University of North Dakota

Technical Writing & Communication Industry Certificate - Mastery Level

Course Name

Technical Writing & Communication Industry Certificate - Mastery Level

Contact Hours: 160 (an estimated time frame devoted to a course of study from start to finish that can vary from student to student)

Course Description

The Technical Communication Industry Certificate - Mastery Level is a comprehensive program comprised of exercises, projects, checklists, quizzes, and case studies that are geared exclusively towards all aspects of technical communications.

This program provides resources and information that will enable you to advance your skill set to a mastery level. We invite both experienced and novice technical communicators to enhance your skill set and become familiar with the concepts presented in this comprehensive program.
This program utilizes a textbook and companion website that is closely identified with the course objectives.  You will be provided with valuable weblinks that are relative to the subject area and can also be used as a reference tool after the program has been completed. You may choose one project at the end of each chapter to reinforce the concepts presented and use the guidelines that are provided to perform specific activities. The principles of effective technical communication are continuously enforced throughout the entire program.  Participants will be able to use the quiz to test skill level and conduct valuable research applicable to each area.

Due to the nature of this program, we recommend that you apply the techniques and guidelines found in both appendices in the textbook to all of your projects.  In order to reach this mastery level, you are required to understand, recognize, and apply the proper grammar, usage, and mechanics to all of the work you perform and submit.

Outcome

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to...
  • Display a solid understanding of the concepts utilized in the technical communication field
  • Write effective and efficient technical documents
  • Utilize visual design to enhance your documents and communicate complex data
  • Employ architectural and industry standards to give your documents a professional look
  • Communicate information that jumps from the page and grabs the attention of your readers
  • Understand the requirements, organization, and estimation needed for quality management of your documentation projects

Assessment

Evaluation of your performance will be based on...
  • Individual module quizzes
  • Online practice exercises
  • Hands-on activities
  • Completed assignments
  • All other required deliverables
Grading a self-directed course: It will be your responsibility to access the course through your individual login, perform the required activities and assignments, and submit your completed work by uploading documents to the Learning Management System. All coursework will need to be performed according to the guidelines stated in the course syllabus. A skilled senior level technical writing professional will review your submissions for technical accuracy, utilization of industry standards, and ensure you have achieved an in-depth understanding of the course objectives.

Outline

Topics to be covered in depth.

  • Communicating in the Workplace
  • The Research Process
  • Organization, Style, and Visual Design
  • Specific Documents and Applications
  • Resources for Technical Writers

Books

There is an optional textbook purchase that includes a required LMS access code. The required LMS access code may be purchased separately via the LMS, however.