The New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) offers a Master of Science in Professional and Technical Communication (MSPTC) through its Department of Humanities and Social Sciences. The master’s degree can be completed entirely online without any required campus visits or in-person residencies. NJIT uses Moodle, a learning management system, for delivery of its online programs. Classes mainly use asynchronous instruction; however, some classes utilize synchronous sessions where students meet in real-time with classmates and instructors using web conferencing software. For students who live near the NJIT campus in Newark, NJ, it is possible to complete some electives on-campus if they wish to take a course that is not offered online.
The Master of Science in Professional and Technical Communication requires 30 credits and can be completed in as little as one year of study. The program uses a research-driven curriculum to prepare students for leadership challenges in a technology-focused economy. Coursework explores major areas of practice in technical and professional communication, including cross-cultural communication, visual aesthetics, social media, and content production.
The curriculum is divided between core classes (5 courses), electives (5 classes) and a final ePortfolio of work students have completed during the program. Core classes include Advanced Professional and Technical Communication; Identity, Technology, and Communication; Communication Theory and Research; Elements of Visual Design; and Advanced Information Design. These courses emphasize the central concepts of theory, design, research and strategic practice in technical and professional communication. Students consider the relationship between technology and communication, discussing how technology influences art, philosophy, social and political issues. In addition, they examine visual communication design theories, including composition techniques and electronic and print publishing practices.
The five-classes of electives allow students to craft a specialized program of study in areas that align with their professional development needs. They can select from an array of courses, such as Proposal Writing, Analyzing Social Networks, Communication and Environmental Problem Solving, Content Management and Information Architecture, Health Communications, Corporate Media and Communication, Theory and Practice of Social Media, Communication in Technology Transfer and Innovation, and more.
The program culminates with an ePortfolio Capstone Seminar. Students develop and maintain their portfolio with guidance and mentorship from a faculty member each semester. During the final semester in the program, students take the course and make an oral presentation of their ePortfolio. Both students’ ePortfolio and their presentation must demonstrate their mastery of core competencies from the program.
The New Jersey Institute of Technology is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Online Master of Science in Professional and Technical Communication
Overview
Department: Department of Humanities and Social Sciences
Websites: Department
and Program
Program Format
Structure: Online program with no required campus visits
Instruction Methods: Program uses asynchronous instruction - students can complete coursework at any time of day
Campus Visits Required: No
Program Length: Program can be completed in ~1 year to 2 years depending on number of courses take per semester (FT = 4 courses per semester; PT = 2 courses per semester)
Start Dates: Fall and Spring admission
Curriculum and Graduation Requirements
Credits Required: 30 credits (10 courses)
Thesis Required: No
Capstone Options: ePortfolio capstone seminar and oral presentation
Example Courses: Advanced Professional and Technical Communication; Identity, Technology, and Communication; Communication Theory and Research; Elements of Visual Design; Advanced Information Design; Professional and Technical Editing; Corporate Media and Communication
Application Requirements
Degree Required: Bachelor's degree
GPA Requirements: Minimum GPA 2.8
Testing Requirements: GRE not required (unless student earned their degree outside the U.S.)
Tuition Costs
Estimated Tuition*: ~$32,190 + fees (in-state); ~$37,440 + fees (out-of-state e-Tuition Program)
Cost per Credit Hour: $1,073 per credit hour (in-state resident); $1,248 per credit hour (out-of-state e-Tuition Program)
State Authorizations: Program accepts students from all 50 states
