Technology, MS | (Technical
Communication)

Master of Science in Technology

Course Delivery

100% Online
Total Credits

33
In-State Tuition Per Credit

$485.50
Out of State Tuition Per Credit

$655.00

Technology, MS | (Technical Communication)

Master of Science in Technology

This graduate degree is awarded by the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology at Indiana University- Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). IUPUI is administered by Indiana University.

Technical communication involves gathering technical, scientific, mechanical, chemical, legal, medical, procedural, or other specialized knowledge and shaping it for a targeted audience in a form that's accurate and easy to understand and use. With the continuing expansion of scientific and technical products and knowledge, the need for highly qualified technical communicators is predicted to grow by 11 percent by 2026, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The Master of Science in Technology with a Technical Communication Concentration explores topics such as communication design processes, usability of user documentation, visual technical communication, effective technical writing, and applied research approaches.

As a student in the program, you create effective technical communication in a variety of media and contexts, analyze audiences, design communication products, edit, analyze user tasks, create visual technical communication, interview for information, evaluate the effectiveness of technical communication, and manage technical communication projects.

Your IU Online MS in Technology with a Technical Communication Concentration prepares you for such careers as:

Technical writer
Technical communicator
Technical editor
Usability specialist
Web designer
Content developer
Technical trainer
Technical communication manager
Technical communication instructor

Degree Requirements

To earn the MS in Technology with a Concentration in Technical Communication, you will complete 33 credit hours. You may choose one of two options: Directed Project or Courses Only.

Requirements are broken down as follows:

Required Core MS in Technology Courses (9 credit hours)

The core courses will help you understand quantitative and qualitative data-guided decision-making principles in industry and technology. They also build relevant skills in project management and communication.

Required Technical Communication Concentration Courses (9 credit hours)

The Technical Communication Concentration requires three graduate courses, listed below.

Related Electives (15 credit hours)

You may choose five relevant elective courses in consultation with your advisor.

Some courses for this graduate program are offered both online and on campus. Please check the current course listings for online availability. It is possible to fulfill all of the degree requirements with online courses.

Admissions

To be accepted to this program, you must have:

A bachelor's degree in technology or a related field with at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA

NOTE: This program is authorized, exempt, or not subject to state regulatory compliance and may enroll students from all 50 states

To apply to this program:

Complete an online application that includes:

Transcripts
Three letters of recommendation
Statement of purpose (400 words)
Resume (highly recommended)
TOEFL or IELTS scores (international students only)

Application Deadlines

Fall priority date for financial aid: January 2
Fall (applicants outside continental USA): May 1
Fall (applicants within continental USA): July 1
Spring (applicants outside continental USA): September 1
Spring (applicants within continental USA): November 1
Summer (non-international applicants): April 1

Courses

Core

CIT 50700

-OR- OLS 50701

Measurement & Evaluation in Industry & Technology

-OR- Quantitative Analysis & Analytics for Leaders

3 Credits

TECH 50801

-OR- TCM 51000

-OR- OLS 50310

Quality and Productivity in Industry & Technology

-OR- Effective Workplace Technical Communication

-OR- Mixed Methods Research

3 Credits

OLS 57100

Advanced Project Management in Technology

3 Credits

Concentration

TCM 53000	Advanced Visual Technical Communication	3 Credits
TCM 54000	Advanced Managing Document Quality	3 Credits
TCM 55000	Advanced Research Approaches for Technical & Professional Communication	3 Credits

Elective

OLS 50100	Leadership and Ethics	3 Credits
OLS 53010	Mixed Methods Research	3 Credits
OLS 56300	Sustainable Practices in Business & Industry in the European Union	3 Credits
OLS 57400	Managerial Training and Development	3 Credits
OLS 58000	Interpersonal Skills for Leaders	3 Credits
OLS 58100	Workshop in OLS (for Independent Study courses)	1-6 Credits
OLS 58200	Leadership and Organizational Change	3 Credits
OLS 58300	Coaching and Mentoring in Organizations	3 Credits
OLS 59800	Directed MS Project	1-6 Credits
TCM 50500	Preparing for Career Transitions: Creating an ePortfolio (in approval process)	3 Credits
TCM 52000	Teaching Technical and Professional Communication	3 Credits
TCM 56000	Engineering and Scientific Communication in Academic Contexts (in approval process)	2-3 Credits

Find course descriptions with our Search Schedule of Classes/Courses tool.

Tuition & Fees

Cost for Indiana Residents

Per Credit Hour
Tuition: $485.50

3 Credit Hours
Tuition: $1,456.50

Note:

Additional fees will apply.

-Rate is determined by program of enrollment.

Cost for Out of State Residents

Per Credit Hour
Tuition: $655.00

3 Credit Hours
Tuition: $1,965.00

In accordance with Federal Financial Aid requirements, IU has calculated a “Cost of Attendance” for this program based on the most common enrollments from students who are enrolled full time for the academic year. We’re showing you the estimated cost of attendance for the full 2023–24 academic year (fall and spring semesters). Cut these numbers in half to figure out the cost of a single semester. Your actual costs for housing and food, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses will vary based on:

• The number of credit hours you take
• Whether you’re an Indiana resident
• Your personal choices
• Your travel habits

Your cost of attendance may differ from these estimates.

Full time Students

Part time Students

Direct Costs:

Tuition & Mandatory Fees

Indiana Residents

See per credit hour rate listed above

Non-residents

See per credit hour rate listed above

Direct Costs:

Tuition & Mandatory Fees

Indiana Residents

See per credit hour rate listed above

Non-residents

See per credit hour rate listed above

Indirect Costs:

Food & Housing $15,570

Books & Supplies $770

Transportation $2350

Personal Expenses $2200

Indirect Costs:

Food & Housing $15,570

Books & Supplies $280

Transportation $2350

Personal Expenses $2200

If you would like a more detailed estimate of expenses, please use IU's Tuition and Fee Calculator.

IU Tuition & Fee Calculator

What's it like to be an IU Online Student?

Earn an IU education from wherever you are

When you enroll in an IU Online program, you take IU classes, taught by the same faculty who teach on our campuses.

It's the flexible, affordable way to get the IU education you deserve without putting your life—or career—on hold.
Get the support you need to succeed

As a student in an IU Online program, you'll have the opportunity to engage with and seek help from your professors and peers, just as you would in a campus-based program.

You'll also have access to a variety of academic and other support services that you can call on when you need additional assistance. You're an important part of the IU community and we're dedicated to ensuring you have the resources you need to thrive in your online program.
Reap the rewards for decades to come

No matter what field you're in, an IU degree or certificate can improve your chances of earning a promotion or pay raise.

You'll also earn skills that will help you to achieve success for the foreseeable future, whether you're seeking to complete an advanced degree in your current field or switch career paths altogether.
Take the first step toward a more rewarding future

Request More Information