Scientific and Technical Communication (STC) prepares students to become versatile communicators who make scientific, technical, and practical knowledge accessible to a wide range of audiences in a variety of media. In our challenging and complex communicative-rich times, technical communicators manage communication processes—develop and streamline document content and design within organizations. Students have opportunities to blend theoretical perspectives, complex research questions, and hands-on experience as they engage in this dynamic field.
"STC at Michigan Tech builds the perfect bridge between those who do science and those who use it. I participated in a grant project sponsored by the National Science Foundation, which allowed me to travel with a group of student researchers to the National University of Singapore. I spent three weeks helping them learn to use social media as a powerful science communication tool."
Program Information
Students gain foundational concepts and skills that prepare them for advanced work in STC concentrations. See the Michigan Tech undergraduate course catalog for additional information on these and all other undergraduate humanities courses.
Major Core Courses
- Introduction to the Field of Scientific and Technical Communication
- Introduction to Digital Media
- Graphic and Information Design
- Public Speaking and Multimedia
- Professional Development
- Technical and Professional Communication
- Grammar and Usage in Society (or) Editing
- International Technical Communication
- Usability and Instructions Writing
- Advanced Practicum in STC
Other Requirements
- Major Electives: 24-47 credits Science Writing or Business Communication or Digital Rhetorics and Design or Writing
- Modern Languages requirement: 6 credits
- Free Electives: 5-20 credits
- General Education Courses: 39 credits
For specific information about degree requirements, please contact Humanities Undergraduate Advisor, Maria Bergstrom.
Add Value
Humanities majors can add additional value to their degrees through minors, internships and co-ops, Enterprise teams, and professional development opportunities.
Students also have the opportunity to enrich their studies in the major by participating in a variety of study abroad programs.
Professional Development
STC provides ongoing professional development opportunities for students including:
- co-ops and internships with domestic and international organizations and businesses
- scholarships to students attending national conferences and summits. Contact the STC Advisor or STC Program Director to learn more.
- an “STC Speaker Series,” connecting current students with alums through presentations about professional opportunities
- social and informational meetings with STC Advisory Board members and students
- portfolio, resumé, and interview workshops. Contact the Humanities Undergraduate Advisor to find out when the next workshop will be
- Michigan Tech student chapter of the Society for Technical Communication
Get Hired
#1
US News and World Report, 2019
Scientific and Technical Communication professionals are in high demand. Recent graduates work in engineering, research, government, business, marketing, public relations, journalism, and media development.
STC Advisory Board
The Scientific and Technical Communication (STC) Advisory Board is a select group of working professionals, crucial partners in the STC Program's commitment to reciprocity with the workplace. Comprised of writers, designers, digital media and video specialists, and engineers, some of whom are graduates of the Program, board members offer advice and consult with the STC steering committee throughout the year. The Program also hosts an annual, one-day, campus visit for members during which they talk with STC student groups, view student work and Senior Portfolio Presentations, observe classes, review curricular goals, meet with the Department chair, and consult with the STC steering committee.