Technical communications
Technical communicators turn complex information into clear, usable content that helps businesses and organizations succeed.
Program at a glance
DEGREE TYPE
Associate of Applied Science
PROGRAM FORMAT
In person
LENGTH (FULL TIME)
4 semesters
CAREER COMMUNITY
Program overview
Tell your story. Shape your career.
In this associate degree program, you’ll gain the practical writing, editing, design, and communication skills employers need across industries — from manufacturing and medicine to publishing and technology.
Why Stark State?
- Learn to plan, write, edit, and design professional documents used in real workplaces.
- Apply your skills through a required internship that connects you with industry professionals.
- Build a portfolio that showcases your ability to communicate clearly across media and formats.
- Flexible pathways: certificate options in grant writing and professional writing stack directly into the associate degree.
Plus, pathways exist for university transfer, including bachelor’s degree options in applied communication and related fields.
Program details
This hands-on program teaches you how to:
- Write and revise clear, audience-focused technical documents.
- Edit and design materials using text and visual elements.
- Research user needs and tailor communication to different audiences and settings.
- Use digital tools and media common in today’s professional environments.
A required internship during the program’s final semester will introduce you to technical writing in the workplace.
Careers and outcomes
Graduates with strong communication and critical thinking skills are in demand in many fields.
FAQs
The Technical Communications AAS prepares students for jobs in many industries, including but not limited to publishing, education, media, manufacturing, aviation, and medicine. Specific positions include job titles such as instructional designer, proofreader, editor, technical writer, grant writer, project manager, and social media specialist.
The average pay for technical communicators is $60,000/year.
61-63 credit hours
Yes, classes are offered in-person, online, and hybrid to meet students’ scheduling needs.
Yes, many of the courses are transfer-approved.
The Technical Communications AAS transfer directly into the Kent State University Applied Communication Bachelor’s degree; the AAS also transfers into other various Kent State Communication Bachelor’s degrees.
Stark State College offers multiple ways for students to pursue prior learning credit. Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) can apply to knowledge gained from work experience; training programs and/or certifications; military service; and CLEP, IB, or AP exams.
Most in-person classes are limited to 24-30 students and online courses are limited to 24-27 students per section.
The ENG250 Technical Communications Internship gives students hands-on experience with all components of publishing The Stark Voices student writing and art publication.
Classes are offered in online, hybrid, and in-person modalities, varying by semester/year.
The Writing Center is incredibly helpful for all aspects of the writing process. The Math Learning Center and Science Learning Center both offer tutoring for their respective subjects.
Meet the faculty
Nicole Herrera
Associate Professor, Writing Center Coordinator
Beth Williams
Associate Professor, Department Chair
Related programs
Looking for more career options? Check out these other programs.
Lowest tuition around
Put your money toward your goals – not debt.
Stark State’s tuition costs up to 83% less than other area colleges and universities. Along with financial aid and scholarship opportunities, you gain the most value for your education without sacrificing quality.
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Beth Williams
Department Chair, English
330-494-6170 ext. 4148
Take the next step
Whether you’re just starting out, making your college comeback or looking for a change, you belong at Stark State.