What is Technical Writing?

Technical Writing is the communication of ideas. The goal of a technical writer is to convey sometimes complex information to a given audience through effective, clear language so that information becomes usable. Technical writing is a staple in global communication and technology application. If you’ve ever read directions to install, assemble, repair or program anything, technical writing helped you do that. It’s how we learn the tricks on our new cell phone or iPod, and it's how companies talk to each other, to themselves, and to their customers. From legal issues to multimedia productions, the need to convey useful information cannot be overstated. By making products safer, easier to use, and more effective, technical writers help us figure it out.

Using a variety of media and techniques, technical writers bridge the gap between experts and users. The jobs that technical writers fill range from web design to rewriting tax codes, and yes, writing all sorts of documentation. Click here for a day-in-the-life of a Technical Writer.

History

Oklahoma State University's Technical Writing Program began in 1977 when the English department hired Dr. Thomas Warren to create the Technical Writing Program.

He expanded it from an internship and a class by adding two graduate classes: one explaining how to teach Technical Writing and one explaining how to write for a scholarly journal.

The degree program Dr. Warren started was called Technical Writing because another department objected to calling it Technical Communications. Between 1978 and 1981, more courses, such as Introduction to Technical Writing, Advanced Technical Writing, and Technical Editing, were added. Also that year, the internship was added as a separate course number.

In 1981, a Technical Writing option was added to the Bachelor's degree. In 1983, the Master's degree program was added. By 1983, the Technical Writing Program had 12 courses and offered an examination area in Technical Writing for PhD students, making the PhD the second oldest doctoral program in Technical Writing in the country.

Projects/Events

Class projects like reports, websites, brochures, memos, field interviews, manuals, tutorials, and résumés expose students to the tools and time demands they will face in the profession. The website you are on now was created as such a project. In this program, students can expect to hear expert speakers and get plenty of hands-on learning.