BS - Technical Communication 24
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Technical communicators work between subject-matter experts and real-world users to make complex ideas clear, easy to understand, and usable. Students in the BS in Technical Communication program are creative, technically adept problem-solvers who feel comfortable working in multiple media, possess strong communication skills, and are open to continually learning new technologies and subject-matter knowledge. BSTC students take classes in technical writing, research methods, website development, usability, instructional design, and visual information design. Hands-on experience in class, combined with a strong theoretical background, allows students to land highly desired jobs as technical communicators, user experience (UX) designers, information architects, information designers, instructional designers, and more.
Term 1
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Requirement
Hours
ENGL 1101 English Composition IENGL 1101 English Composition I3 Credits
A composition course focusing on skills required for effective writing in a variety of contexts, with emphasis on exposition, analysis, and argumentation, and also including introductory use of a variety of research skills.
3
-
3
-
3
-
3
-
3
Total: 15
Term 2
-
Requirement
Hours
ENGL 1102 English Composition IIENGL 1102 English Composition II3 Credits
A composition course that develops writing skills beyond the levels of proficiency required by ENGL 1101, that emphasizes interpretation, and evaluation, and that incorporates a variety of more advanced research methods.
Prerequisites: (
ENGL 1101 with a minimum grade of C or
ENGL 101 with a minimum grade of C)
3
ECON 1000 Contemporary Economic IssuesECON 1000 Credits
Description not available
2
POLS 1101 American GovernmentPOLS 1101 American Government3 Credits
This course examines the institutions and processes of American government and Georgia State government. Global comparisons are made between the governments of the U.S. and other modern nation-states.
3
-
3
General Education Core Curriculum Technology, Mathematics, and Sciences II (1 of 2)General Education Core Curriculum Technology, Mathematics, and Sciences II (1 of 2)4 Credits
GEOG 1112 or GEOG 1113 or SCI 1101 or (BIOL 1107 and BIOL 1107L) or (CHEM 1211 and CHEM 1211L) or (CHEM 1151 and CHEM 1151L) or (PHYS 1111 and PHYS 1111L) or (PHYS 2211 and PHYS 2211L) or (BIOL 1108 and BIOL 1108L) or (CHEM 1212 and CHEM 1212L) or (CHEM 1152 and CHEM 1152L) or (PHYS 1112 and PHYS 1112L) or (PHYS 2212 and PHYS 2212L)
4
Total: 15
Year 1 (Hours: 30)
Term 3
-
Requirement
Hours
TCID 2002 Productivity, Tools & TechTCID 2002 Productivity, Tools & Tech3 Credits
This course introduces students to productivity tools and technologies for Technical Communication and Interactive Design students. In this course, students learn Adobe design tools in addition to examining workflow tools, online workspaces, and project management tools.
3
TCID 2170 Intro Digital Media & CultureTCID 2170 Intro Digital Media & Culture3 Credits
This course provides an introduction to the Technical Communication & Interactive Design department by surveying contemporary digital media?aesthetics, technology, politics, economics??and related cultural formations. This approach provides an introduction to key concepts and critical methodologies that are essential to understanding digital media as both technological tool and cultural artifact. Additionally, this course discusses how professional development in technical communication and interactive design relates to digital media and culture.
3
TCOM 2010 Technical WritingTCOM 2010 Technical Writing3 Credits
Introduction to organization, style, and mechanics of technical and professional writing. Includes practice in writing such typical documents as technical descriptions, instructions, proposals, and recommendation reports. Emphasis placed on planning, organizing, and writing reports; designing visual aids; and editing. Among other assignments, at least one complete technical report is required.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1102 with a minimum grade of C
3
General Education Core Curriculum Technology, Mathematics, and Sciences II (2 of 2)General Education Core Curriculum Technology, Mathematics, and Sciences II (2 of 2)3 Credits
GEOG 1112 or GEOG 1113 or SCI 1101 or SCI 1102 or ANTH 1105 or GEOG 1110 or (BIOL 1107 and BIOL 1107L) or (BIOL 1108 and BIOL 1108L) or (CHEM 1211 and CHEM 1211L) or (CHEM 1212 and CHEM 1212L) or (CHEM 1151 and CHEM 1151L) or (CHEM 1152 and CHEM 1152L) or (PHYS 1111 and PHYS 1111L) or (PHYS 1112 and PHYS 1112L) or (PHYS 2211 and PHYS 2211L) or (PHYS 2212 and PHYS 2212L)
3
-
3
Total: 15
Term 4
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Requirement
Hours
TCOM 2030 Research In TCOMTCOM 2030 Research In TCOM3 Credits
The course is an introduction to research methods used by practitioners and scholars in technical communication. Students explore the relationship between theory and research and learn how to design and carry out empirical studies using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Emphasis is placed on the research methods used in workplace settings to design user-centered information products and to test their usefulness and usability.
Prerequisites: (
TCOM 2010 with a minimum grade of C or
STAT 1401 with a minimum grade of C)
3
TCOM 3431 Information Design ITCOM 3431 Information Design I3 Credits
The course introduces students to the principles and best practices of effective information design for both print and electronic media. Students apply rhetorical and gestalt principles to an analysis of information products. Students also redesign products to reflect good principles of information design, and they report on the rationale for these redesigns, showing the ways in which design principles have been effectively applied.
Prerequisites: TCOM 2010 with a minimum grade of C and
TCID 2002 with a minimum grade of C
3
-
3
-
3
-
3
Total: 15
Year 2 (Hours: 30)
Term 5
-
Requirement
Hours
ICT 2101 Info and Comm TechnologyICT 2101 Info and Comm Technology3 Credits
In a world shaped by computers and the Internet, this course builds a foundation for students to become informed, creative problem-solvers using and envisioning the potential of digital technologies. Students apply fundamental principles of computing including digitization, digital logic and algorithmic thought to amplify skill in the use of digital applications, create digital resources and assess digital assets. Other topics include digital security and privacy, implications of digital disruption and careers in the digital age.
3
TCID 3100 Professional DevelopmentTCID 3100 Professional Development3 Credits
This course improves students' abilities to describe their accomplishments in professional networking situations, company meetings, and interviews. This course also explains how to set up a personal portfolio and prepare a career development roadmap for students in Technical Communication and Interactive Design.
Prerequisites: IAD 3000 with a minimum grade of C or
TCOM 3431 with a minimum grade of C
3
TCID 3400 Front-End Development ITCID 3400 Front-End Development I3 Credits
This course introduces students to front-end web development with an emphasis on learning to code websites without relying on content management systems or templates. This course focuses primarily on HTML and CSS in addition to covering basic user interface design principles.
3
TCOM 3130 TCOM:Theory,Ethics & PracticeTCOM 3130 TCOM:Theory,Ethics & Practice3 Credits
This course examines a range of theories that have shaped technical communication thought and practice in the twenty-first century. This course also focuses on ethical issues in technical communication through case studies and other readings. The course exposes students to the evolving body of knowledge, including key theorists and practitioners that help form the foundation of the technical communication profession.
Prerequisites: TCOM 2010 with a minimum grade of C
3
-
3
Total: 15
Term 6
-
Requirement
Hours
TCOM 3011 Technical Writing IITCOM 3011 Technical Writing II3 Credits
The course allows students to build on their knowledge of technical writing and explore advanced styles, techniques, and genres used by technical communication practitioners. Topics covered may include writing style in technical communication, and common technical communication genres not covered in TCOM 2010; these genres may include but are not limited to white papers, technical descriptions, technical specifications, professional posters, laboratory reports, and policies and procedures.
Prerequisites: TCOM 2010 with a minimum grade of C
3
TCOM 4000 Technical EditingTCOM 4000 Technical Editing3 Credits
This course examines the responsibilities of an editor including the methods and skills needed to edit various types of technical and scientific products (print and digital) with an emphasis on comprehensive editing. The course also teaches students how to prepare content that clearly and effectively communicates technical information to a wide range of end users. This course prepares students for writing and editing careers in technical communication.
Prerequisites: TCOM 2010 with a minimum grade of C
3
Major Field Elective (1 of 6)Major Field Elective (1 of 6)3 Credits
TCID 3800 or TCOM 3020 or TCOM 3030 or TCOM 3046 or TCOM 3070 or TCOM 3145 or TCOM 3245 or TCOM 3398 or TCOM 4050 or TCOM 4120 or TCOM 4400 or TCOM 4431 or TCOM 4490
3
Major Field Elective (2 of 6)Major Field Elective (2 of 6)3 Credits
TCID 3800 or TCOM 3020 or TCOM 3030 or TCOM 3046 or TCOM 3070 or TCOM 3145 or TCOM 3245 or TCOM 3398 or TCOM 4050 or TCOM 4120 or TCOM 4400 or TCOM 4431 or TCOM 4490
3
-
3
Total: 15
Year 3 (Hours: 30)
Term 7
-
Requirement
Hours
Major Field Elective (3 of 6)Major Field Elective (3 of 6)3 Credits
TCID 3800 or TCOM 3020 or TCOM 3030 or TCOM 3046 or TCOM 3070 or TCOM 3145 or TCOM 3245 or TCOM 3398 or TCOM 4050 or TCOM 4120 or TCOM 4400 or TCOM 4431 or TCOM 4490
3
Major Field Elective (4 of 6)Major Field Elective (4 of 6)3 Credits
TCID 3800 or TCOM 3020 or TCOM 3030 or TCOM 3046 or TCOM 3070 or TCOM 3145 or TCOM 3245 or TCOM 3398 or TCOM 4050 or TCOM 4120 or TCOM 4400 or TCOM 4431 or TCOM 4490
3
-
3
-
3
-
3
Total: 15
Term 8
-
Requirement
Hours
TCID 4700 CapstoneProjPortfolioShowcaseTCID 4700 CapstoneProjPortfolioShowcase3 Credits
This is the final senior course for the Technical Communication and Interactive Design department. Students work on a capstone project for their portfolio. Additionally, students prepare for a portfolio showcase at the end of the semester.
Prerequisites: TCID 3100** with a minimum grade of C
3
Major Field Elective (5 of 6)Major Field Elective (5 of 6)3 Credits
TCID 3800 or TCOM 3020 or TCOM 3030 or TCOM 3046 or TCOM 3070 or TCOM 3145 or TCOM 3245 or TCOM 3398 or TCOM 4050 or TCOM 4120 or TCOM 4400 or TCOM 4431 or TCOM 4490
3
Major Field Elective (6 of 6)Major Field Elective (6 of 6)3 Credits
TCID 3800 or TCOM 3020 or TCOM 3030 or TCOM 3046 or TCOM 3070 or TCOM 3145 or TCOM 3245 or TCOM 3398 or TCOM 4050 or TCOM 4120 or TCOM 4400 or TCOM 4431 or TCOM 4490
3
-
3
-
3
Total: 15
Year 4 (Hours: 30)
Program Total: 120 Hours
Milestones: All courses indicated as a Milestone with this icon ( ) should be completed in the term suggested to prevent delays in program completion.
Disclaimer: An academic map is a suggested four-year schedule of courses based on degree requirements in the KSU undergraduate catalog. This sample schedule serves as a general guideline to help build a full schedule each term. Some departments allow students to use the three credit first-year seminar course as a free elective for a degree program, which may impact the program's total credit hours. Milestones, courses, and special requirements necessary for timely progress to complete a major are designated to keep you on track to graduate in four years. Missing milestones could delay your program. Enrolled Students should reference DegreeWorks and not this plan.
This map is not a substitute for academic advisement—contact your advisor if you have any questions about scheduling or about your degree requirements. Also
see the current undergraduate catalog (catalog.kennesaw.edu) for a complete list of requirements and electives. Note: Requirements are continually under revision, and
there is no guarantee they will not be changed or revoked; contact the department and/or program area for current information.
You may choose to attend a summer term to reduce your load during fall or spring terms but still stay on track to graduate in four years.