Technical Communication and Rhetoric

Major (Emphasis)

Professor Rebecca Walton speaking with students

Overview

Technical and professional communication (TPC) is a field that involves defining, creating, and delivering complex information to those who need to accomplish a defined task or goal. Students in the technical communication and rhetoric program take classes in editing, document design, project management, digital technologies, and other courses. Our curriculum is designed to equip students with the necessary tools to graduate with applicable skills for careers in learning experience (LX), user experience (UX), instructional design, editing, publishing, project management, grant and/or proposal writing, technical writing, marketing, and many more. This degree can also prepare students for law school and other postgraduate paths.

Career Application

By earning a specialization in technical communication and rhetoric, students will learn the skills that can lead to meaningful careers. Students who have graduated from this program have gone on to work in LX design, usability research, user experience design, video production, copywriting and editing, marketing, risk communication, and project management.

Starting Salaries for Technical Communicators (Glassdoor.com, accessed Sept. 2022):

  • Social Media Manager: $47,602
  • Technical Communicator: $58,873
  • Usability Analyst: $78,097
  • UI/UX Designer: $63,635

Get Involved

Internships

The English department's internship program is designed to help students enrich their education, gain practical experience, and earn credit towards their degrees.

USU Honors Program

Participate in discussion-oriented classes and reading groups while taking advantage of other Honors-specific benefits.

Undergraduate Research

Utah State University is one of the premiere undergraduate research colleges in the United States, and students of English can take advantage of opportunities to partner with faculty on projects.

Writing Fellows

Polish your academic writing alongside a tutor with one-on-one sessions, or apply to become a writing fellow yourself.

Alumni Advice

Brad Plothow

Brad Plothow gives advice and information about career options post-graduation at our Alumni Lunch Series.

Paige Frame

Working from home is not a recent change for alumna Paige Frame. As president of McKinnon-Mulherin, she’s an expert when it comes to working from a home office because she’s been doing it for years!

Sheree Haggan

Sheree Haggan talks to USU students about her path from USU to a Diversity Specialist at Google.

Related Programs

 

Suggested Supplements

 

Scholarships & Financial Aid

  • Utah State University offers many options for financial aid, including university level scholarships and aid available to specific colleges and majors.