Technical Communication Program

 

The Technical Communication (TC) Program is part of the Department of Engineering Professional Development in the College of Engineering.

 

About the Program

The Technical Communication Program teaches the major communication courses for undergraduate students in the College of Engineering. The tiered undergraduate courses in Basic and Technical Communication (EPD 155 and 397) meet the University’s General Education Requirements and satisfy engineering departments’ requirements for professional communication practices.



In addition, we offer the Technical Communication Certificate (TCC) for undergraduates who are interested in honing their communication skills. Students enrolled in the certificate will benefit from instruction in designing, writing, editing, presenting, and evaluating technical and scientific information, and by collaborating in interdisciplinary teams and applying emerging technologies to technical communication.

Students in Technical Communication courses benefit from:

• Close contact with faculty through small classes and ready access to individual advising
• Internships with local companies
• The opportunity to take specialized courses focusing on specific forms of communication
• Optional participation in writing competitions
• Optional participation in Wisconsin Engineer, a fully student-run publication

 

Our Mission

The Technical Communication Program strives to enhance our students’ communication abilities and provide effective communication training for undergraduates in engineering and science disciplines.

While the main purpose of the TC program is to teach undergraduate students, faculty also teach graduate students and professional engineers.

 

Educational Objectives

Overall, the objectives of the Program are to:

• Provide education in principles and processes for communicating about technical subjects (including problem solving methods, audience analysis, rhetorical analysis, conventions of format, and usability testing).
• Provide education in the fundamentals of written, oral, and visual communication (including structure, style, mechanics, format, and delivery).
• Emphasize effective interpersonal communication and management skills (including teamwork, interviewing, leading and facilitating groups, project management and international communication).
• Extend opportunities for students to research and think analytically about contemporary issues and consider ethical issues.
• Use current technology to encourage effective communication in a variety of formats and environments.
• Strengthen relationships with other engineering departments and industry (i.e. integrate communication in the engineering curriculum and provide students with real world experiences through communication internships and guest lectures).