Program Overview

The MATC program (Master of Arts in Technical Communication) was established in 1993. Its primary goal is to prepare students for careers as technical communicators. It also prepares students for further study in a doctoral program.

Purpose of Degree Program

The M.A. in Technical Communication qualifies people for writing, editing, and supervisory positions in industry and for teaching in community colleges or for further graduate study. Specific aims of study include knowledge of the history, theory, research, genres, principles, techniques, and practices of technical communication.

Program Strengths

The Texas Tech University MATC program offers

• the chance to tailor your program to suit your interests.  Electives and minors in other departments allow students to specialize in such areas as management, telecommunications, instructional design, information systems, or marketing as well as to continue graduate work in an undergraduate major such as biology or computer science.
• the option to complete the requirements with a thesis or no thesis; for the thesis, the option to write an "applied" or a "research" thesis
• a well-established program and faculty in technical communication.  An undergraduate specialization was established in 1976. Faculty have written textbooks and articles and hold positions in national professional associations.
• the program featured as the representative M.A. program nationwide.  In the 1997 book from STC on academic programs in technical communication
• a record of student achievement and job placement.  See the technical communication home page for a list of student and alumni awards
• a program "culture" that emphasizes personal attention
• an award-winning chapter of the Society for Technical Communication
• excellent computer facilities and sophisticated use of computers in classes
  Our motto, "Still on the frontier...," reflects our forward-looking approach to technology and innovation (as well as our West Texas location).

Degree Requirements: Onsite MATC

The MATC program at Texas Tech requires 36 hours of graduate work (12 courses). The thesis option allows you to substitute a thesis for 6 of those hours (2 courses). Courses you take to reach 36 hours may be other technical communication courses; other English courses in rhetoric, linguistics, or the "literature, technology, and discourse" specialization; electives in other departments (such as business, instructional technology, communication studies, or mass communication); or a minor. Students may not apply more than four courses from the same external department to the degree in technical communication. The Director of Graduate Studies in Technical Communication will consult with you in the selection of the electives and a minor and must approve them.

Students who choose the thesis option take 2 courses in research methods and 2 courses for the thesis.

Outcomes

Upon completing the MATC curriculum successfully, students should be able to do the following:

• Create effective and user-centered technical documentation justified with relevant theory.
• Analyze and respond appropriately to rhetorical situations and key issues in the field, including the differing goals and agendas of audiences, organizations, and societies.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to the ethical, professional, and cultural issues that face technical communicators.
• Use a variety of appropriate communication technologies and media.

Assessment

Students’ success in meeting the outcomes stated above will be measured through

• semester review by the Director of Graduate Studies in Technical Communication and Rhetoric
• a portfolio of work, presented to a committee of faculty for evaluation in the last semester of MATC coursework.

Last Updated by Joyce Locke Carter, April 21, 2008