Technical Writing Certificate Program
Technical Writers produce instruction manuals and other supporting documents to communicate
complex and technical information for end users, customers and manufacturers.
Grant funding available for the spring 2024 term.
For more information e-mail career_training@middlesex.mass.edu.
MCC's Technical Writing Certificate program provides students with the skills and
tools to clearly and accurately inform users about technical information. In this
(two semester) post graduate, non-credit certificate program, students will learn
how to conduct audience and task analysis, work with subject matter experts, understand
product documents and the product-development cycle, write clear explanations and
procedures, review and revise technical information, manage projects and make content
usable.
Technology Requirement: Solid MS Windows and MS Word skills, and access to a MS Windows
Operating System are required. Program is not MAC compatible. Tools and Technical
skills will be learned in class but it is helpful to have prior HTML or coding background.
Students must have an aptitude for learning new technology.
The certificate program includes 2 semesters/courses: Writing and Managing Information
(fall) and Technology and Tools for the Technical Writer (winter/spring).
This is a non-credit (graded pass or fail) program..
Winter/Spring 2024 Course:
Begins January 25 - May 9, 2024 from 6:30p - 9:30p
Thursday nights, online Live with Zoe Lawson via Zoom
Tuition: $1,545 (Pay Plan Available)
Course Description: In this online survey course, you will learn the introductory
skills needed to author technical content using modern tools. Well-developed writing
skills, solid MS Windows computer skills, and an aptitude for learning new technology
is required. It is helpful for participants to have basic knowledge of HTML or XML
or coding as a pre-req but is not required. Students must have access to a MS Windows
laptop or desktop outside of class. MAC is not compatible. This class is not comprehensive.
There are dozens of tools available, and more are being invented every day. We will
touch on standards and some types of tools. Topics Covered: Overall survey of technical
writing tools, exposure to what makes content usable, single sourcing, topic based
authoring, and content management through GITHUB. Tools and standards introduced:
GIT, HTML, Markdown, DITA, MadCap Flare, MS Word, Oxygen XML Author, Adobe FrameMaker.
Instructor: Zoe Lawson.
Writing and Managing Effective Information
7p - 9p ( Fall 2024 dates TBA)
Tuition: $1,545 plus textbook fee (Pay Plan Available)
Description: Learn how to conduct audience and task analysis, work with subject matter experts,
understand product documents and the product development cycle, write clear explanations
and procedures, and manage writing projects. Well-developed writing skills and solid
MS Windows computer skills are required. Topics Covered: Types of technical content,
audience analysis, task analysis, research skills, learning the product, understanding
the product development cycle, editorial review process and revision, managing projects.
Throughout the semester, you will develop samples of your work cumulating with a final
project (12-15 page user manual).
About the instructor: Charles (Chuck) Murray, with more than 20 years of experience as a technical writer
and teacher, provides students with a solid grounding in technical writing fundamentals.
Chuck's career has been spent recently at Oracle where he creates printed manuals
and help systems and previously at Digital where he was a writer and documentation
supervisor. Chuck has also taught technical writing at Northeastern University and
high school English
How to apply to the program:
The Technical Writing Information Certificate is a non-credit certificate program.
Course is graded pass/fail. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent,
three years' work experience, solid writing skills, and demonstrated aptitude for
understanding and learning technical information. Review of applications will continue
until the program is filled. To apply, please submit:
- Cover letter, resume, and one page writing sample. This should be a descriptive piece (it does not need to be technical) which clearly demonstrates your writing skills. The writing sample may be from school, work, articles written, etc. Creative writing samples not accepted.
- Official transcript of the highest degree program completed. Contact the institution's
registrar office and have them send your transcript directly to Community Education
and Training (address below).
Note: Please do not wait for the college transcript to submit your application. For immediate consideration, please email cover letter, resume, and writing sample to Audrey Nahabedian, Dean of Workforce Development nahabediana@middlesex.mass.edu - Mail college transcript to:
Middlesex Community College
Community Education and Training
591 Springs Road, Bedford MA 01730
Refund Policy:
- 5 or more business days prior to start of course 100%
- Less than 5 business days prior to start of the course and before first class meeting:
50% tuition refund
- After course begins $0
$500 Scholarship Fund for enrolled Technical Writing students. The Judith Tarutz Scholarship.
Students will be invited to apply each year. https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/foundation/scholarships.aspx