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Advanced Certificate in Technical Writing

(Contact Hours: 150) $1299

Course Description

A Certificate Program that allows students to engage in a robust course of study that they create and that is specific to their individualized learning needs. Students enrolled in this program will be able to choose from over 20 different topic areas specific to Technical Report Writing and work with a seasoned Senior Technical Writing Practitioner/Educator who will serve to help guide and administer the program. Open to new and existing technical writers and those seeking a new career track. No perquisites required. Course can be completed in as little as 3 months.

The Advanced Certificate in Technical Writing is born out of the concept that when given choices, adult learners can best choose for themselves a course of study that is applicable to their needs in the workplace. This program offering allows students to choose from over 20 different topic areas and to propose a course of study that they may engage in under the guidance and direction of a seasoned Senior Technical Writing Practitioner/Educator (Course Administrator; CA).

This Certificate Program uses a comprehensive text as well as an instructional web site to bring together resources, exercises, activities, assignments, quizzes and deliverables that are geared exclusively towards the art and craft of technical writing.

Overview of Instructional Website

• You will have at your disposal an instructional website that provides supplemental information relative to the subject area.
• You can choose from a variety of available assignments, activities, exercises.
• Use the criteria established with the CA to perform specific activities tied to our course of study and final deliverable.
• Use the automated quiz generator to test your skill level through each section of the course.

In short, students enrolled in the course take the following steps after enrollment:

Phase 1

1. Purchase course textbook and have available for start of class.
2. Contact Course Administrator (CA) requesting criteria and information regarding proposed course of study.
3. Student compiles course of study and creates a proposal submitted to CA based on criteria, goals and objectives.
4. Proposal accepted or student asked to modify.
5. Student engages in course of study.

Phase 2

1. Mid-point conference with CA via email or voice conference.
2. Student presents written progress report.
3. Completion date and administrative activities reviewed and acted upon.

Phase 3

1. Completion of program.
2. Student presents final written report on complete course of study to CA.
3. Final Portfolio or project based work submitted for review and grading by CA.

Phase 4

1. Certificate Awarded

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to...

• Display a solid understanding of the concepts utilized in the technical communication field
• Write effective and efficient technical documents specific to content areas of your choosing
• Utilize visual design to enhance your documents and communicate complex data
• Employ architectural and industry standards to documents
• Effectively communicate information to specialized target audiences
• Understand the requirements, organization, and estimation needed for quality management of your documentation projects
• More effectively deal with difficult tasks and time-sensitive projects
• Demonstrate your capabilities in the workplace setting at an advanced level

Assessment

Evaluation of your performance will be based on...

• Self-reports of progress made at halfway point and at the end of the course
• Completed assignments, activities, exercises, readings, reports
• All other deliverables required by course administrator such as a completed portfolio or final project

Grading in the Advanced Certificate Program: A skilled senior level technical writing professional will review your submissions for technical accuracy, utilization of industry standards, and ensure you have achieved an in-depth understanding of the course objectives. In addition, verbal and written reports and scheduled consultations will be evaluated.

Course Information (see above or below lessons, outlines, activities, etc.)

The Advanced Certificate in Technical Writing is delivered so students create a course of study from any of the following 3 concentration areas (see below). A minimum of 1 specific area of concentration must be selected, and within that area of concentration the student must choose a minimum of 3 subject areas. If a student seeks to combine two or three other concentration areas they may do so with the consent of the Course Administrator. Regardless of concentration areas chosen, the student must declare one elective from any of concentration areas listed below and incorporate that into their Certificate Course of Study.

Areas of Concentration

Concentration: Foundations – Emphasizing the Composing Process

Subject Areas

• The Basic Parts of the Composing Process
• Writing for Your Readers
• Achieving a Readable Script
• Writing Ethically
• Writing for International Readers

Concentration: Techniques – Moving Beyond the Basic Concepts

Subject Areas

• Gathering, Evaluating, and Documenting Information
• Designing and Formatting Documents
• Creating and Managing Text
• Developing the Main Elements of Reports
• Creating Tables and Figures

Concentration: Applications – The Emerging Forms of Technical Writing

Subject Areas

• Planning Correspondence and E-Mai;
• Creating Reports for Any Occasion
• Developing Analytical Reports: Recommendation Reports and Feasibility Studies
• Developing Research Reports
• Formulating Instructions, Procedures, and Policies
• Writing Collaboratively
• Preparing Oral Reports

To register or for more information This on-line registration process is for credit card registrations only.
Online	registration
Phone	919.515.2261
Fax*	919.515.7614
E-mail*	ContinuingEducation@ncsu.edu

*Make sure to include your name, address, and what information you are requesting.