Technical Communications

Associate in Applied Science
Career Degree
Cost
$10,850* (estimated)

Write clearly, accurately and effectively

Enhance your workplace communication skills

Turn your love of writing into a high-paying, in-demand professional career with an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in technical communication from the College of Lake County. This 2-year degree takes your writing to the next level, equipping you with solid skills in content creation, organization, editing and design for digital and print platforms.

As a technical communicator, you can choose a career path that interests you. Technical communicators work in a variety of workplace settings, including business, healthcare, information technology, environmental science, the creative arts and more!

What can you do with an A.A.S. 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 writer 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 Degree

    Earn an associate degree in 2 years and gain in-demand technical and job-ready skills.

  • Program Length: 2 Years

    Full-time students finish in 2 years.

*Estimated cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours for full-time students for academic year 2025-2026. This includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees, before financial aid, including grants, loans, and scholarships, is applied. Actual cost may vary to include additional fees, materials, and other cost of attendance factors such as living expenses, transportation, etc. Explore many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

Career Outlook

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  • complete the admission process
  • choose an academic program
  • enroll in first-semester classes
  • get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN

Recommended Pathway

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. View degree requirements in the college catalog.

Icon Key

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

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    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
    CMM 128

    CMM 128 Interviewing Practices

    Class Description

    Techniques and skills to improve fluency, accuracy, and persuasiveness in one-to-one communication. Covers all types of interviewing and process of dyadic communication.
         		3
    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
    ANT 228

    ANT 228 Applied Anthropology

    Class Description

    Applied anthropology emphasizes the use of anthropological theories, methods, concepts, techniques, and information to understand and solve real world problems. Specifically, this course explores the relevance of Anthropology to development issues and to address its use in various career fields. Applied anthropology will explore problems affecting local communities both here and abroad that are a result of globalization and cultural change.
         		3
    MTH 140

    MTH 140 Contemporary Mathematics

    Class Description

    This course is to develop competency in analytical reasoning, problem solving, and multi-step decision making as well as exposing students to some current trends in mathematical thought. The emphasis is on mathematical reasoning and the solving of real-life problems involving mathematics. The course covers three or four of the following topics in depth: graph theory, counting techniques and probability, topics in geometry, logic/set theory, linear programming, and game theory. NOTE: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact EMPS division office for details. This course does not meet the math requirement in the Associate of Science and Associate of Engineering Science, but may be used as elective credits.
         		3
    • 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 CMM 128
      Course Title

      CMM 128 Interviewing Practices

      Class Description

      Techniques and skills to improve fluency, accuracy, and persuasiveness in one-to-one communication. Covers all types of interviewing and process of dyadic communication.
      Credits 3
      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 ANT 228
      Course Title

      ANT 228 Applied Anthropology

      Class Description

      Applied anthropology emphasizes the use of anthropological theories, methods, concepts, techniques, and information to understand and solve real world problems. Specifically, this course explores the relevance of Anthropology to development issues and to address its use in various career fields. Applied anthropology will explore problems affecting local communities both here and abroad that are a result of globalization and cultural change.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code MTH 140
      Course Title

      MTH 140 Contemporary Mathematics

      Class Description

      This course is to develop competency in analytical reasoning, problem solving, and multi-step decision making as well as exposing students to some current trends in mathematical thought. The emphasis is on mathematical reasoning and the solving of real-life problems involving mathematics. The course covers three or four of the following topics in depth: graph theory, counting techniques and probability, topics in geometry, logic/set theory, linear programming, and game theory. NOTE: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact EMPS division office for details. This course does not meet the math requirement in the Associate of Science and Associate of Engineering Science, but may be used as elective credits.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

    Course options: Students can choose other Social and Behavioral Science courses instead of ANT 228. Student can also choose other Science or Math courses instead of MTH 140.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights

    Any additional CMM Course

    		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 124

    ENG 124 Newswriting I

    Class Description

    This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of gathering, analyzing, organizing, writing, and editing news for a mass audience reached by different but converging media. Students will be introduced to the techniques of reporting, including direct observation and interviewing as well as the use of online and hard-copy documents. Students also will develop journalistic reporting and writing skills transferable to a variety of platforms, with an emphasis on verifying information as well as writing to meet professional deadlines.
         		3
    DMD 111

    DMD 111 Introduction to Digital Media

    Class Description

    This course will explore the variety of hardware and software now used to produce digital media, from simple audience-oriented presentations to highly interactive applications. Through lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on laboratory experience, we will examine the production techniques, application uses, trends, business and legal concerns, design elements, and the product evaluation standards currently used in the digital media industry. Students will develop the design, storyboards, and prototype for a project.
         		3
    ART 149

    ART 149 Digital Photography I

    Class Description

    This course covers the capture, processing, and output of digital images. Digital camera and scanner input technology, as well as inkjet and electronic media output are explored. Technical instruction in Adobe Photoshop image processing software will also be covered. Note: Additional materials beyond those covered by course or lab fees will be required. See course syllabus for a list of materials and approximate costs.
         		3
    • Course Code
      Course Title

      Any additional CMM Course

      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 124
      Course Title

      ENG 124 Newswriting I

      Class Description

      This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of gathering, analyzing, organizing, writing, and editing news for a mass audience reached by different but converging media. Students will be introduced to the techniques of reporting, including direct observation and interviewing as well as the use of online and hard-copy documents. Students also will develop journalistic reporting and writing skills transferable to a variety of platforms, with an emphasis on verifying information as well as writing to meet professional deadlines.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code DMD 111
      Course Title

      DMD 111 Introduction to Digital Media

      Class Description

      This course will explore the variety of hardware and software now used to produce digital media, from simple audience-oriented presentations to highly interactive applications. Through lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on laboratory experience, we will examine the production techniques, application uses, trends, business and legal concerns, design elements, and the product evaluation standards currently used in the digital media industry. Students will develop the design, storyboards, and prototype for a project.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ART 149
      Course Title

      ART 149 Digital Photography I

      Class Description

      This course covers the capture, processing, and output of digital images. Digital camera and scanner input technology, as well as inkjet and electronic media output are explored. Technical instruction in Adobe Photoshop image processing software will also be covered. Note: Additional materials beyond those covered by course or lab fees will be required. See course syllabus for a list of materials and approximate costs.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    ENG 222

    ENG 222 Introduction to Creative Writing

    Class Description

    This course is designed to introduce students to a variety of approaches, writing techniques and stages of the crafting process in the genres of prose fiction, creative nonfiction and poetry. Students will complete writing exercises in these genres. They will analyze professional prose and poetry. The course emphasizes creative expression and critique of student writing.
         		3
    • Course Code ENG 222
      Course Title

      ENG 222 Introduction to Creative Writing

      Class Description

      This course is designed to introduce students to a variety of approaches, writing techniques and stages of the crafting process in the genres of prose fiction, creative nonfiction and poetry. Students will complete writing exercises in these genres. They will analyze professional prose and poetry. The course emphasizes creative expression and critique of student writing.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    ENG 123

    ENG 123 Mass Communications

    Class Description

    Mass Communications is designed to provide an overview of the history, nature, functions and responsibilities of the mass communications media from a global perspective with an emphasis on their continuous and evolving role in American society. The course introduces students to the different but converging media, the information they transmit, the entertainment they provide, the markets they seek and the audiences they serve. Students will explore the ethical, legal and business considerations that journalists, artists, management and ownership face in American society.
         		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 240

    		3
    DMD 121

    DMD 121 Introduction to Graphic Design

    Class Description

    This is a foundation course that develops a student’s ability to understand graphic design with a focus on print media but applies to interactive media as well. The student is introduced to basic design terminology, principles, theory, tools, and techniques used in today’s digitally produced communications. An emphasis throughout is a solid foundation in organizational skills and research associated with design. This course lays the foundation for more advanced digital design courses. Note: 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 sub folders to organize and manage files; downloading files off the Internet; opening websites; and using search engines
         		3
    DMD 127 Survey of Social Media 3.00
    • Course Code ENG 123
      Course Title

      ENG 123 Mass Communications

      Class Description

      Mass Communications is designed to provide an overview of the history, nature, functions and responsibilities of the mass communications media from a global perspective with an emphasis on their continuous and evolving role in American society. The course introduces students to the different but converging media, the information they transmit, the entertainment they provide, the markets they seek and the audiences they serve. Students will explore the ethical, legal and business considerations that journalists, artists, management and ownership face in American society.
      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
      Course Title

      ENG 240

      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code DMD 121
      Course Title

      DMD 121 Introduction to Graphic Design

      Class Description

      This is a foundation course that develops a student’s ability to understand graphic design with a focus on print media but applies to interactive media as well. The student is introduced to basic design terminology, principles, theory, tools, and techniques used in today’s digitally produced communications. An emphasis throughout is a solid foundation in organizational skills and research associated with design. This course lays the foundation for more advanced digital design courses. Note: 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 sub folders to organize and manage files; downloading files off the Internet; opening websites; and using search engines
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code DMD 127
      Course Title Survey of Social Media
      Credits 3.00
      Course Highlights

    Course options: Students can choose other courses such as BUS 239, DMD 117, DMD 170 or DMD 173 instead of DMD 127.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    ENG 140

    ENG 140 Writing for New Media

    Class Description

    Writing for New Media introduces students to strategies for composing content across a variety of digital media, including websites, blogs, podcasts, social media and/or other new and emerging media. Students will learn the fundamentals of new media writing and will explore how text, images, video, and other forms of media interact with one another to create meaning and shape the reader’s understanding of the text. Through a variety of individual and collaborative assignments, students will learn how to write and organize new media content using an appropriate tone and voice, employ storytelling techniques to effectively engage an audience, and compose content that meets the needs of an organization and its readers.
         		3
    HUM 127

    HUM 127 Critical Thinking

    Class Description

    Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one’s positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.
         		3

    ENG 250

    		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

    ENG 288

    		3
    • Course Code ENG 140
      Course Title

      ENG 140 Writing for New Media

      Class Description

      Writing for New Media introduces students to strategies for composing content across a variety of digital media, including websites, blogs, podcasts, social media and/or other new and emerging media. Students will learn the fundamentals of new media writing and will explore how text, images, video, and other forms of media interact with one another to create meaning and shape the reader’s understanding of the text. Through a variety of individual and collaborative assignments, students will learn how to write and organize new media content using an appropriate tone and voice, employ storytelling techniques to effectively engage an audience, and compose content that meets the needs of an organization and its readers.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HUM 127
      Course Title

      HUM 127 Critical Thinking

      Class Description

      Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one’s positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code
      Course Title

      ENG 250

      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 Highlights
    • Course Code
      Course Title

      ENG 288

      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

    Course options: Students can choose other Humanities courses instead of HUM 127.

Total Credit Hours

62


Female student taking notes in class

Technical Communication at CLC

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