Advance your career with UNT’s online Master of Arts in Professional and Technical Communication. Designed for working professionals, this program equips you with in-demand skills for careers as a technical writer or editor, content strategist, proposal writer, and more.

Courses are delivered in flexible, 8-week asynchronous sessions, allowing you to balance graduate study with your professional and personal commitments.

Our graduates are in demand across virtually every industry and consistently see strong career outcomes. Most secure roles in technical communication within a year of graduation, and many begin working in the field immediately upon completing the program.

The Degree (30 hours)

UNT’s pre-professional Master of Arts in Professional and Technical Communication emphasizes hands-on, practical skills that translate directly to the workplace. The program is designed to prepare you for real-world careers in technical and professional communication.

You will begin with four required courses that build a strong foundation in the core areas of the field, including principles of technical communication, technical editing, document design, and digital literacies. These courses provide the essential knowledge and skills needed for long-term success in technical communication roles.

You will then choose four elective courses tailored to your professional interests, with options such as grants and proposal writing, content strategy, content analysis, entrepreneurial communication, and UX. These electives allow you to specialize and align your coursework with your career goals.

In addition, you will complete a practicum that provides valuable on-the-job experience and helps you build professional connections while applying your skills in a real workplace setting.

Before graduating, you will develop an employer-facing portfolio that showcases your abilities through concrete work samples, giving you a polished, professional way to demonstrate your expertise to potential employers.

Am I eligible for the MA degree?

Applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA on the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework prior to earning a bachelor’s degree, or a 2.8 GPA on all undergraduate work.

Applicants do not need to have an undergraduate degree in professional or technical writing in order to apply for the MA in Professional and Technical Communication. Common undergraduate majors include: English, Education, Communication Studies, Journalism, Biology, Computer Science, and Interdisciplinary Studies.

Applicants whose native language is not English must submit a TOEFL score.

Am I required to take a foreign language?

No. The MA in Professional and Technical Communication does not require foreign language coursework.

Am I required to take the GRE?

No. The MA in Professional and Technical Communication does not require the GRE.

Does the MA qualify for F-1 visa sponsorship?

No. Fully online programs, such as the MA in Professional and Technical Communication, do not meet F-1 visa requirements.

How much does this program cost?

Costs vary depending on factors such as residency status and military benefits. You can estimate your tuition using the university’s cost calculator. Select “Fully online” and “Professional and Technical Communication MA.” Full-time students typically take 9 credit hours per semester, while part-time students take 3 or 6 credit hours.

How do I apply to the MA program?

Use the UNT Grad CAS (Centralized Application System) to submit your application and all supporting materials.

GRE scores and letters of recommendation are not required.

  1. Complete your online application
  2. Request your official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended.
  3. International applications must submit their TOEFL scores.
  4. Write a 500-750 word personal statement in response to one of the following prompts:
    1. Describe a situation where you successfully used technical communication. How do you believe UNT’s MA with a major in professional and technical communication will complement what you already know about the field?
    2. Summarize the most recent article you read about technical communication. Discuss how this article informed your thinking about technical communication and then how UNT’s MA with a major in professional and technical communication will enhance your understanding of the field.
  5. A current vita or resume.
  6. A writing sample or professional portfolio (optional)
When is the application deadline?

We offer rolling admissions with academic start dates in January, March, June, August, and October. Because seats can fill quickly, we encourage applicants to apply early. We recommend submitting your application at least two months before your preferred start date.

What are the classes like?

All TECM classes emphasize practical workplace skills, such as writing documentation, designing for user experience, using generative AI, or building and managing websites. You will work with the tools employers expect, including MadCap Flare, Figma, WordPress, and ChatGPT. Many courses include client-sponsored projects that produce portfolio-ready work.

All graduate classes are taught by award-winning scholars and teachers who are available to meet with students and provide individualized support. Courses are asynchronous. Each week’s lesson is released at the start of the week, and students complete the work on their own schedule, with assignments typically due one week after the lesson is posted.

How do I learn more?

Contact the director of graduate studies at TCgrad@unt.edu to schedule a virtual appointment to learn more.

 

Ready to get started? Contact your advisor now for help getting admitted to UNT, signing up for classes, and more.