Master of Technical and Scientific Communication (MTSC) at Miami University

Technical and scientific communication is a diverse and well-established discipline with many opportunities for graduates. Graduates of the MTSC program work as web designers, usability specialists, documentation developers, multimedia experts, writers, and editors.

The MTSC program at Miami prepares students to work in these jobs and in the settings they choose. Generally, however, technical and scientific communicators work for business, industry, government, and non-profit organizations. Some work as freelancers, while some work for consulting firms that create technical and scientific communications for other organizations.

As technical and scientific communicators, our graduates help specialists in many fields communicate with a variety of audiences, including other specialists, customers, corporate executives, legislators, and the public. To ensure that graduates are well prepared, Miami's program not only educates communicators in the nuances of language and persuasion; it also prepares them to compose and produce communications in digital and print media and to manage the projects of others.

What is Miami’s Master of Technical and Scientific Communication program like?

Miami University offers a graduate degree program leading to the Master of Technical and Scientific Communication (MTSC). The MTSC program emphasizes a problem-solving approach to communicating and managing information on specialized subjects. Its purpose is to prepare students for careers in which they’ll help professionals in scientific, technical, and other fields communicate their knowledge clearly and effectively. This web site describes the MTSC program and provides more information on technical communication.

What are the special features of Miami’s MTSC program?

The MTSC program is practice-oriented, based in theory, and focused on technology. Throughout, the curriculum focuses on professional practice. However, practical communication problems are grounded in theory, especially rhetorical principles. You may prepare your assignments in a technical and scientific computer laboratory, using equipment and software used in the professional world. A semester-long internship is an important component of the program.
The program takes a broad, problem-solving approach. You will study all apects of writing and designing processes, from defining objectives through planning, drafting, testing, revising, producing, and evaluating communications. The strategies the program teaches are applicable to communication problems in a variety of media.
The program prepares you for management responsibilities. In a special seminar, you study strategies for managing publication projects, policies, and departments.
The program’s curriculum is interdisciplinary. The program’s eight required courses are taught in two departments: communication and English. Three required graduate electives may be taken in a variety of fields, depending on your career objectives and content area. The student population also comes from diverse disciplines, such as the environmental sciences, computer technologies, chemistry, English, and medical technology.
The coursework is individualized. You may tailor your course of study to your interests and career objectives. To ensure that each student receives substantial attention from the faculty, Miami admits a maximum of twelve students each year.
The program offers graduate assistantships. Five MTSC teaching assistantships and one computer laboratory assistantship are available on a competitive basis each year. Assitantships and other forms of financial aid are also available throughout the University and through the financial aid office.

Who should apply?

The MTSC program is well suited to anyone with the interest and ability to pursue a career in technical and scientific communication, regardless of undergraduate major. Among the majors that provide good preparation for the program are:

natural and social science, engineering, computer science, and other technical fields
English and other humanities
business
art, journalism, film, and other communication fields.

The MTSC program is open to people who have not studied deeply in science or technology. However, in order to graduate, you must possess a minimum level of technical knowledge appropriate for the career you plan. This knowledge can be achieved in your undergraduate studies or in supplementary undergraduate courses you take here at Miami.

The MTSC program is also well suited to the needs of professional technical and scientific communicators, especially those wishing to expand their career opportunities. Although some MTSC graduates will apply for entry-level positions in the profession, the program aims to help all of its graduates advance rapidly—including those who have started their careers before entering the program. The program also welcomes applications from those changing careers as well as those who would like to pursue post-graduate study in technical and scientific communication.

What are the opportunities for MTSC graduates?

There are numerous job opportunities available for MTSC graduates. Currently, there is substantial demand for people trained at the graduate level to communicate technical, scientific, and other specialized knowledge. The positions held by MTSC students and graduates reflect the many roles for which the program prepares students.

How can I learn more about the MTSC program?

You can learn more about Miami’s MTSC program by browsing this web site, filling out our online information request form, or contacting Jean Lutz, the MTSC Program Director, at mtsc@muohio.edu. You can also go to the how to apply section of this web site to learn how to apply to the Master of Technical and Scientific Communication graduate program at Miami University.