Have you ever read instructions for how to assemble a piece of furniture? Were they easy to follow? If so, you can thank a technical writer. These pros make complex information easier to understand. Whether it’s with an instruction manual, a how-to guide, or any other document needed to make information more accessible, a technical writer has the world covered; and an online technical writing certificate makes it all possible.
As our society continues to evolve, new concepts and procedures will need translation. In other words, we must create information that everyone can understand. This is where technical writers help. They are communication experts who always have the end-user in mind.
If becoming a technical writer sounds interesting, then you’ve come to the right place! We’ve collected some of the best technical writing certificate online programs to help you jumpstart this exciting career. In addition, you’ll become familiar with useful technical writing certifications.
Online Technical Writing Certificate vs. Certification
Although a technical writing certificate and technical writing certification sound similar, they aren’t the same. In fact, they’re very different. A certificate proves you have taken required coursework for an area of study. It’s an effective building block to a career. In essence, certificate programs are typically for students with little or no prior experience.
On the other hand, professionals often pursue certifications to broaden their skills. Some certifications require a certain amount of field experience, in fact. Earning them demonstrates you have the skills to perform the duties of a specific job. Consider them as an accreditation for your knowledge.
To put it another way, higher education institutions award certificates. However, individuals seeking a technical writing certification will go to a specialized organization. Technical writing certifications require exams and must be renewed in due time. Even though a certificate doesn’t need to be renewed, the coursework taken may become outdated over time, so one of the benefits of certification is a continually updated skillset.
Organizations that offer certifications include the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) and the Society for Technical Communication (STC). Technical writing certificates will teach students the basics of the profession, in brief. Technical writer certifications, on the other hand, will refine their skills. Example certifications include UX Writing, Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC), and Medical Writer Certified (MWC).
GetEducated's Picks
- Taylor University Certificate in Professional Writing
- Indiana University Online Certificate in Technical Communication (IUPUI)
- Central Michigan University Undergraduate Certificate in Technical & Professional Writing
How Do Online Technical Writing Certificate Programs Work?
There are many benefits to technical writing programs. In essence, they’re a rapid, cost-effective way to break into the trade. Most technical writing certificate programs generally offer three to six courses. Given that, full-time students can finish in just one or two years.
Students can expect to take a series of courses for their technical writing certificate. For example, most programs will begin with core subjects like Technical and Scientific Editing. In addition, most schools offer electives, which allow students to master subjects based on their areas of interest. A program may offer elective courses in healthcare or in UX writing, for instance.
The ability to analyze different audiences and communicate across various mediums are just a handful of the skills students may develop. Once a program completed, many help students design a portfolio. In short, a portfolio is a collection of a student’s best projects. Likewise, institutions like the University of Missouri-St Louis, have a capstone project at the end of the course sequence.
Admission requirements for a technical writing certificate online vary with each institution. Qualified candidates need to submit an online application. The application process is usually similar or equal to that of a first year undergraduate student. Additionally, schools may require a letter of intent and official transcripts of your most recent education. However, this depends on whether or not an applicant already has college credits under their belt.
An online technical writing certificate is a great start. However, certain technical writer job openings may require additional education. A bachelor’s degree is ideal, in that case. You can, at times, apply credits from certificate programs towards an advanced degree. Technical writing certifications can add value to your resume without a degree, nevertheless. Still, technical writing certificates should qualify recipients for most entry-level roles.
Types of Online Technical Writing Certificates
As virtual learning continues to grow, so does the quantity of technical writing certificate programs available. As you do your research, you will find different types of certificates being offered. Here are a few examples:
Certificate in technical writing: If you want core skills for the technical writing trade, this is a great choice. Example skills include editing, mastering of various tech tools, research, and concise writing. These programs typically offer a broad curriculum. Some may only offer core courses, while others have electives to help students pursue specific interests. For programs involving a portfolio, students may design how-to manuals or an FAQ.
Certificate in technical communications: Similarly, this certificate will teach students how to best present complex information to wide audiences. What makes this certificate unique is that it goes beyond written communication. In fact, these programs focus on a wider range of mediums for sharing information. Specifically, students will learn how to use multiple technologies to most skillfully share information. Coursework may highlight how to create information graphics, video tutorials, brochures, and understand user interface (UI).
Professional and technical writing certificate: This certificate will often combine core courses for future technical writers with a specialization. Rather than offer a broad curriculum, it may be specific to one field. Example industries include science, healthcare, engineering, or information technology. If the certification doesn’t feature a specific focus area, then a large number of electives may be available. In other words, a student can build a study pathway based on their career goals.
The 5 Best Online Technical Writing Certificate Programs
California State University-Dominguez Hills
Accreditation:WSCUC
Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $1,467CSUDH offers an excellent introduction to technical writing with their fully online certificate program. Their technical writer certificate is of high quality, while maintaining flexibility. Even more, this certificate won’t break the bank – it’s the most affordable on our list.
Existing technical writers who want to boost their skills are ideal candidates for the program. In addition, it’s a great stepping stone for industry professionals who want to improve their technical communications. For example, engineers, scientists, and medical workers can benefit. An asynchronous delivery format and zero on-campus requirements tailor to students’ schedules. This is especially helpful for working professionals or people who juggle an inconsistent schedule.
Students will broaden their knowledge with three in-depth courses. Each class is 9-weeks long, so they can finish the program in three semesters. The curriculum includes Fundamentals of Tech Writing, Advanced Technical Communication, and Information Design.
This technical writer certificate will broaden your expertise in writing with a team, creating technical documents, and condensing complex ideas. An hands-on virtual portal lets students engage with their colleagues, their professors, and access course material. Faculty boasts a diverse background of experience. Besides job-ready skills, students will develop a portfolio, which is a common requirement for technical writer positions.
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Certificate in Technical WritingIndiana University Online
Accreditation: HLC
Total Cost (In-State): $5,570
Total Cost (Out-of-State): $19,302Next, we have an undergraduate certificate from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). Their mission is to create effective technical communicators. This program is ideal for first-time students. Albeit, professionals seeking career advancement or changing careers will also find it useful.
The scope of potential employment options is far-reaching. Whether your dream is to become a medical writer, UX analyst, or technical content writer, this program will qualify you for many entry-level positions. Expect to gain in-demand skills for best practices of the trade. Students will learn how to work on team-based projects, design effective publications, edit complex documents, and gain skills in multiple software tools.
IUPUI’s technical writer certificate online consists of 19 credit hours worth of coursework. This includes core as well as elective courses. Examples include Tools for Technical Communication, Project Management, and Visual Technical Communication. Finally, the Portfolio Preparation class is a culmination of each student’s projects. In effect, it gives graduates a tangible document of previous work to share with future employers.
All in all, certificate-holders will receive an effective education. There is an experienced faculty and peer community experience. In addition, the program is almost fully online.
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Certificate in Technical Communication (IUPUI)University of Missouri-St Louis
Accreditation: HLC
Total Cost (In-State): $7,659
Total Cost (Out-of-State): $18,698University of Missouri-St Louis offers a fully online undergrad certificate in technical writing. The curriculum exposes students to publishing, presentations, and focus areas such as business writing. All are vital elements in today’s technical writing world, and provide a good foundation for a technical writing certification.
Students complete the technical writing online certificate on their own schedule thanks to almost entirely asynchronous courses. Only History of Technical Communications has a fixed schedule. The 18-credit program can take 1-4 years to complete. This depends on whether you are studying full or part-time.
The program consists of a diverse collection of subjects. Required courses include Writing in the Sciences, Technical Presentations, and Advanced Business and Technical Writing. The capstone project may either be a writing internship or an independent study.
This online technical writing certificate is effective, at least in part, due to its reputable faculty. Instructors are well-versed in industry trends. As well as being published authors and digital communications experts, each is dedicated to their student’s growth.
This certificate in technical writing can be your gateway to an abundance of industries and communications jobs. For example, graduates will qualify for roles in IT, business, and STEM fields.
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Certificate in Technical WritingWashington State University
Accreditation: NWCCU
Tuition (In-State): $7,963
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $8,872The WSU Global Campus offers a competitive online undergraduate certificate. If you wish to understand the conventions of scientific writing, you should certainly consider this program. You’ll also learn how to effectively share this complex information with the public. WSU’s technical writing online certificate specializes in science and technology.
The program is flexible with a completely online learning experience. That is to say, it’s ideal for working professionals or students with families. The certificate consists of five classes. Students will divide the 15-credit course load into 9 core hours and 6 elective hours. You can choose two electives from an extensive list of focus areas. For instance, WSU offers electives related to anthropology, biology, psychology, or soils.
This variety allows students to deepen their knowledge of technical subjects of their interest. Foundational coursework for all students includes Technical and Professional Writing and Rhetoric of Science and Technology.
WSU holds their students accountable and wants them to grow. Hence, this institution requires a minimum 3.0 GPA for all courses. Even more, certificate recipients will have skills that transfer to many different industries, not just science and technology. Students who wish to further their studies may integrate their certificate in technical writing into a more advanced degree like a bachelor’s degree in English. Or, they may use this training to prepare for one of the technical writing certification exams.
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Certificate in Technical Writing
Technical Writer Career Information
Are you considering a technical writing certificate online? If so, we have good news. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) reports that the job outlook is bright for technical writers. From 2021 to 2031, there will be a 6% projected increase in employment. In addition, the median salary for technical writers in 2021 was a respectable $78,060. To point out, there’s a large wage gap between the lowest and highest earners. $48,890 was the median technical writer salary for the bottom 10% of earners. In the meantime, the top 10% earned $125,010 per year.
In sum, professionals that hold a technical writing certification or a higher education degree may garner more competitive salaries. The states with the largest technical writer employment in 2021 were California (5,600), Texas (3,580), Virginia (2,880), Florida (2,540), and Pennsylvania (2,230). The states with the highest annual salary were California ($120,940), Delaware ($104,190), Massachusetts ($103,490), Washington ($101,730), and New Jersey ($99,380).
Since technical writers are highly valued across a wide scope of industries, technical writing programs can be a bridge to many exciting careers. Technical writers work in a number of common industries. Included in these are computer systems design, employment services, and management consulting services, to list a few. Technical consulting services, scientific research, engineering services and architectural services hire technical writers as well. In short, this variability of employment opportunities makes technical writing an interesting profession.
Get Started Today!
In this article we took a tour through the interesting world of technical writing. We’ve discussed the details of this profession, including technical writing certifications and their benefits. At this point, the choice is yours.
This may be the perfect career for you, if you have a passion for learning and the written word. Not only will you thrive in your own personal education, but the world will benefit from your work. In fact, you can help society by creating instruction manuals, tutorials, FAQs, websites and much more. Get Educated has given you a starting point, so get your technical writing certificate online today!