Typical Four-year Outline: Scientific and Technical Communication BA

The typical four-year outline for Michigan Tech's scientific and technical communication's degree provides a semester-by-semester guide to core courses, labs, and requirements.

The Interactive Degree Audit is the official method for tracking the completion of your specific degree requirements. Please be aware that there are multiple ways for students to progress through this major. This is just one sample and adjustments may be required due to curriculum changes. Students should work with their advisor to develop their individual plan. A full list of undergraduate course descriptions is available.

Print Outline

Year One

Year Two

Year Three

Year Four

Grand Total = 120 Credits

* Also counts for Essential Education requirements
** A full list of major elective course options is available on the official degree audit 

Notes: 

The Essential Education minor pathway is an option for any student. Following one of the Essential Ed minors may require some adjustments in the four year plan.

STA majors have many (up to 20) free electives that provide flexibility. Students are encouraged to use these credits to add a minor or coursework outside their major that supports their career goals. Examples of relevant minors include: Media Production, Business, Visual and Performing Arts

Essential Education Requirements (24 total credits)

Required courses are:

• Essential Ed Seminar (UN 1013 or UN 2013, 1 credit),
• Composition (UN 1015-3 credits),
• a Natural and Physical Science course (3 credits),
• a Communication Intensive course (3 credits),
• an Arts and Culture course (3 credits),
• an Intercultural Competency course (3 credits),
• an Essential Education Experience course (3 credits),
• and 3 credits of Activities for Well-being and Success.

For specific courses, reference Essential Education on the Registrar's website.

Additional Notes

• Prerequisite (pre-req) course must be successfully completed PRIOR to taking the subsequent course.
  • Concurrent Prerequisites (concurrent noted by (C) or ©) may be taken at the same time, although it is not necessary if the prerequisite course is completed first.
    • Required Corequisite (co-req) courses that MUST be taken together in the same semester.
    • Class Standing: So (Sophomore Standing earned 30 credits) Jr (Junior Standing earned 60 credits), Sr (Senior Standing earned 90 credits)
    • Semester Offered: Noted under electives with F (Fall), Sp (Spring), Su (Summer) or On Demand (no anticipated offering but may show in the schedule, consult with your advisor)
• Math: Students are placed into an initial math course based on ACT/SAT math score, the online ALEKS assessment, or a math placement exam score for credit (AP, IB, CLEP).
• Transfer, Advanced Placement, or study abroad courses are not included in credit hours used for GPA calculations. Transfer credit is awarded for Michigan Tech equivalent coursework only if a grade of ‘C’ or better (2.00/4.00) or equivalent is earned at a transfer institution. Study abroad credit will be awarded based on passing a course according to equivalent international standards. Advanced Placement credit is awarded according to published AP Exam score standards (also IB and CLEP).

This degree plan is not an official list of degree requirements. Adjustments may be required due to curriculum changes.

For 2025-2026. Revised Summer 2025.