English/Technical and Scientific Communication

The English Department's Bachelor of Arts in Technical and Scientific Communication (BATSC) program is designed to provide you with skills in writing and graphic design for print and interactive media, such as websites, kiosks, and online Help. The program has a range of specialty courses in writing, editing, and design and allows you to specialize in one of three technical areas: computer science, environmental science, or medical/health sciences. The program partners with the Center for Interactive Media Studies (IMS) so students can complement their senior, client-based capstone in the BATSC program with a team-based, interdisciplinary client project in Interactive Media Studies.

Students who complete this program are ideally positioned to take jobs as writers, editors, interactive media specialists, or Web designers in a variety of business or non-profit settings. The program in technical and scientific communication is also excellent preparation for graduate work or law school.

Distinctive features at Miami

The program is selective, and enrollment is limited to 20 new students each year. As a result, classes are small, and you will be able to work closely with faculty and peers. All program faculty are experts in the field and stay current through their research and their work with business and industry.

All classes are conducted in the program's computer classroom, which is equipped with 23 Dell PCs, two laser printers, and a scanner. A wide array of updated software is available, including programs for word processing, desktop publishing, Web design, and animation, and online development of Help systems and portfolios. 

Your program of study

In the first semester or your sophomore year, you'll continue with Miami Plan courses, apply for pre-major status in the program, and take courses in journalism, public speaking, and interactive media. In the second semester of your sophomore year, you might take in the Introduction to Technical Writing and a linguistics course.

As you begin your junior year, you will also begin taking specialty courses in technical and scientific communication: these courses focus on writing, editing, design, and the use of interactive tools to communicate specialized knowledge. Students also have the opportunity to choose a specialty in environmental, computer, or biological sciences for the 18 hours of required professional electives. Also in your junior year, you should apply for major status in the program. The program culminates in a capstone course in which students work as a professional team to prepare documents in cooperation with local community partners or clients. Students may also take the IMS capstone mentioned above.

Student organizations

The Society for Technical Communication is run by master's degree students in the program. Through the chapter activities, you can meet guest speakers and make professional contacts.

Women in Communications and The Society of Professional Journalists both offer a range of opportunities for the aspiring writer. At meetings, guest speakers bring insights into various career choices. Networking with professionals and links to the organizations' job banks provide internship and career possibilities. Group projects give you a chance to develop communication skills and leadership ability.

Careers

A graduate with this major can perform a variety of jobs, including helping scientists prepare journal articles; writing print or online documentation for computer hardware or software developers; preparing company communications for a national organization such as the Environmental Protection Agency or the National Food and Drug Administration; or preparing newsletters, brochures, articles, or reports for different audiences connected with hospitals or environmental firms.

For More Information

For general information about Miami University, please contact:

Office of Admission
301 S. Campus Ave.
Miami University
Oxford, Ohio 45056-3434
513-529-2531 (v/t)
www.muohio.edu/requestinfo

For specific information on the English/Technical and Scientific Communication major, please contact:

Jean Lutz, Program Director
378 Bachelor Hall
Miami University
Oxford, OH 45056
513-529-5282
www.muohio.edu/batsc