Frequently Asked Questions
What does someone do with a degree in Professional & Technical Communication?
PTC alumni - some 400 of them - hold a variety of professional positions in both the for-profit and the not-for-profit sectors. They are marketing and public relations experts, webmasters, magazine managers, technical writers, corporate training educators, software specialists and systems managers, media buyers, practicing attorneys, and college professors. A substantial number of PTC alumni have earned graduate degrees - in communication as well as other academic disciplines. Visit the website for our own graduate degree, Communication & Media Technologies.How large is the PTC program?
Every year, we have an enrollment of between 80 and 100 students - small enough that students usually get to know many of their peers. There are 15 full-time faculty, a number of part-time instructors, two Staff Assistants, and several student workers.How easy is it to transfer into PTC?
In most cases, transfer from some other degree program (both within and outside of RIT) to PTC is very easy - as a matter of fact, the majority of PTC majors are transfer students, from other universities and from other departments within RIT. And students who've earned an Associate's degree at a two-year school can be virtually assured of Junior or near-Junior status in PTC once they arrive at RIT.If I transfer into PTC, can I expect to complete my degree in four years from the time I began my college career?
In most cases, yes. Transfer students from most associate degree programs may normally expect to complete their requirements for the BS degree in PTC in two years. Those who come to PTC from another program at RIT usually are able to transfer credit for all or nearly all courses completed.Is financial aid available for PTC students?
Financial assistance, including scholarships, alternative loan programs and federal and state programs, may be available. For information contact the RIT Financial Aid Office (585-475-2186; 585-475-6909 TTY).What is Cooperative Education (co-op)?
Co-op - full-time paid employment - provides you with employment experience as well as the opportunity to practice and further develop skills in your chosen profession. PTC students engage in two quarters of co-op. After completing 96 credit hours, you are eligible for your first co-op.Is it necessary to complete the two quarters of co-op back-to-back?
No. Co-op sessions may or may not be consecutive. You might choose to stay with the same organization (if available) over two quarters. Or, you can diversify your experience by selecting two different positions.What sorts of co-ops do PTC students complete?
The opportunities are wide open: You might find yourself learning about advertising in the radio and broadcasting industry; or you may prefer designing marketing programs for a tourist eco-lodge in Costa Rica. PTC students have obtained co-ops at such organizations as Greenpeace, Bausch & Lomb, the Memorial Art Gallery, Passero Associates, Clear Channel Communications, Lenel Systems, Eastman Kodak, Lupton Associates, Xerox, Navistream Corp., Rochester City School District, Colorado Tourism Bureau, West Publishing, RIT University News and the Olympic Regional Development Authority. Their co-op responsibilities include personnel coordinator, technical writer, sports information director, corporate communications expert, documentation specialist, marketing coordinator, copy editor, graphic designer, customized curriculum developer, and technical support specialist. PTC students are assigned a Co-op and Placement adviser whose office is located in the Office of Cooperative Education and Career Services.What is the "Professional Core" PTC students are required to complete?
The PTC Professional Core is a supplemental, second field of study consisting of 20 credit hours (5 classes) from a program outside of the Liberal Arts. The Professional Core constitutes a kind of "minor" to the PTC curriculum. To increase scheduling flexibility, your Professional Core should be selected as early as possible - certainly no later than the beginning of your junior year.What are the Professional Cores available?
A number of pre-designed Professional Cores exist. These are in Printing, Photography, Business, Computer Science, Photographic Arts and Science, Science, Telecommunications and Graphic Design. If the pre-designed Professional Cores don't offer what you're looking for, you may, with the help of your advisor, create an Individually Designed Core, one specifically tailored to your unique educational interests and professional aspirations.Does the Department sponsor any extra-curricular activities?
The Department advises Liberal Smarts, the twice-annual newsletter prepared by students enrolled in Liberal Arts degree programs. We organize the Institute's Public Speaking Contest, an event held twice a year. In 2004, we initiated an annual Conferenct for Undergraduate Research in Communication. The annual department picnic, held each May, is a popular end-of-the-academic-year event, which often is attended by alumni.For answers to other questions, please contact us to write, call, fax or email the Department of Communication.
