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Technical Communication
(Co-op)
| Program Code: | TECC |
| Campus: | Seneca@York |
| Duration: | 2 semesters (1 Year) |
| Start Dates: | Summer, Fall, Start dates are subject to change |
| Credential Awarded: | Ontario College Graduate Certificate |
Program Description
The Technical Communication (Co–op) program is an intensive learning/work experience designed to prepare you for a career as a technical communicator (writer, editor, documentation specialist) in a variety of fields.
Upon graduation, you’ll will be able to design, research, draft, edit and produce technical documents for a wide range of audiences and purposes.
The first semester of the program prepares you for the co–operative work placement which takes place in the Winter semester. An integral component of the program, the work placement experience provides you with the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills gained in the first academic term. In turn, you'll acquire on–the–job knowledge and skills which will be applied to projects during the second academic term.
Working with the Co–op Co–ordinator, you’ll arrange and ultimately benefit from a meaningful work placement with an employer committed to helping you meet your learning goals.
The second academic term takes place in the summer semester and focuses on project development and the acquisition of advanced design and document management skills as well as specialized work in various electronic media.
Faculty are experienced teachers of technical writing and current practitioners in the field.
You should be prepared to pay approximately $750/semester for books and materials.
Admission Requirements
Program Eligibility:
- A three–year diploma or recognized degree from an accredited institution, or Mature Student Status (age 19 or older) with 3 to 5 years of documented related work experience including references.
- English proficiency at the college level.
Applicant Selection:
- Applicants will be selected on the basis of their academic credentials, work record (if applicable) and a formal assessment of writing and reading skills. It is expected that applicants will be computer literate.
- All applicants must complete a writing sample and computerized language test at the Seneca Newnham Campus.
The Importance of Learning Skills:
Student success in college requires well developed learning skills (such as being able to work independently, participate in a team, be well-organized, develop good work habits, and show initiative). These skills are as important as prior academic achievement. While it is expected that applicants would have developed these skills through previous education and life experiences, Seneca offers support to assist students with further development of these important skills. Seminars, workshops and tutoring are available at Seneca's Learning Centres.
Fees
Your Career
Specialize in technical communication with our short, intensive Technical Communication (Co–op) program. With the skills you’ll learn in just two semesters, you could launch a career as a technical writer or designer for product– user documents, reference manuals, templates, on–line help files, web pages, instructional and procedural documents and various marketing and organizational materials. Industries that currently employ these professionals include computer applications and development, banking and finance, telecommunications, engineering, health and nutrition, aerospace, manufacturing, environment and resources management.
Co-operative Education
The co-operative education component provides you with the opportunity to secure a paid work-term between academic semesters. Job-related employment enables you to combine classroom skills and on-the-job training.
| Co-op Model | |||
| Sept-Dec | Jan-Apr | May-Aug | |
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | Work Term | Semester 2 |
Diploma to Degree... and Beyond
Through transfer agreements and institution partnerships, graduates of this Seneca College program may be eligible for credit at the following post-secondary institution(s):
Canada
| University/College | Degrees Available |
|---|---|
| Athabasca University | • Bachelor of Professional Arts in Communication Studies |
Curriculum
| Semester 1 | Subject Name | Hrs/Wk |
|---|---|---|
| TCN700 | Technical Writing I | 3 |
| TCN701 | The Technical Communicator | 3 |
| TCN705 | Information Technology | 4 |
| TCN707 | Editing and Style | 3 |
| TCN708 | Coding for Web Design and for Applications | 3 |
| TCN709 * | FrameMaker I | 3 |
| CPP100 | Co-op Professional Theory | 2 |
| Semester 2 | Subject Name | Hrs/Wk |
| TCN800 | Technical Writing II | 3 |
| TCN806 | Web-Based Training and Multimedia | 3 |
| TCN807 | Document Design | 3 |
| TCN808 * | FrameMaker II | 3 |
| TCN809 * | Employment and Business Practices | 3 |
| TCN810 * | Web Design II | 3 |
| TCN811 | Single Sourcing and Modular Writing | 2 |
| CPP200 | Co-op Professional Practice | 2 |
* Full credit subjects offered in 7 weeks.
Contact Us
| For more information, please visit: http://senecatechcomm.com/. | |
| Program Coordinator: | Anna Parker-Richards Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 33741 Email: Anna.Parker-Richards@senecacollege.ca |
| Program Chair: | Andrew Schmitz Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 33061 Email: Andrew.Schmitz@senecacollege.ca |
| Co-op Coordinator: | Charmaine Johnson Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 33764 Email: Charmaine.Johnson@senecacollege.ca |
| Admissions Advisors: | |
| Domestic Admissions Advisor: | Shanda Reid Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 22805 Email: Shanda.Reid@senecacollege.ca |
| International Admissions Advisor: | Gina Lombardi Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 22405 Email: Gina.Lombardi@senecacollege.ca |
| Registration & Records Advisor: | Heather Lilley Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 33003 Email: Heather.Lilley@senecacollege.ca |
Apply Online
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Testimonials
“The Seneca Technical Writing Certificate opened up opportunities for me not only in technical writing but also in web-writing and design, marketing and in project management. The certificate was the solid credential that opened the door to the HR department and gave me a step up on other applicants.”
Rick Price,
Manager of Documentation,
Triple G Software
“The Seneca College Technical Communications Program captures the realities of the role of the technical communicator and did an excellent job in preparing me for my co-op work placement. Excellent instruction, by industry professionals, drives the learning of current and truly applicable skills, both hard and soft, that not only gave me entrance into the profession, but supports my continued success.”
Paul Stapleton,
Student,
Technical Communication Program

