This program teaches you to create clear, accessible content for print, digital and multimedia formats. You’ll also gain experience managing cross-functional teams, conducting user research and designing communication that serves diverse audiences across platforms.
Coursework emphasizes real-world projects and covers core topics like technical writing, content management, data visualization, research methods and digital tools.
You’ll build transferable skills such as:
- Analyzing data for communication products
- Collaborating across disciplines and cultures
- Conducting user research and usability testing
- Creating content for print, web, audio and video formats
- Leading communication and design projects
- Writing effectively for specific audiences
You can also customize your studies by selecting electives in grant writing, global communication, data storytelling and other areas that support your goals.
Who's a good candidate for this master's program?
If you enjoy writing, designing and helping others understand complex information, this program could align with your interests. You don’t need prior experience in writing or design, but you should feel comfortable working with technology and eager to learn new digital tools.
Ideal students are curious, collaborative and often pursue or currently hold roles in:
- Content strategy and management
- Information design and architecture
- Technical writing and editing
- User experience design and research
This writing-intensive degree also combines communication theory with applied, project-based learning. Upon graduation, you’ll have the skills to lead communication and content development projects across private industry, government or nonprofit sectors.
Arizona State University’s online Master of Science in technical communication prepares you to communicate complex information clearly across formats and for various audiences. Through a flexible, interdisciplinary curriculum, you’ll build advanced skills in writing, design and research for careers in content strategy, user experience, digital communication and more.
With an assortment of electives to choose from, you'll have the opportunity to tailor your studies to your professional goals. You’ll also complete a capstone, applied project or thesis where you’ll apply your learning through research and the creation of a written and designed deliverable.
Faculty in the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts are committed to research and exploration in their fields of work. Many of our faculty and staff are recognized nationally and internationally for their achievements from psychology to writing.
- American Educational Research
- Association Fellows
- American Psychological Association Fellows
- Fulbright scholars
ASU is a global university recognized for its commitment to innovation, research and high-quality academic programs. Our university is repeatedly awarded peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report and other respected organizations.
in the U.S. for innovation for 11 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT
best online bachelor’s programs
best global universities
of graduates reported that their experiences at ASU inspired them to explore new career opportunities
Applicants to the Master of Science in technical communication program must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts.
Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in the last 60 hours of their bachelor's program. Alternatively, applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in the last 12 units of their post-baccalaureate transcript.
All applicants must submit:
- Graduate admission application and application fee.
- Official transcripts.
- Personal statement.
- Portfolio.
- Letters of recommendation.
- Up-to-date curriculum vitae or resume.
Admission application requires the submission of a portfolio of at least three documents that demonstrate the applicant's ability to write in a variety of genres. Portfolio documents can include both academic and professional writing for a range of audiences and purposes and need not be in the area of technical communication. The portfolio should be 15 to 30 pages in length.
Since this degree requires a high degree of proficiency in English, an applicant whose native language is not English will be expected to have one the following TOEFL scores: 600 traditional paper-based, 100 internet-based or 250 computer-based.
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”