Program Info
Prerequisites
Contact Us:
E-mail the department
Phone: (510) 642-4151
How much work should I expect to do outside of class?
For credit courses, students spend an average of 2-3 hours on outside reading, writing, interview and research assignments for every 1 hour in the classroom.
Where are courses offered?
Most courses are offered in San Franicsco and Berkeley.
Do you offer online learning?
Yes! Currently, we offer Technical Writing X412, a substitute for Technical Communication I X465, and Technical Communication II X466 on the Web. Both of these courses may be used for the Program. See www.unex.berkeley.edu/online/ for further information about UC Berkeley Extension's online learning program.
When and how do I enroll in individual courses?
Please refer to the enrollment information. Note that most Technical Communication courses fill well before the course start date, so you are advised to enroll early.
What backgrounds do instructors have?
Instructors in our program typically have 10 or more years of progressively responsible experience as professional technical writers or editors, and 3 or more years of experience teaching at the college or university level. Most have been employees or contractors with major companies like Sun Microsystems, Oracle, Autodesk, Hewlett Packard and Microsoft. Many also have management experience. Many are current or former officers of the Society for Technical Communication, or have won awards from the STC.
Is it appropriate for me to enroll in a particular course section if the instructor's professional background is not in the industry of most interest to me?
We teach general skills that are applicable for technical writers in all industries. This is particularly true for the Technical Communication I course. Instructors work hard to incorporate examples from a variety of industries, and to allow you scope to do projects that are relevant to the industry of most interest to you. Instructors sometimes also arrange for guest speakers representing a range of industries.
How will completion of the Professional Sequence or Certificate help me to develop a career as a technical communicator?
Our program advisors and instructors are highly experienced, practicing technical communicators who work for some of the Bay Area's top employers. This program emphasizes training in practical skills that new and aspiring technical communicators need to break into positions in the field.
Your career success ultimately depends on your own talent and initiative. If you are newly considering a career change to the field of technical communication, your chances of success will be increased if you begin now to actively network in the field, take advantage of your classes to develop skills and portfolio pieces, and take time to analyze how your prior experience can be combined with newly acquired skills in technical communications.
Are students in this program eligible for discounts on computer hardware or software?
Yes, currently enrolled Extension students are eligible for discounts on selected hardware and software products through: