MAA Technical Communication Option
From MWSU Graduate School Policy Portal
Contents |
Accuracy of Information
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, the Registrar is the authoritative source for this information. Please contact the Registrar or the director of the program with any questions.
Program of Study Forms
Please consult the Registrar's Web Page for Current Program of Study Forms. Students are required to complete a Program of Study Form during their first semester as a degree seeking graduate student. Without a Program of Study form on file, graduate courses may not count towards your degree.
Primary Contact
| Dr. Kaye Adkins |
| Phone: 816-271-5967 |
| EMail: kadkins@missouriwestern.edu |
| Web Site: www.missouriwestern.edu/eflj/graduate.asp |
| You can also contact the Graduate Dean for more information |
Overview
The Technical Communication option was developed for students who want to advance their careers in government, business, and industry through improved writing skills and through preparation to supervise and train others to become better writers. This program is also designed for students who are seeking to put their technical expertise to work as technical communicators, as well as students who are already working as technical communicators and who wish to earn a Master’s degree so that they may move into supervisory positions or otherwise advance their career. Issues explored in the Technical Communication option include publications management, organizational behavior, user-centered design, and effective written communication.
Admission
You must be accepted to both the University Graduate School and the MAA in Written Communication. Please see the section on Admissions Process for more information.
Application materials required for the MAA in Written Communication are:
- Letter of intent that summarizes the skills, experiences, and competencies students can bring to the program. Students should also explain why they are applying to this program, which of the two options (Writing Studies or Technical Communication) the student intends to enroll in, and what their goals are for their work in the program. The letter should also discuss the portfolio materials (see below), explaining the audience, context, and purpose for which they were written.
- Curriculum Vitae or resume.
- Portfolio that includes three writing samples. Students applying for the Writing Studies option should include at least one academic paper. Students applying for the Technical Communication option should include at least one example of workplace writing. Students in both options are encouraged to prepare a portfolio that shows the range and quality of their writing.
- Undergraduate transcript. Students must have an overall undergraduate G.P.A. of at least 3.0.
- GRE scores, general section only. No minimum score will be required, but scores may be used in advising students to address weaknesses in academic preparation.
- Three letters of reference from professors, supervisors, or other suitably qualified personnel. These may sent directly to the address below.
Provisional Admission
Students whose GRE scores have not been received by the institution, but who meet all other admission requirements, will be provisionally admitted. They will be fully admitted if scores are received before the end of their first semester in the program.
Students whose undergraduate G.P.A. does not meet the minimum of 3.0, but who meet all other admission requirements for the program, may be provisionally admitted. Upon successful completion of their first nine hours of graduate study with a G.P.A of 3.0 or higher, students will be fully admitted into the program.
Send application materials for the MAA in Written Communication to this address:
| Department of English, Foreign Languages and Journalism |
| Graduate Admissions |
| Missouri Western State University |
| 4525 Downs Dr. |
| St. Joseph, MO 64507 |
Curriculum
Master of Applied Arts Core (22 Credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
| AIM 505 | Converging Media Theory and Practice | 3 |
| MAT 609 | Technical Analysis for Decision Making | 4 |
| OR ENG 609 | Qualitative Research Theories and Methods | 3 |
| COM 501 | Professional and Organizational Communication | 3 |
| OR MGT 503 | Organizational Theory | 3 |
| ENG 520 | History and Theory of Rhetoric | 3 |
| EPR 620 | Proposal and Grant Writing | 3 |
| ENG 695 or ETC 695 | Thesis | 6 |
TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION OPTION (12 Credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
| ETC 600 | Graduate Studies in Technical Communication | 3 |
| ETC 616 | Internship in Technical Communication | 3 |
| Electives | 6 credits required | |
| AIM 540 | Interactive Web Design | 3 |
| ENG 601 | Practicum in the Teaching of College Writing | 3 |
| ENG 640 | Writing for Management and Supervision | 3 |
| ETC 508 | Technical Editing | 3 |
| ETC 520 | Publications Management | 3 |
| ETC 612 | Seminar in Professional Writing | 3 |
| PSY 610 | User Centered Design Methods | 3 |
