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Undergraduate

What is Scientific and Technical Communication?

Photo: Erika Schulte

According to the Society for Technical Communication (STC), the field is defined as: "all processes by which humans convey meaning about the development and use of technology." Scientific and technical communication involves gathering, analyzing, and distributing scientific and technical information efficiently and accurately for specific audiences.

We offer a Bachelor of Science degree in Scientific and Technical Communication (S&TC) that offers a unique combination of written, oral, digital, and visual communication theory and practice as they apply to interdisciplinary areas of science and technology.  Students will study theories of rhetoric and communication and apply principles of audience analysis, writing and editing, information design, oral communication, and visual rhetoric. They will learn to engage in writing as a process and examine writing within communities of practice.  We also offer an undergraduate minor in Technical Communication.

Undergraduate News

• Diane Feldman Technical Editing SIG Scholarship

  The Technical Editing Special Interest Group (SIG) of the Society for Technical Communication (STC) is offering two scholarships of $1400 each.

  The first scholarship assists students who are pursuing an undergraduate degree in technical communication (or a related area, such as professional writing or digital media) and the second assists students who are pursuing a graduate degree in technical communication (or a related area, such as professional writing or digital media). Students applying for one of these scholarships are expected to be able to demonstrate their focus on topics related to technical editing through their academic studies, current jobs, special projects, or undergraduate/graduate program. The winners will be announced in the Technical Editing SIG newsletter.

  For more information on the scholarship program, please see the STC Technical Editing website: http://www.stc-techedit.org/Scholarship.

  April 18th, 2012

• Mikelonis Award Recipient

  Kristin O'Connor, a junior in the Scientific and Technical Communication major in Writing Studies, has been chosen as this year's recipient of the Victoria Mikelonis Memorial Award. Kristin is interested in technical writing, usability, and editing, and she will be studying abroad next year. This award offers a $200 award every year to an exceptional undergraduate student whose academic pursuits reflect a commitment to scientific and technical communication, rhetorical studies, and/or intercultural communication. (Suggested uses are books and a membership in the STC student chapter.) The award is presented in recognition of Professor Mikelonis's leadership, commitment, and her tremendous contributions to the University of Minnesota with the hope that the student will continue to build on Professor Mikelonis's work.

  Congratulations, Kristin!

  April 25th, 2011