Technical Communication

(Co-op)

Program Description

This program is an intensive learning/work experience designed to prepare graduates to work as technical communicators (writers, editors, documentation specialists) in a variety of fields.

Graduates 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 the student for the co-operative work placement which takes place in the Winter semester. An integral component of the program, the work placement experience provides students with the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills gained in the first academic term. In turn, students acquire on-the-job knowledge and skills which will be applied to projects during the second academic term.

Placements are negotiated with appropriate employers by the Co-op Co-ordinator, who ensures that each position provides a meaningful learning experience consistent with the goals of the program.

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. Students should expect to pay approximately $500/semester for books and materials.

Admission Requirements

Program Eligibility:

• Applicants must have a degree or a three-year diploma from a recognized post-secondary institution, or documented relevant 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.

Your Career

Graduates can pursue careers as technical communicators in a wide range of fields, including computer applications and development, banking and finance, telecommunications, engineering, health and nutrition, aerospace, manufacturing, environment and resources management. Graduates will find employment as technical writers and designers for product-user documents, reference manuals, templates, on-line help files, web pages, instructional and procedural documents and various marketing and organizational materials.

Co-operative Education

The co-operative education component provides students with the opportunity to secure a paid work-term between academic semesters. Job-related employment enables students to combine classroom skills and on-the-job training.
 

Diploma to Degree ...and Beyond

Through transfer agreements and institution partnerships, graduates of this Seneca College program may be eligible for credit at other post-secondary institutions.

Canada

Curriculum

* Full credit subjects offered in 7 weeks.

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