Professional Technical Communication Certificate

A new career in two semesters

Become a professional writer

Are you looking for a new challenge? The College of Lake County can help you become an effective technical communicator in just two semesters.

In this 20-hour certificate program, you learn the principles of effective written communication and how to produce concise, easily understood and visually engaging technical documents for a variety of audiences. In our project-based courses, you will work with your classmates and community partners to create real-world communication materials, including newsletters, blogs, websites and more! When you graduate, you will have a portfolio of impressive materials you can show off to potential employers.

What can you do with a certificate in Technical Communication?

The certificate in technical communication prepares you to start work or continue your education in communication, media, business, marketing, healthcare or related fields. Work as an information architect, proposal writer, website writer and more! U.S. News & World Report recently ranked technical writing as one of the Best Creative & Media jobs.

Highlights

Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.
Career Certificate

Earn a career certificate in 1 year or less to refine your skills into an in-demand career.
Program Length: 1 Year

Full-time students finish in 1 year.

Career Outlook

Plan, direct, or coordinate advertising policies and programs or produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or giveaways, to create extra interest in the purchase of a product or service for a department, an entire organization, or on an account basis.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $49,668
  
  Median
  
  $103,201
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $240,531
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $23.87
  
  Median
  
  $49.61
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $115.63
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  15.98%
  
  Some college
  
  7.67%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  8.04%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  62.44%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  5.87%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Represent and promote artists, performers, and athletes in dealings with current or prospective employers. May handle contract negotiation and other business matters for clients.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $25,509
  
  Median
  
  $67,294
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $193,965
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $12.26
  
  Median
  
  $32.35
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $93.25
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  39.31%
  
  Some college
  
  2.56%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  41.33%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  16.8%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media. May play and queue music, announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $30,524
  
  Median
  
  $53,002
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $174,316
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $14.67
  
  Median
  
  $25.48
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $83.80
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  16.22%
  
  Certificate
  
  0.68%
  
  Some college
  
  10.14%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  10.1%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  55.04%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  7.82%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $44,643
  
  Median
  
  $80,088
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $139,804
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $21.45
  
  Median
  
  $38.50
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $67.21
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Master's Degree
  
  71.82%
  
  Doctorate
  
  28.17%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $40,171
  
  Median
  
  $71,276
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $127,489
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $19.31
  
  Median
  
  $34.26
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $61.29
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  81.7%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  18.3%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $68,119
  
  Median
  
  $108,688
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $183,228
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $32.75
  
  Median
  
  $52.25
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $88.08
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Some college
  
  11.18%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  77.32%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  11.51%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Research conditions in local, regional, national, or online markets. Gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or plan a marketing or advertising campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution. May employ search marketing tactics, analyze web metrics, and develop recommendations to increase search engine ranking and visibility to target markets.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $45,912
  
  Median
  
  $77,782
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $147,304
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $22.07
  
  Median
  
  $37.39
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $70.81
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  60.87%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  39.13%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.

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Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
CLC 120	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.	2
ENG 120	ENG 120 Introduction to Professional & Technical Composition Class Description Introduction to Professional & Technical Composition is an introductory college level writing course for anyone interested in learning how to develop their professional writing skills for real world applications. Students will learn how to plan, draft, compose, and revise a variety of technical and professional documents common to the workplace. Writing clearly and succinctly for a defined target audience will be emphasized, as well as developing skills in document design and multimodal composition. Projects are based on practical situations within the student’s area of study.	3
DMD 116	DMD 116 Web Design and Development Class Description This course is an introduction to Web page design and creation using industry standard Web design software. Students will learn to use graphics, sound, video, animation, scripts, and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) to enhance Web pages. The course will cover the basic concepts of Web design and color with an emphasis on designing for visual appeal and user-friendly navigation. Students will also gain a fundamental knowledge of HTML/XHTML and the skills to publish and maintain Web sites. NOTE: Recommended DMD 111 or DMD 115 or student must possess basic computer/Internet skills which include creating, saving, and editing files in the Windows or MAC operating systems; performing basic editing (copy/paste); copying files; using folders and subfolders to organize and manage files; downloading files off the Internet; opening Web sites; and using search engines.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	CLC 120
Course Title	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	ENG 120
Course Title	ENG 120 Introduction to Professional & Technical Composition Class Description Introduction to Professional & Technical Composition is an introductory college level writing course for anyone interested in learning how to develop their professional writing skills for real world applications. Students will learn how to plan, draft, compose, and revise a variety of technical and professional documents common to the workplace. Writing clearly and succinctly for a defined target audience will be emphasized, as well as developing skills in document design and multimodal composition. Projects are based on practical situations within the student’s area of study.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	DMD 116
Course Title	DMD 116 Web Design and Development Class Description This course is an introduction to Web page design and creation using industry standard Web design software. Students will learn to use graphics, sound, video, animation, scripts, and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) to enhance Web pages. The course will cover the basic concepts of Web design and color with an emphasis on designing for visual appeal and user-friendly navigation. Students will also gain a fundamental knowledge of HTML/XHTML and the skills to publish and maintain Web sites. NOTE: Recommended DMD 111 or DMD 115 or student must possess basic computer/Internet skills which include creating, saving, and editing files in the Windows or MAC operating systems; performing basic editing (copy/paste); copying files; using folders and subfolders to organize and manage files; downloading files off the Internet; opening Web sites; and using search engines.
Credits	3

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
DMD 125	DMD 125 Printing Production Class Description Printing Production focuses on current procedures that prepare designers and creative thinkers for real world situations in the printing industry. Sending a job to the print vendor can be a mysterious and expensive process of trial and error. Understanding print processes is an essential part of design that can assure a predictable outcome of deliverables. To manage a print job effectively, you must understand how print shops work, how to communicate with them, and how to identify the best design solution for your budget. Topics include print media software, apps and specifications; and various types of presses, substrates, bindings, and/or finishings.	3
ENG 126	ENG 126 Advanced Professional & Technical Composition Class Description Advanced Technical Composition is a transferable advanced technical writing course for anyone interested in refining their professional and workplace writing skills. The course focuses on developing advanced research skills and incorporating multiple sources into research-based projects. Students will learn how technical writers use document design strategies based on rhetorical principles to respond to a variety of communication challenges. Writing concisely, precisely, and clearly for a variety of purposes and audiences will be emphasized. Students are encouraged to develop projects that reflect their professional interests.	3
ENG 266	ENG 266 Professional Communication Class Description Professional Communication is a sophomore-level course designed for students who are interested in furthering their professional and workplace communication skills. Students will develop a mock business related to a field of interest and create communication materials related to that business, such as blog posts, a newsletter, podcast, research-based article, and other workplace communication documents. Students will develop skills in digital media production and effective storytelling techniques for the benefit of businesses and organizations.	3
ENG 113	ENG 113 Technical Communication Practicum Class Description Technical Communication Practicum provides work simulation experience in a variety of writing areas according to the student's major occupational area. The purpose of the course is to allow development and evaluation of writing assignments taken from the student's supervised experiences to on-the-job simulation with the responsibilities of the technical writer.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	DMD 125
Course Title	DMD 125 Printing Production Class Description Printing Production focuses on current procedures that prepare designers and creative thinkers for real world situations in the printing industry. Sending a job to the print vendor can be a mysterious and expensive process of trial and error. Understanding print processes is an essential part of design that can assure a predictable outcome of deliverables. To manage a print job effectively, you must understand how print shops work, how to communicate with them, and how to identify the best design solution for your budget. Topics include print media software, apps and specifications; and various types of presses, substrates, bindings, and/or finishings.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	ENG 126
Course Title	ENG 126 Advanced Professional & Technical Composition Class Description Advanced Technical Composition is a transferable advanced technical writing course for anyone interested in refining their professional and workplace writing skills. The course focuses on developing advanced research skills and incorporating multiple sources into research-based projects. Students will learn how technical writers use document design strategies based on rhetorical principles to respond to a variety of communication challenges. Writing concisely, precisely, and clearly for a variety of purposes and audiences will be emphasized. Students are encouraged to develop projects that reflect their professional interests.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	ENG 266
Course Title	ENG 266 Professional Communication Class Description Professional Communication is a sophomore-level course designed for students who are interested in furthering their professional and workplace communication skills. Students will develop a mock business related to a field of interest and create communication materials related to that business, such as blog posts, a newsletter, podcast, research-based article, and other workplace communication documents. Students will develop skills in digital media production and effective storytelling techniques for the benefit of businesses and organizations.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	ENG 113
Course Title	ENG 113 Technical Communication Practicum Class Description Technical Communication Practicum provides work simulation experience in a variety of writing areas according to the student's major occupational area. The purpose of the course is to allow development and evaluation of writing assignments taken from the student's supervised experiences to on-the-job simulation with the responsibilities of the technical writer.
Credits	3

Total Credit Hours

20

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

Technical Communication at CLC

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This certificate is just one possible way to study communication. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.

View the Technical Communication Program Overview

Frequently asked questions

As a technical communication major, you will learn by actively engaging in “real world” projects used in the workplace today, so when you graduate, you can hit the ground running. Whether you are developing materials to launch a new business, creating clear documentation for a complex process, or designing audience-centered materials for the web, you will gain the skills needed to be successful in nearly every industry. Not to mention — technical writers enjoy a strong job market and high pay!
You're ready to work! You have the essential skills needed to succeed as a technical communicator. You can also continue your education at the College of Lake County and earn your A.A.S. in Technical Communication.
At the College of Lake County, you benefit from:
- Personal interaction with classmates and instructors
- Small class sizes (12:1 student-faculty ratio in the Technical Communication program)
- Instructors with decades of industry experience
- Low-cost tuition
access to more than 30,000 businesses in Lake County, including 12 Fortune 500 companies, for internship and job opportunities
Yes — well, most of them. Every course in this program is offered in an online format, except for our field courses which must be taken in person.
Attend class in the way that works best for your goals:
- Virtual Live: Learn remotely in real-time. Take classes taught live via Zoom.
- Online: Have the flexibility to complete coursework without scheduled meetings while staying actively engaged in a fully online environment.
- In-person: Keep your degree on track with classes that meet face-to-face, providing you with opportunities to interact in person with faculty and peers.

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A new career in two semesters

What can you do with a certificate in Technical Communication?

Highlights

Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Career Certificate

Program Length: 1 Year

Career Outlook

Advertising and Promotions Managers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Communications Teachers, Postsecondary

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Editors

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Fundraising Managers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

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Recommended Pathway

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Semester 1 8 Credits

Semester 2 12 Credits

Total Credit Hours

Technical Communication at CLC

Get the bigger picture

Frequently asked questions

What will I learn?

What can I do with the certificate?

Why should I get my certificate at CLC?

Can I take my classes online?

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Be debt-free at CLC

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