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.

Technical Communication and Rhetoric News

TCR Student of the Year

The USU English Department has named Mersedez Clifford the Technical Communication and Rhetoric Student of the Year for 2022-23.

Chen Chen Named Utah Presidential Leadership Fellow

Assistant Professor of Technical Communication and Rhetoric Chen Chen has been selected to participate in the Utah Presidential Leadership Fellows program for 2023-2024. Previously, Associate Professor Michaelann Nelson was part of the 2022-2023 cohort.


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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.