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Center for Multidisciplinary Studies

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James Myers, Director

www.rit.edu/cms

Through the Center for Multidisciplinary Studies, students interested in more than one area of study have the option of creating personalized undergraduate programs directly related to their interests and aspirations. Today’s professional workplace looks for and values individuals with a diverse academic background. The center offers students this valuable opportunity through their applied arts and science degree programs and specialized certificate programs. These programs provide students with a multidisciplinary approach to learning that can be applied to the professional environment. Also the diverse nature of the applied arts and science program is an asset for any corporation looking to do more with less.

Like the center itself, students participating in the multidisciplinary studies program are anything but typical. Some are adults with families and careers attending classes online or at night, while others are full-time undergraduate students with nontraditional ideas about what they want in a college degree. Through the center’s flexible, multidisciplinary programs, students tailor their plans of study to their individual interests by incorporating courses or sets of courses from the center or other RIT departments. The center’s programs include: applied arts and science undergraduate degree programs—a comprehensive undergraduate program with BS, AAS and diploma options that allows students to pursue unique and customized plans of study that include several areas of concentration,

Enrollment policies

The Center for Multidisciplinary Studies allows a student to enroll in any course for which he or she has sufficient background. Many courses have prerequisites that students are expected to meet before enrolling. Academic advisers are available throughout the year to answer questions regarding course or program choices.

In support of and in compliance with RIT’s policy of assuring competency in written communication, all students matriculated in a BS degree program must satisfy a writing competency requirement. Information about this requirement, and the various methods for satisfying it, is available at the CMS office and may be obtained from an adviser or Professor Tom Moran, at (585) 475-4936.

Students matriculated in the center’s baccalaureate degree programs are expected to complete their degrees within seven years.

Academic advising

The Center for Multidisciplinary Studies provides academic advising for educational and career goals.

The faculty and academic advisers are experienced and trained across academic disciplines. They help match educational and career goals with an appropriate program of study. With an adviser’s help, each program begins by taking into account what the student already knows and has accomplished. For example, college credits earned at RIT or other accredited institutions are reviewed to see how they might be applied to the program of study; professional certifications and experiences are evaluated for the possibility of receiving credit; and credits may be earned (by examination, portfolio reviews or other documentation) for college-level learning that was gained on the job or through other educational experiences.

To schedule an advising session, please call (585) 475-2234 or e-mail cms@rit.edu. The CMS office is located in Building 1 (George Eastman Building), Room 2210.

Transfer credit

Degree programs in the center are structured to permit transfer of credit from other accredited institutions. When a student matriculates into a specific program, a complete evaluation is made of prior academic work. The student will know immediately how much transfer credit is awarded and what courses will be needed to earn a specific degree.

Transfer credit also may be awarded for courses included in the New York State Education Department publication “Guide to Educational Programs in Non-Collegiate Organizations.”

Assessment of prior learning and credit by experience

Students with substantial work experience in a specific field may receive academic credit for their life experience. Their adviser will assist them in identifying and preparing the appropriate documentation to prove that their experience is at least equivalent to the breadth and depth of a college-level course. These materials, presented as portfolios of prior learning experience, are reviewed by faculty members within and outside the center. There is a $150 fee per quarter credit hour for any credit earned.

Military experience

Students who have previously served in the armed forces and participated in any number of training programs may be eligible to receive credit for their responsibilities through the American Council of Education (ACE). Students should contact Veterans Enrollment Services at (585) 475-6641 or efcvet@rit.edu for an evaluation and recommendation of college credit for their military experience. RIT also is an institutional member of the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC), which is a consortium of more than 1,500 colleges and universities that provide educational opportunities for service members and their families. SOC is funded by the Department of Defense and managed by the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES).

Faculty

The center’s courses are conducted by full- and part-time instructors who teach what they do professionally. Our faculty are selected for their professional competence, academic background, and teaching ability.

Online learning

The center offers a variety of courses through online learning, with students having the option of completing certificates, diplomas, and AAS and BS degrees online through the center. Online learning allows students flexibility in completing their courses while maintaining a class atmosphere through online discussions via chat/e-mail conferencing. Courses taught through online learning also use textbook readings, assignments, and exams to deliver course work. Students have access to instructors by e-mail, computer, telephone, or individual appointments. For more information about these and other online learning programs, call (585) 475-5089; for advising, call (585) 475-2234.

Financial aid

Specially trained RIT financial aid counselors can provide students with information about the grants and loans available for full- and part-time students. In addition to federal, state, and private programs, RIT has special financial aid programs for part-time students and students who have recently been laid off from their jobs. Many companies also offer employer education benefits that will pay for some or all of RIT’s tuition costs. Active U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard members are eligible for benefits that pay up to 90 percent of tuition. To be eligible for financial aid, full-time students must be enrolled in at least 12 quarter credit hours; part-time students at least six quarter credit hours. Call (585) 475-2958 for more information.

Center for Multidisciplinary Studies Scholarship

The Center for Multidisciplinary Studies offers a scholarship to matriculated students in the center’s programs with a GPA of 3.0 or better. Awards are based upon merit and financial need. Students can learn more about this scholarship from their academic adviser or by visiting www.rit.edu/cms/financial.html.

Course scheduling options

The center’s courses and programs are offered during the day, at night, on Saturdays, and online. The center also works with employers to design multidisciplinary programs that are specially suited to meet their employees’ needs. Please visit the “corporate” link on the center’s website (www.rit.edu/cms) to learn more.

Applied arts and science degrees

The Center for Multidisciplinary Studies offers students the opportunity to create individualized undergraduate programs of technical and professional study through its applied arts and science program. In this program, students work closely with faculty and advisers to design unique, multidisciplinary plans of study that combine several areas of professional knowledge.

The applied arts and science program is particularly appropriate for individuals who have prior college-level learning, are interested in changing majors, or want to prepare themselves for a career that requires skills and expertise from several disciplines. There are three levels:

Bachelor of science (BS) degree: 180 quarter credit hours total; 90 core credits in general education plus 90 credits in two to four areas of concentration

Associate of applied science (AAS) degree: 90 quarter credit hours total; 52 core credits in general education plus 38 credits in one to two areas of concentration

Diploma: 36 quarter credits hours; one area of concentration

The AAS and BS degrees are available to full-time day students, part-time evening students and online students. The associate and bachelor of science degrees allow you to study several different professional and technical areas of study, selected specifically to meet your career and personal goals.

For your professional concentrations, you can draw on a wealth of educational resources from across RIT colleges and departments. Professional concentrations consist of graduate courses. Examples of professional concentrations include:

Business/management focus

Computer/technical focus

Liberal arts focus

No two applied arts and science programs will be exactly alike because each takes into account the student’s previous learning and brings together a special combination of courses that are right for his or her career and professional development. For example, one individualized program might lead to a bachelor’s degree with concentrations in information technology, graphic arts, and management, while another could lead to a bachelor’s degree that combines the fields of technical communication and health systems administration.

As career plans evolve and the demands of their technical and professional fields change, students meet regularly with advisers to review and update plans of study.

Common features

All applied arts and science degrees have certain features in common: an approved program of study developed with an individual adviser and reviewed by the center’s degree review committee, which consists of faculty and advisers; general education courses in mathematics, computer literacy, science, and the liberal arts (52 credits for the AAS, 90 for the BS); and one or more professional concentrations that provide each student with the opportunity to develop a multidisciplinary program tailored to specific career and personal objectives. Students must achieve a program GPA of at least 2.0 in order to be certified for completion or graduation.

Course requirements, AAS and BS degrees in applied arts and science (See adviser for course options.)

Math/Computer/Science Credit Liberal Arts Credit Professional Core(s) 1 to 2 Credit
Computer/Technology Elective 4 Writing 0502-227§ 4

One to two professional concentrations*

To be developed by student and adviser.

38
    Arts of Expression 0504-319 4
Math Electives 8 Communication Elective 4    
Science Electives 8 Humanities Electives 8    
Math/Science 4 Behavioral Science Electives 8    
BS only in addition to above   General Education‡  30

Two to four professional concentrations*

To be developed by student and adviser.

48
    Liberal Arts Concentration# 12
        Free Electives 12
Required course for all BS students       0697-510 Multidisciplinary Life† 4

*A concentration equals 20 (or more) quarter credit hours in one subject area (e.g., applied computing, business, communication, etc.).

§A writing pre-test is required. Students completing the BS degree must also pass a writing competency test.

‡See adviser for a list of accepted general education electives.

#Students choosing a liberal arts area for a professional concentration must choose their liberal arts concentration and electives in other disciplines or interdisciplinary areas in the College of Liberal Arts.

†Multidisciplinary Life is taken as part of the general education requirements or as part of a professional concentration.

Business and Management AAS Degree Programs

The center offers associate degrees in business administration and human resources administration. All business and management degree programs include a core group of business courses in organization and management, accounting, management, and business law. Approximately half of the credits in degree programs are earned through these professional courses. In addition, all business and management degree programs include a broad spectrum of courses in communication, behavioral/social sciences, humanities, math, and science. Students must achieve a program GPA of at least 2.0 in order to be certified. The AAS degrees in business administration and human resources administration are fully transferable into the bachelor of science in applied arts and science.

Professional concentration requirements, business and management AAS programs

Business administration Qtr. Cr. Hrs.
History or Fine Arts Elective 4
0680-315 Legal Environment of Business 4
Business Electives 12
Total Quarter Credit Hours 20
Human resource administration Qtr. Cr. Hrs.
0619-480 Human Resource Administration 4
0626-234 Interviewing Techniques 4
Choose one of the following:  
  0680-311 Business Law I 4
  0680-315 Legal Environment of Business 4
Business Electives 4
Total Quarter Credit Hours 20
Professional Courses (in addition to the above) Qtr. Cr. Hrs. General Education Qtr. Cr. Hrs. Math, Statistics and Science Qtr. Cr. Hrs.
Financial Accounting 0680-201 4 Writing and Arts of Expression
0502-227 /0504-319		 8 Science Electives† 8
Managerial Accounting 0680-203 4 or   College Math for Business I, II 0692-211, 212 8
Organization and Mgmt. 0681-205 4 Communicating in Business and Writing 0688-325 /0502-227 8 Statistics I, II 0692-311, 312 8
Information Resources and Network Tools 0680-341 4        
Principles of Marketing 0681-361 4        
Management Science 0680-353 4 Micro and Macro Economics 0511-211, 402 8    
Professional Concentration Courses (see above) 20 Psychology 0514-210 4    
    Sociology 0515-210 4    
Total 44 Total 24 Total 24

In sequentially numbered courses, the lower-number course is prerequisite.

†Science electives may include any of the following:

0692-231 Contemporary Science/Biology
0692-232 Contemporary Science/Chemistry
0692-233 Contemporary Science/Physics
0692-234 Contemporary Science/Oceanus
1026-305 Sports Physiology and Life Fitness
1026-306 Fitness Prescription/Programming
1026-307 Exercise Prescription
0634-311 Earth Science
0634-321 Man-Made Hazards

The management development program

The management development program has two components, the management certificate and the management diploma. The program is structured to first provide a broad foundation in applied general management and then tailor that foundation with a focused study in a specialized field.

Students may take one or both parts of the program, and both may be completed in one academic year. Credits earned in the program can be applied to various degree programs. Students must achieve a program GPA of at least 2.0 in order to be certified for completion/graduation.

Certificate in Management Development

The management development certificate is earned by successfully completing a three-course sequence in management. The courses focus on practical applications of management theory; management problems, solutions, and ideas; and personal development as an effective manager.

The management sequence offers a comprehensive, integrated study of supervisory management. Topics covered include effective motivation, decision making, team building, conflict resolution, problem solving, time and stress management, communication techniques and strategies, planning, organizing, staffing, performance appraisal, and leadership.

In this program students associate with others who have similar career aspirations, job responsibilities, and challenging problems on the job. Through case studies, role play, simulations, and other instructional methods, students learn effective supervisory and management practices. Students must achieve a program GPA of at least 2.0 in order to be certified for completion/graduation.

Certificate in management development Qtr. Cr. Hrs.
0681-200 Management Process I 4
0681-201 Management Process II 4
0681-202 Management Process III 4
Certificate Total 12

Management Diploma

In the management diploma program, students concentrate their studies in one of three specific areas of business and management that may be relevant on the job immediately.

Typically, the management diploma is earned by completing 16 quarter credit hours in addition to the management certificate. However, the small business management certificate also may be taken as a component of the diploma.

Courses applied toward a management diploma also may be counted as professional courses in appropriate degree programs. Students must achieve a program GPA of at least 2.0 in order to be certified for completion/graduation.

Diploma in general management Qtr. Cr. Hrs.
0681-200, 201, 202 Management Process (or approved alternative) 12
0680-201 Financial Accounting 4
0680-203 Managerial Accounting 4
0680-341 Information Resources and Network Tools 4
0681-361 Marketing (or Business Elective) 4
Total Quarter Credit Hours 28
Diploma in marketing Qtr. Cr. Hrs.
0681-200, 201, 202 Management Process (or approved alternative) 12
0681-361 Marketing 4
0681-261 Effective Selling 4
0681-263 Advertising Principles 4
Business Elective 4
Total Quarter Credit Hours 28
Diploma in human resource administration Qtr. Cr. Hrs.
0681-200, 201, 202 Management Process (or approved alternative) 12
0619-480 Human Resource Management 4
0626-234 Interviewing Techniques 4
0680-311 Business Law I 4
Business Elective 4
Total Quarter Credit Hours 28

Specialized certificates

With change occurring in industry at a rapid pace, meeting professional and educational goals can be a challenge. Many employers are looking for upgraded skills while employees and students are looking to enhance their skills or take on a new direction professionally or personally. To help meet these challenges, programs are needed that can offer new skills or enhance current skills in a quick and efficient manner.

The center provides this opportunity through its specialized certificate programs in a number of areas: computer graphics, e-business, human resource development, international logistics and transportation, manufacturing technology (computer-aided drafting, fundamentals of manufacturing management, manufacturing processes, and robotics), organizational change and leadership, public relations (graphic communication and professional writing options), quality management (basic quality and quality implementation options), small business management, and technical communication (basic and advanced options).

All certificate programs are applicable to the applied arts and science degree or diploma programs as professional concentrations.

Computer Graphics

Today’s graphic communicators rely on the computer for nearly every step of the creative process. The courses within this program develop and enhance the computer graphic skills of students who find that their job responsibilities have broadened to include aspects of graphic design. The program will benefit technical communicators, administrators, public relations practitioners, educators, sales and marketing staff, and technical and business professionals who are called upon to design and produce effective brochures, advertising materials, presentations, proposals, flyers, and other communication products. In addition, this program provides an excellent transition path for practicing graphic designers who need to upgrade their skills and move into the arena of computer design.

Students develop skill in the use of a number of popular graphic design, illustration, presentation, photo manipulation, and Internet software programs. They learn to combine typography, images, and graphic elements into striking designs for both printed and online use and can develop a portfolio of professional-quality work.

Certificate in computer graphics Qtr. Cr. Hrs.
0688-271 Basic Computer Graphics 2
0688-371 Designing with Computers I 3
0688-372 Designing with Computers II 3
0688-373 Electronic Presentation Design 3
0688-381 Photographic-Imaging with Computers I 3
0688-382 Photographic-Imaging with Computers II 3
0688-383 Introduction to Internet Design 3
Total Quarter Credit Hours 20

A number of elective courses are offered through the program and may be substituted with the permission of the program chair. Students may earn one or more of the certificates. Students not interested in taking an entire certificate program may take individual courses for which they have the proper prerequisites. Students must achieve a program GPA of at least 2.0 in order to be certified for completion or graduation.

e-Business

The e-business certificate is designed to create professionals who understand how to do business on the Web. Graduates of the program will have a real grounding in the technologies, strategies, and tactics that make e-business initiatives successful. This certificate can be completed online.

Certificate in e-business Qtr. Cr. Hrs.
0112-310 Introduction to e-Business Technologies 4
0105-445 Business-to-Business e-Commerce 4
0112-510 Designing the e-Business Organization 4
0105-440 Internet Marketing 4
Two Business Electives* 8
Total Quarter Credit Hours 24

*Business electives require approval from an academic adviser.

Human Resource Development

The human resource development certificate blends the traditional human resource elements of interviewing, compensation, and benefits with the essentials of the organization as a whole—corporate culture dynamics and the challenges of learning how to create a collaborative learning environment for employees. From navigating employees through complex retirement packages to affirming that workers can expect personal attention if questions arise, these skills are used by the human resource department and all management-bound professionals.

Certificate in human resource development Qtr. Cr. Hrs.
0697-442 The Learning Organization 4
0697-431 Understanding Corporate Culture 4
0626-234 Interviewing Techniques 4
0619-480 Human Resource Management 4
0626-390 Compensation and Benefits 4
Total Quarter Credit Hours 24

International Logistics and Transportation

Logistics deals with managing the flow of goods from an organization’s suppliers through its facilities and on to its customers. Successful logistics requires knowledge of such diverse fields as transportation, inventory management, warehousing, procurement and order processing, materials handling, packaging, supply chain management, product support, fulfillment, and customer service. Logistics can involve carefully planning the arrival of raw materials; pre-manufactured assemblies, labor, and other resources to a manufacturing or assembly point; the warehousing and dispatch of product for sales; and the deployment of training, spare parts, support equipment, documentation, maintenance, and upgrades for equipment that is in the field. Independent providers of logistics services, called third-party logistics service suppliers, have emerged to create a new and important service sector in the last decade.

Proper performance of an organization’s logistical operations is critical to success in today’s highly competitive and global environment. Skill and understanding of logistics technology, strategies, and management can lead to jobs and responsibilities with global and regional employers in both the private and government sectors.

Certificate in international logistics and transportation Qtr. Cr. Hrs.
0681-451 Introduction to Logistics and Transportation 4
0681-525 Strategic Logistics Management 4
0681-526 Logistic Law and Economics 4
Total Quarter Credit Hours 12

Manufacturing Technology

A number of certificates are available in manufacturing technology, including computer-aided drafting, fundamentals of manufacturing management, manufacturing processes, and robotics.

Certificate in computer-aided drafting* Qtr. Cr. Hrs.
0608-211 Engineering Graphics with CAD 4
0614-262 Solid Modeling and Design (solid works) 4
0610-220 Design, Dimensioning, and Tolerance (solid works) 4
0617-460 Computer-Aided Design (Unigraphics) 4
Total Quarter Credit Hours 16

*Prerequisite: Computer Literacy

Certificate in fundamentals of manufacturing management* Qtr. Cr. Hrs.
0617-436 Engineering Economics 4
0617-440 Production and Operations Management I** 4
0617-441 Production and Operations Management II** 4
Total Quarter Credit Hours 12

*Prerequisites: College Algebra, Statistics, Computer Literacy

**These courses are available online.

Certificate in manufacturing processes* Qtr. Cr. Hrs.
0617-220 Manufacturing Processes I 4
0617-420 Manufacturing Processes II 4
0617-471 Computer Numerical Control 4
Total Quarter Credit Hours 12

*Prerequisites: Engineering Drawing, Computer Literacy

Certificate in robotics Qtr. Cr. Hrs.
0618-231 Technical Programming I 4
0617-470 Controls for Manufacturing Automation 4
0617-485 Robots in Manufacturing 4
Total Quarter Credit Hours 12

Organizational Change and Leadership

Profound and ongoing changes are taking place in organizations, and individuals need to be flexible and proactive in their response. The organizational change and leadership certificate will help students understand corporate culture and develop skills necessary to manage organizational and individual change. Through the study of leadership, corporate culture, change management, organizational behavior, and teams, individuals will understand and obtain the skills necessary to proactively manage change.

Certificate in organizational change Qtr. Cr. Hrs.
0697-430 Survey of Organizational Change 4
0697-432 Managing Organizational Change 4
0697-431 Understanding Corporate Culture 4
0697-435 Global Forces and Trends 4
0697-434 Change and Leadership Project 4
Elective 4
Total Quarter Credit Hours 24

Public Relations

Public relations communications are vital to virtually every business endeavor. Almost every organization employs individuals, either in house or by contract through public relations agencies, who can prepare press releases, brochures, newsletters, annual reports, point-of-purchase promotions, and other persuasive, informative materials in a variety of media.

Underlying successful public relations are skills in two key areas: writing and graphic communication. The center offers a certificate program in each of these specialties. Both programs share a core of courses that provides an introduction to public relations and teaches widely used principles and techniques of advertising, project management, and persuasion. The professional writing program provides specialized instruction in writing marketing materials, inbound and outbound publications, corporate-level communications, and speeches and scripts. The graphic communication program (designed specifically to accommodate non-artists) focuses on understanding the components of the advertising process, the use of effective design principles in the preparation of layouts, and combining creative and technical skills to achieve design success.

These programs are intended for individuals who wish to enter the field of public relations or take on similar responsibilities, those who have been working in a particular aspect of public relations and wish to upgrade or broaden their skill, or those who have been performing public relations tasks for which they have had little formal preparation.

The prerequisite for the core courses is demonstration (by examination, portfolio, or transcript) of a command of standard written English.

Courses are scheduled so that the core and one or both of the certificate options may be completed in four quarters of part-time study. Students may earn one or both certificates, and students not wishing to take an entire certificate program may take specific individual courses. The professional writing option can be completed online.

Core Courses Qtr. Cr. Hrs.
0688-350 Introduction to Public Relations 2
0688-356 Strategic Communications 2
0681-264 Advertising Evaluation and Techniques 4
0688-348 Managing the Project 2
Total Quarter Credit Hours 10
Certificate in professional writing Qtr. Cr. Hrs.
Core Courses 10
0688-352 Writing for the Organization 2
0688-357 Media Relations 2
0688-347 Promotional Writing 2
0688-353 Scripting and Audio Video Presentations 2
0688-354 Speechwriting 2
Total Quarter Credit Hours 20
Certificate in graphic communication Qtr. Cr. Hrs.
Core Courses 10
0688-355 Coordinating Publication Production 2
Electives*–Choose three of the following courses:  
  0688-371 Designing with Computers I 3
  0688-372 Designing with Computers II 3
  0688-373 Electronic Presentation Design 3
  0688-381 Photographic Imaging with Computers I 3
  0688-382 Photographic Imaging with Computers II 3
  0688-383 Introduction to Internet Design 3
  0688-374 Designing with Corel 3
  0688-384 Designing with QuarkXPress 3
Total Quarter Credit Hours 21

*With adviser’s approval

Quality Management

Poor quality in manufacturing and service can cost companies as much as 20 percent of revenue in rework, scrap, brand switching, and loss of goodwill. Organizations have begun to understand that prevention saves more time and money than the discovery of flaws after the fact.

The center’s management-oriented certificate programs focus on quality as a priority. Developed in cooperation with industry, the courses can help students develop a total quality management environment to combine the theory and practice of statistical quality control with leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving concepts and skills.

The certificate in basic quality teaches the nuts and bolts of a quality organization and prepares students to introduce quality concepts to their organization. The certificate in quality implementation teaches how to put quality principles to work. Together, the certificate package can prepare students to work as quality trainers, facilitators, team leaders, or managers at various levels of an organization. Both certificate programs can be completed online.

Certificate in basic quality Qtr. Cr. Hrs.
0684-310 Introduction to Quality 4
0684-420 Statistical Quality Tools 4
0684-430 Management for Quality 4
Total Quarter Credit Hours 12
Certificate in quality implementation Qtr. Cr. Hrs.
0684-340 Quality Data Analysis 4
0684-410 Introduction to Lean Six Sigma 4
Elective 4
Total Quarter Credit Hours 12

Small Business Management

The certificate program in small business management is designed for enterprising individuals who want to launch a new venture or improve an existing small business. It is especially appropriate for entrepreneurs, members of family-owned businesses, and key employees in companies with sales under $2 million.

The three courses in the program are tightly integrated to provide a solid foundation in managing, marketing, and financing small businesses. The faculty includes academically qualified entrepreneurs who have managed their own small companies. This program can be completed online.

Certificate in small business management Qtr. Cr. Hrs.
0681-221 New Venture Development 4
0681-222 Small Business Management and Finance 4
0681-223 Small Business Marketing and Planning 4
Total Quarter Credit Hours 12

Technical Communication

In this age of rapidly expanding technologies, technical communication is an essential, challenging, and rewarding profession, one that can be practiced within an organization or outside, through independent contracting.

As technologies grow, so does the need for communicators skilled in conveying many kinds of information, in many different forms, to diverse audiences. Industrial, business, scientific, medical, and nonprofit sectors have recognized the importance of communication to their success. The ability to present information effectively—in forms such as manuals, brochures, data sheets, promotional materials, systems documentation, reports, trade and professional journals, websites, and videos—is a highly valued asset in the workplace today.

The following sequence of courses, designed to be completed in three quarters of part-time study, provides a strong, practical foundation in technical communication skills for those wanting to work in the profession or those whose advancement in other careers is directly related to their ability to communicate clearly, correctly, and concisely.

Certificate in basic technical communication Qtr. Cr. Hrs.
0688-333 Technical Writing and Editing 4
0688-363 Technical Document Design 4
Plus one of the following courses:  
  0688-361 Research Techniques 4
  0688-476 Instructional Design Principles 4
Total Quarter Credit Hours 12

The prerequisite for the basic sequence is demonstration (by examination, portfolio, or transcript) of a command of standard written English.

For those interested in more advanced professional development and instruction in specialized topics, the following sequence of courses is offered. Students may take courses in the advanced sequence simultaneously with those in the basic sequence. These courses are designed to be completed in three quarters of study.

Certificate in advanced technical communication Qtr. Cr. Hrs.
0688-544 Writing in the Sciences 4
0688-477 Managing Media Presentations 4
0688-475 Writing Software User Documentation 4
Total Quarter Credit Hours 12

Technical Information Design (0688-510), Technical Proposals (0688-514), Technical Procedures (0688-512), and Document Usability (0688-511) may be substituted for one of the required advanced courses with permission of the program chair. In addition, various special topics courses (0688-398) offered in areas such as technical journalism, usability, and communications management may be substituted for one of the required courses with permission of the program chair. A course used as a substitute may not be a course used to fulfill the requirements of the certificate in basic technical communication. Students must achieve a program GPA of at least 2.0 to be certified for completion or graduation.

Courses in these sequences were developed with the assistance of working technical communicators and are taught by experienced professionals. Both certificate programs can be completed online.