ve found with the time I’ve spent at this university is the big classes. Of course this depends on your major, but majority of the classes at UMass consist of 200-300 people; very big lectures. It makes learning complex topics even harder and often times the professor push a lot of their responsibility onto the TA’s (student teaching assistants). While some times these extra help opportunities can be helpful, it’s hard to find the time to actually attend these sessions, especially when working a job or trying to balance other classes. Overall, the University of Massachusetts is a great option. ... Read 5,525 reviews

Acceptance rate 64%

Net price $22,291

SAT range 1260-1480

#107 Best Colleges in America .

AMHERST, MA ,

5525 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says I really enjoy the social aspect of the University of Massachusetts. Since it’s such a big school, it’s an amazing way to meet new people and create great college experiences. Another positive is the... .

Read 5525 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 64% ,

Net Price : $22,291 ,

SAT Range : 1260-1480 ,

Texas Christian University

Fort Worth, TX •

• • Rating 3.96 out of 5   1,740 reviews

Senior: TCU has given me countless opportunities to be successful, both currently in school and post-graduation. I'm extremely grateful for professors who care about me, classes that challenge me, academic programs that have provided me with encouraging peers and increased my professional network, a supportive community and incredible memories! My experience has been defined by trying uncomfortable activities and growth through challenges, which was not only provided, but encouraged by TCU. ... Read 1,740 reviews

Acceptance rate 56%

Net price $44,190

SAT range 1140-1360

#112 Best Colleges in America .

FORT WORTH, TX ,

1740 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Senior says TCU has given me countless opportunities to be successful, both currently in school and post-graduation. I'm extremely grateful for professors who care about me, classes that challenge me, academic... .

Read 1740 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 56% ,

Net Price : $44,190 ,

SAT Range : 1140-1360 ,

University of South Florida - Sarasota-Manatee

Sarasota, FL •

• • Rating 3.93 out of 5   99 reviews

Graduate Student: Overall, USF Sarasota-Manatee was a great experience. The college responded well during COVID-19 and was always there if you had any questions. It was perfect if you like small schools, which I did. I would like to see an expansion of the school. The Sarasota campus is the smallest campus of all three locations and it has a lot of potential to physically expand. ... Read 99 reviews

Acceptance rate 24%

Net price $2,734

SAT range 1160-1290

#117 Best Colleges in America .

SARASOTA, FL ,

99 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Graduate Student says Overall, USF Sarasota-Manatee was a great experience. The college responded well during COVID-19 and was always there if you had any questions. It was perfect if you like small schools, which I did. I would like to see an expansion of the school. The Sarasota campus is the smallest campus of all three locations and it has a lot of potential to physically expand. .

Read 99 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 24% ,

Net Price : $2,734 ,

SAT Range : 1160-1290 ,

Iowa State University

• • Rating 3.86 out of 5   4,008 reviews

Junior: I really liked meeting the people at Iowa State, from students to professors, everyone had different stories and personalities. I joined a few clubs like the Vietnamese Student Association where I met students like me. I also joined the Badminton club where I could interact with people from on and off campus. It was memorable playing against professors and teaching assistants. My favorite type of people I met were the design students. They were totally different from when I was majoring in software engineering (no hate to them or anything). The creativity and happiness I felt when surrounding myself with them was spectacular. It was amazing seeing all the designs and art works produced by everyone. In all, Iowa State University has its strengths in the community and so far is enjoyable for me. ... Read 4,008 reviews

Net price $15,310

SAT range 1090-1350

#121 Best Colleges in America .

4008 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says I really liked meeting the people at Iowa State, from students to professors, everyone had different stories and personalities. I joined a few clubs like the Vietnamese Student Association where I... .

Read 4008 reviews.

Net Price : $15,310 ,

SAT Range : 1090-1350 ,

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX •

• • Rating 3.89 out of 5   5,437 reviews

Sophomore: My experience with Texas Tech has been outstanding, I love the classes that I am taking and the people I get to be with. The clubs and organizations over there are great too! I go to The Way and Christians At Tech and they have helped me so much in my walk with the Lord. There was only 1 bad professor out of the many that I have taken, every other professor I enjoyed and that says a lot when I hear the 4 or 5 professors from my other peers. Texas Tech is a wonderful college and if you are considering go to Tech, I believe that it would be worth it. This is 100% of my opinion and not trying to be biased towards tech, if I didn't like tech I would say so. ... Read 5,437 reviews

Acceptance rate 67%

Net price $17,896

SAT range 1090-1280

#125 Best Colleges in America .

LUBBOCK, TX ,

5437 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says My experience with Texas Tech has been outstanding, I love the classes that I am taking and the people I get to be with. The clubs and organizations over there are great too! I go to The Way and... .

Read 5437 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 67% ,

Net Price : $17,896 ,

SAT Range : 1090-1280 ,

New Mexico Tech

Socorro, NM •

• • Rating 3.56 out of 5   562 reviews

Freshman: The school is very good, it challenges me daily which is obviously good! The down side is I can’t make many friends here and the town is very small which makes it hard to do anything fun, but overall I love it ... Read 562 reviews

• grade  A minus Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 74%

Net price $10,429

#139 Best Colleges in America .

SOCORRO, NM ,

562 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says The school is very good, it challenges me daily which is obviously good! The down side is I can’t make many friends here and the town is very small which makes it hard to do anything fun, but overall... .

Read 562 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : A minus ,

Acceptance Rate : 74% ,

Net Price : $10,429 ,

University of Cincinnati

Cincinnati, OH •

• • Rating 3.76 out of 5   4,160 reviews

Freshman: Overall, the University of Cincinnati is a wonderful college. It offers good courses, good dining, options, and the public facilities are great! I especially liked how populated and diverse the campus was. However, if I had to give one thing that made my experience less than optimal, it would be this: there never seemed to be enough. Never enough counselors, never enough equipment for everyone in labs, never enough parking, never enough space in the library, etc. University is a busy bustling campus, which I like, but it also means that there are way too many people for the resources provided. ... Read 4,160 reviews

Acceptance rate 86%

Net price $20,149

#144 Best Colleges in America .

CINCINNATI, OH ,

4160 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Overall, the University of Cincinnati is a wonderful college. It offers good courses, good dining, options, and the public facilities are great! I especially liked how populated and diverse the... .

Read 4160 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 86% ,

Net Price : $20,149 ,

San Diego State University

San Diego, CA •

• • Rating 3.77 out of 5   5,424 reviews

Alum: I had the unique experience of transferring to San Diego State University during the pandemic. My junior year was fully online so I didn't get to experience campus life or get a feel for the community the school has built, as it's very hard to make connections with a lot of people through a screen. The professors were all very understanding and accommodating. In my time here I learned a lot of valuable information from professors who are well spoken and knowledgable. It never felt like the coursework I was given was just busywork, but applicable to what my career goal was. My senior year I did partially online and on campus, but at this point I just wanted to be finished. I wish I had given campus life a bigger chance that way I could've made connections with other people, but unfortunately I didn't get to experience that side of SDSU. However, I can attest that their academics were and still are very valuable to me! ... Read 5,424 reviews

Acceptance rate 39%

Net price $13,017

#147 Best Colleges in America .

SAN DIEGO, CA ,

5424 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says I had the unique experience of transferring to San Diego State University during the pandemic. My junior year was fully online so I didn't get to experience campus life or get a feel for the... .

Read 5424 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 39% ,

Net Price : $13,017 ,

Washington State University

Pullman, WA •

• • Rating 3.79 out of 5   4,112 reviews

Junior: I have loved being a student at WSU! The campus is beautiful and there is always something fun going on! Being a transfer student I wasn't sure how I would enjoy the school, but it has really been everything I could have hoped for and more! Athletics are so much more fun to watch than I would have expected, whether that be baseball, basketball, or football, there is always a crowd! I love the area and the access students have to so much within walking distance. Pullman is an amazing campus, one that gets you a good workout while walking around while also providing a beautiful view. ... Read 4,112 reviews

Acceptance rate 83%

Net price $17,911

#149 Best Colleges in America .

PULLMAN, WA ,

4112 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says I have loved being a student at WSU! The campus is beautiful and there is always something fun going on! Being a transfer student I wasn't sure how I would enjoy the school, but it has really been... .

Read 4112 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 83% ,

Net Price : $17,911 ,

University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ •

• • Rating 3.84 out of 5   7,066 reviews

Alum: I liked the university of Arizona because of the professors. They were so laid back compared to professors I had in the Midwest. There was always a constant buzz on campus, always full of motivated or hungover students, depending on the day! The online learning classes were so beneficial for my schedule & allowed me to easily work & learn at the same time. Proud to be a wildcat! ... Read 7,066 reviews

Acceptance rate 87%

Net price $17,075

SAT range 1140-1370

#150 Best Colleges in America .

TUCSON, AZ ,

7066 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says I liked the university of Arizona because of the professors. They were so laid back compared to professors I had in the Midwest. There was always a constant buzz on campus, always full of motivated... .

Read 7066 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 87% ,

Net Price : $17,075 ,

SAT Range : 1140-1370 ,

Yeshiva University

New York, NY •

• • Rating 3.85 out of 5   291 reviews

Alum: YU gives a great education, especially on the pre-medical track. The classes, faculty, and networking are all top-tier. Living in Midtown is really fun and there are so many volunteering opportunities around both through the school and external organizations. Definitely recommend YU! ... Read 291 reviews

Acceptance rate 63%

Net price $35,912

SAT range 1250-1500

#153 Best Colleges in America .

NEW YORK, NY ,

291 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says YU gives a great education, especially on the pre-medical track. The classes, faculty, and networking are all top-tier. Living in Midtown is really fun and there are so many volunteering... .

Read 291 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 63% ,

Net Price : $35,912 ,

SAT Range : 1250-1500 ,

University of North Dakota

GRAND FORKS, ND

• • Rating 3.59 out of 5   1,175

James Madison University

HARRISONBURG, VA

• • Rating 3.85 out of 5   3,232

Arcadia University

GLENSIDE, PA

• • Rating 3.33 out of 5   1,299

Showing results 1 through 25 of 280

Technical Communication

• Academic Programs
• Online Graduate Certificate

Graduate Academic Certificate in Technical Writing

Two options available to obtain a graduate academic certificate in technical writing..

We offer two different paths towards a Graduate Academic Certificate in Technical Writing (12 hours).

College teachers whose graduate studies are in another content area (such as composition/rhetoric, literature, creative writing, and cultural studies) and who want more credentials in teaching technical writing should take these four courses:

• TECM 5195: Editing Technical Documents
• TECM 5200: Digital Content Strategies for Communication Professionals
• TECM 5280: Designing Technical Documents
• TECM 5550: Studies in the Teaching of Technical Communication

Students interested in learning more about technical communication and possibly pursuing a career in the tech comm field should choose four of the following courses, depending upon their career goals:

• TECM 5170: Grants and Proposals
• TECM 5191: Digital Literacies
• TECM 5200: Digital Content Strategies

We realize that incoming students may have different goals for this program, and the director of graduate studies will work with you to structure a four-course series that makes sense for you.

Why should I get a technical writing certificate at UNT?

At UNT, we've structured our certificate program around student needs. Have a full-time job? Taking care of children or elderly family? Live eight time zones away? Whatever your situation, UNT's technical writing certificate can work for you.

Our program offers

• Online asynchronous classes, which means you can decide when you will complete your work each week
• 8-week sessions, which allow you to focus on one content area at a time
• Award winning faculty who are renown scholars in the field of technical communication
• A reasonable completion timeframe. Most students complete the certificate in fewer than 9 months, though some can complete it in as little as 4 months.

Who do I talk to?

Graduate advising is by appointment only. Please email [email protected] to schedule an appointment with Dr. Chris Lam , Director of Graduate Studies.

Thinking about UNT?

It's easy to apply online. Join us and discover why we're the choice of over 46,000 students.

Utah Tech University

Technical Writing & Digital Rhetoric, M.A.

Nov 15, 2023 spring semester deadline, apr 15, 2024 fall semester priority & graduate assistants, jul 15, 2024 fall semester deadline.

This 30-credit graduate program offers courses in technical writing, digital rhetoric, and writing technologies and provides opportunities for hands-on experience, advanced scholarship, internships, and professional development. Students can complete program onsite or online.

Tuition & Fees

$345 per credit plus student fees for Utah residents

Have A Question?

Ready to apply, careers & benefits, english department.

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 435-652-7815

Office: Holland 465

Mike Peterson, Ph.D.

Department chair.

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 435-879-4373

Office: Holland 446

Joy McMurrin, Ph.D.

Technical writing & digital rhetoric m.a. program coordinator.

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 435-879-4294

Office: Holland 448

Lillian Minar

Administrative assistant.

Email: [email protected]

• School of Arts & Letters

• Graduate Technical Writing Programs

Master of Arts and Graduate Certificates in Writing

• Graduate Certificate in Technical Writing and Digital Communication

Working professionals know today’s marketplace demands the ability to write well, particularly using digital platforms. Employers value writers who communicate clearly in a professional setting. Our graduate degrees will enhance your existing credentials, preparing you for advancement in many career options.

Middle Georgia State offers two  fully online  graduate programs in technical writing:

• Master of Arts in Technical and Professional Writing This 30-hour program provides a practical focus on writing and communication skills for today’s technical and professional settings. Upon completion of the MA, students may also earn the Graduate Certificate.
• Graduate Certificate in Technical Writing and Digital Communication This 15-hour program can be taken as a stand-alone credential, whose completion conveniently provides eligibility to the Master’s program.

Both the Master of Arts in Technical and Professional Writing and the Graduate Certificate are:

• Fully online
• Taught in 8-week sessions
• Designed to complement and extend undergraduate training by developing skills in writing, editing, communication, and web development
• Interdisciplinary, with course offerings by the Department of English; the Department of Media, Culture, and the Arts; and the School of Information Technology
• Taught by master teachers and highly experienced writers

The Master of Arts in Technical and Professional Writing is also stackable with two  NEW  fully online Graduate Writing Certificates, beginning in Fall 2023:

• Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing This 15-hour program can be taken as a stand-alone credential; its classes can be used as electives for the Masters in Technical and Professional Writing
• Graduate Certificate in Teaching College Writing This 18-hour program can be taken as a stand-alone credential; four of its classes are also requirements or electives for the Masters in Technical and Professional Writing. 
• Technical Writer
• Social Media Manager
• Web Content Editor
• Instructional Designer
• Creative Director
• Non-profit Information Professional
• Project Manager
• Office Manager
• Digital Copywriter
• Market Research Analyst
• Brand Strategist
• Corporate Blogger
• Small Business Owner
• Government Information Officer
• Municipal Information Officer
• Master of Arts in Technical and Professional Writing

What is the difference between the Graduate Certificate in Technical Writing and Digital Communication and the Master of Arts in Technical and Professional Writing?

The Graduate Certificate is a 15-credit hour program made up of these courses required:

• ENGL 5106 – Technical Writing in the Digital Age
• NMAC 5108 – Writing and Publishing in Digital Environments
• ITEC 5300 – Web Development
• ITEC 5320 – Instructional Design
• ENGL 6200 – Grant Writing
• ITEC 5310 – Human Computer Interaction

The Master of Arts program includes all the certificate courses above; ENGL 5106, NMAC 5108, ITEC 5300, ITEC 5320, and ENGL 6200 are required for the MA, with ITEC 5310 as a possible elective.  The MA adds 5 additional courses for a total of 30 credit hours:

• ENGL 5206 – Public and Professional Writing
• ENGL 5650 – Theory and Practice in Editing and Style
• ENGL 6200 – Grant Writing (also certificate elective; required in MA)
• COMM 5000 – Rhetoric:  Written, Visual, and Oral Communication
• 2 of a variety of elective courses (which includes ITEC 5310)

What electives can be students choose in the Master of Arts in Technical and Professional Writing?

Students in the Masters in Technical and Professional Writing program can choose from a wide variety of electives to fulfill their two elective classes.  These include:

• ITEC 5310 – Human Computer Interaction (also a certificate elective)
• COMM 6610 Social Media Communication and Advertising
• CRWR 5040 Fiction Writing
• CRWR 5050 Poetry Writing
• CRWR 5440 Screenwriting 
• CRWR 5700 Narrative Journalism
• CRWR 5900 Publishing and the Creative Writer
• ENGL 5990 Graduate Internship
• ENGL 6100 Seminar in Landmark Reports and Papers
• ENGL 6300 Teaching First Year Composition
• ENGL 6400 Teaching Developmental Writing
• ENGL 6500 Teaching Online Research and Writing
• MCOM 5010 Public Relations Writing and Research
• MCOM 5030 Crisis Communication
• MCOM 5131 News Writing and Reporting
• MCOM 6000 Production and Design for Public Relations

Can I complete one technical writing program without the other?

Absolutely. Both the Graduate Certificate in Technical Writing and Digital Communication are stand-alone graduate credentials.

Can I complete both technical writing programs?

Yes. A number of students have completed both degrees.

Students who complete the Graduate Certificate in Technical Writing and Digital Communication may then apply to the Master’s program. Their completed courses will count toward the Master of Arts in Technical and Professional Writing. For this option, contact the Graduate Coordinator.

Students in the Masters of Arts in Technical and Professional Writing may also choose to graduate with both the MA and the Graduate Certificate in Technical Writing and Digital Communication, completing course work simultaneously. For this option, contact the Graduate Coordinator after your admission to the MA.  We encourage all MA students to add this certificate to their program of study.

If I am admitted to the Master’s program, can I complete only the Graduate Certificate in Technical Writing and Digital Communication?

Definitely. Admitted M.A. students can still earn the certificate whether or not they complete the M.A. curriculum, as long as they complete the required Graduate Certificate course work. Students wishing to move from the MA program to the Graduate Certificate program should contact the Graduate Coordinator for more details.

Can I later add on other MGA Graduate Writing Programs, such as the Graduate Certificates in Creative Writing or Teaching College English?  Or move into those programs after completing the MA?

MGA’s School of Arts and Letters offers “stackable” graduate programs. Students can be enrolled in up to two graduate programs at a time. In fact, we encourage all MA students to add the Graduate Certificate in Technical Writing and Digital Communication, as you can earn both credentials with no additional coursework.

The Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing contains courses that can be used as electives in the MA in Technical and Professional Writing; the Graduate Certificate in Teaching College Writing includes courses also required in the MA and that can be used as electives. These courses will transfer directly into the certificate programs. Please contact the graduate coordinator for further details.

Any testing requirements for admission?

We do not require admissions exams for acceptance into the Master of Arts in Technical and Professional Writing or the Graduate Certificate in Technical Writing and Digital Communication.

Financial aid available?

While federal financial aid is available for the M.A., it is not currently available for the certificate. However, we do offer Graduate Certificate students other financing options such as Nelnet payment plans , alternative loans , tuition assistance programs (TAP), and third-party scholarships.

Are letters of recommendation required?

Letters of recommendation are not required for either the Master of Arts in Technical and Professional Writing or the Graduate Certificate in Technical Writing and Digital Communication.

What is “evidence of aptitude for success in graduate-level studies”?

A graduate admissions committee determines aptitude for success by reviewing applicants’ official transcript(s) and statement of interest. No additional materials beyond those indicated in the application instructions are required.

If I do not meet the GPA requirement, can I still apply?

Applicants with undergraduate GPA between 2.5 and 2.75 cannot be admitted straight into the Master of Arts program, but they can be admitted to the certificate program. On completion of the Graduate Certificate, these students would then be eligible for entry into the Master’s program.

Applicants who do not meet the 2.5 GPA threshold cannot be admitted into the Graduate Certificate or the M.A. program. Students may enroll in MGA’s undergraduate Professional Writing (PFWR) courses as transient students to raise their GPA and gain valuable related instruction that will equip them well for the graduate program if/when they are admitted.

Do the Master’s and Graduate Certificate programs start only in fall semester?

Not so. Admitted students may begin either program in fall, spring, or summer semester.

Do I need to live in Georgia or near Macon?

Not at all. Both programs are fully online. We do have students from across Georgia, but also students from as far away as Pennsylvania, Texas, and Oregon.

Are there application deadlines?

Yes. Check application deadlines by program here:  https://www.mga.edu/graduate-admissions/programs/index.php  

However, we review applications on a rolling basis and will make every attempt to review an application that comes in after a deadline.

How do I apply?

Detailed information is available by program at:  https://www.mga.edu/graduate-admissions/programs/index.php

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Professional And Technical Writing

Prereq: Admission to the graduate program or consent of instructor.

Study in advanced topics in professional and technical writing. Special emphasis on theoretical and practical issues in professional and technical writing.

How to tackle the PhD dissertation

Finding time to write can be a challenge for graduate students who often juggle multiple roles and responsibilities. Mabel Ho provides some tips to make the process less daunting

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Writing helps you share your work with the wider community. Your scholarship is important and you are making a valuable contribution to the field. While it might be intimidating to face a blank screen, remember, your first draft is not your final draft! The difficult part is getting something on the page to begin with. 

As the adage goes, a good dissertation is a done dissertation, and the goal is for you to find balance in your writing and establish the steps you can take to make the process smoother. Here are some practical strategies for tackling the PhD dissertation.

Write daily

This is a time to have honest conversations with yourself about your writing and work habits. Do you tackle the most challenging work in the morning? Or do you usually start with emails? Knowing your work routine will help you set parameters for the writing process, which includes various elements, from brainstorming ideas to setting outlines and editing. Once you are aware of your energy and focus levels, you’ll be ready to dedicate those times to writing.

While it might be tempting to block a substantial chunk of time to write and assume anything shorter is not useful, that is not the case. Writing daily, whether it’s a paragraph or several pages, keeps you in conversation with your writing practice. If you schedule two hours to write, remember to take a break during that time and reset. You can try:

• The Pomodoro Technique: a time management technique that breaks down your work into intervals
• Taking breaks: go outside for a walk or have a snack so you can come back to your writing rejuvenated
• Focus apps: it is easy to get distracted by devices and lose direction. Here are some app suggestions: Focus Bear (no free version); Forest (free version available); Cold Turkey website blocker (free version available) and Serene (no free version). 

This is a valuable opportunity to hone your time management and task prioritisation skills. Find out what works for you and put systems in place to support your practice. 

• Resources on academic writing for higher education professionals
• Stretch your work further by ‘triple writing’
• What is your academic writing temperament?

Create a community

While writing can be an isolating endeavour, there are ways to start forming a community (in-person or virtual) to help you set goals and stay accountable. There might be someone in your cohort who is also at the writing stage with whom you can set up a weekly check-in. Alternatively, explore your university’s resources and centres because there may be units and departments on campus that offer helpful opportunities, such as a writing week or retreat. Taking advantage of these opportunities helps combat isolation, foster accountability and grow networks. They can even lead to collaborations further down the line.

• Check in with your advisers and mentors. Reach out to your networks to find out about other people’s writing processes and additional resources.
• Don’t be afraid to share your work. Writing requires constant revisions and edits and finding people who you trust with feedback will help you grow as a writer. Plus, you can also read their work and help them with their editing process.
• Your community does not have to be just about writing!  If you enjoy going on hikes or trying new coffee shops, make that part of your weekly habit.  Sharing your work in different environments will help clarify your thoughts and ideas.

Address the why

The PhD dissertation writing process is often lengthy and it is sometimes easy to forget why you started. In these moments, it can be helpful to think back to what got you excited about your research and scholarship in the first place. Remember it is not just the work but also the people who propelled you forward. One idea is to start writing your “acknowledgements” section. Here are questions to get you started:

• Do you want to dedicate your work to someone? 
• What ideas sparked your interest in this journey? 
• Who cheered you on? 

This practice can help build momentum, as well as serve as a good reminder to carve out time to spend with your community. 

You got this!

Writing is a process. Give yourself grace, as you might not feel motivated all the time. Be consistent in your approach and reward yourself along the way. There is no single strategy when it comes to writing or maintaining motivation, so experiment and find out what works for you. 

Suggested readings

• Thriving as a Graduate Writer by Rachel Cayley (2023)
• Destination Dissertation by Sonja K. Foss and William Waters (2015)
• The PhD Writing Handbook by Desmond Thomas (2016).

Mabel Ho is director of professional development and student engagement at Dalhousie University.

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