Technical Communication Certificate

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Get registration details and learn how to apply.
- Fall classes start Monday, Aug. 17. View Fall semester classes
Campus buildings are closed Fridays and weekends June 8 to July 31, 2026. View summer hours

Advance your career with professional writing and digital communication skills

Develop practical, career-focused communication skills in just two semesters. The Technical Communication certificate from College of Lake County is designed for students who want to upskill, change careers or strengthen their professional writing abilities.

Learn to create clear, audience-centered content though hands-on, project-based work in:

technical and professional writing
editing
content organization
visual communication
digital publishing

Build a portfolio of real-world projects, showcasing effective content for:

print
websites
social media
multimedia platforms

Prepare for content-focused roles across industries

The Technical Communication certificate prepares you for entry-level communication and content-focused roles.

Prepare to work in industries like:

business
healthcare
technology
marketing
nonprofit organizations
media

Pursue specific roles, such as:

technical writer
content creator
proposal writer
website writer
communications specialist
social media coordinator

Get publishing experience

Build real-world writing, publishing and multimedia experience inside and outside the classroom. Craft a professional portfolio by submitting writing and creative work to:

The Chronicle — CLC's award-winning student newspaper
Prairie Voices and Willow Review — CLC’s award-winning literary magazines

Highlights

Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

Explore ways to pay for college (based on need/achievement).
Career Certificate

Gain in-demand technical and job-ready skills by earning a certificate in 1 year or less.
Program Length: 1 Year

Finish in 1 year as a full-time student.
WIOA Program

Become eligible for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)-awarded vouchers.

*Estimated cost is based on the minimum number of credit hours to complete the program. This estimate includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees for the 2026-2027 academic year, 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 opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about the Cost of Attendance.

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
  
  $47,049
  
  Median
  
  $116,953
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $288,088
  
  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
  
  $22.62
  
  Median
  
  $56.22
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $138.50
  
  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
  
  $31,273
  
  Median
  
  $60,007
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $207,514
  
  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
  
  $15.03
  
  Median
  
  $28.84
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $99.76
  
  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
  
  $30,671
  
  Median
  
  $46,928
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $99,953
  
  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
  
  $14.74
  
  Median
  
  $22.56
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $48.04
  
  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
  
  26.83%
  
  Some college
  
  30.3%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  2.5%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  35.18%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  5.19%
  
  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
  
  $43,901
  
  Median
  
  $75,870
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $151,149
  
  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
  
  $21.10
  
  Median
  
  $36.47
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $72.66
  
  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
  
  $40,006
  
  Median
  
  $73,501
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $134,806
  
  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
  
  $19.23
  
  Median
  
  $35.33
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $64.81
  
  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
  
  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
  
  $73,838
  
  Median
  
  $114,297
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $195,602
  
  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
  
  $35.50
  
  Median
  
  $54.95
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $94.04
  
  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
  
  19.65%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  3.93%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  65.49%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  10.93%
  
  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
  
  $45,319
  
  Median
  
  $78,629
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $147,898
  
  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
  
  $21.78
  
  Median
  
  $37.80
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $71.10
  
  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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choose an academic program
enroll in first-semester classes
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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 comprehensive list of course options and degree requirements, see the CLC college catalog.

View program in 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	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	Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
ENG 120	ENG 120 Introduction to Professional & Tech 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	Online/Virtual options available
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	Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
BUS 239	BUS 239 Social Media Marketing Class Description This course provides an introduction to the use of social media marketing within a business context. The course provides an overview of the role of social media in building and managing customer relationships as a component of the larger marketing program. Students will develop the tools to communicate with customers using the major social network platforms and analyze platform specific metrics to measure media effectiveness.AMT 239 and BUS 239 are cross-listed.	3
ENG 234	ENG 234 Storytelling for Digital Platforms Class Description In this course, students will learn the fundamental aspects of creative storytelling for digital platforms and online environments, including character development, narrative arc, and how to incorporate multimedia elements. Students will develop fiction and nonfiction narratives using contemporary tools, techniques, and technologies. Projects will focus on fostering community within online creative writing spaces, and might include scripting for a web series, writing nonlinear narratives, developing a podcast series, or creating digital stories.	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
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	ENG 120
Course Title	ENG 120 Introduction to Professional & Tech 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
Online/Virtual options available

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
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	BUS 239
Course Title	BUS 239 Social Media Marketing Class Description This course provides an introduction to the use of social media marketing within a business context. The course provides an overview of the role of social media in building and managing customer relationships as a component of the larger marketing program. Students will develop the tools to communicate with customers using the major social network platforms and analyze platform specific metrics to measure media effectiveness.AMT 239 and BUS 239 are cross-listed.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	ENG 234
Course Title	ENG 234 Storytelling for Digital Platforms Class Description In this course, students will learn the fundamental aspects of creative storytelling for digital platforms and online environments, including character development, narrative arc, and how to incorporate multimedia elements. Students will develop fiction and nonfiction narratives using contemporary tools, techniques, and technologies. Projects will focus on fostering community within online creative writing spaces, and might include scripting for a web series, writing nonlinear narratives, developing a podcast series, or creating digital stories.
Credits	3

Course options: Students can choose other Digital Media and Design courses instead of DMD 111. Students can also choose other Communication or English courses instead of BUS 239.

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
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	Credit for prior learning available Online/Virtual options available
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	Online/Virtual options available
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	Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
BUS 239	BUS 239 Social Media Marketing Class Description This course provides an introduction to the use of social media marketing within a business context. The course provides an overview of the role of social media in building and managing customer relationships as a component of the larger marketing program. Students will develop the tools to communicate with customers using the major social network platforms and analyze platform specific metrics to measure media effectiveness.AMT 239 and BUS 239 are cross-listed.	3
ENG 250	ENG 250 Editing for Professional Writers Class Description This course provides students with a practical working knowledge of the fundamentals of editing for a target audience. Students will learn and apply best practices for editing, including applying the appropriate style guide, to create clear, concise and well-organized materials in multiple modalities.	3
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	Online/Virtual options available

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
Credit for prior learning available
Online/Virtual options available

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
Online/Virtual options available

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
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	BUS 239
Course Title	BUS 239 Social Media Marketing Class Description This course provides an introduction to the use of social media marketing within a business context. The course provides an overview of the role of social media in building and managing customer relationships as a component of the larger marketing program. Students will develop the tools to communicate with customers using the major social network platforms and analyze platform specific metrics to measure media effectiveness.AMT 239 and BUS 239 are cross-listed.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	ENG 250
Course Title	ENG 250 Editing for Professional Writers Class Description This course provides students with a practical working knowledge of the fundamentals of editing for a target audience. Students will learn and apply best practices for editing, including applying the appropriate style guide, to create clear, concise and well-organized materials in multiple modalities.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
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
Online/Virtual options available

Course options: Students can choose other Digital Media and Design courses instead of DMD 111. Students can also choose other Business, Communication or English courses instead of BUS 239.

Total Credit Hours

32

Meet your instructors

More than 1,000 full-time and part-time faculty teach at CLC. Nearly all of them have a master's degree or more.

CLC faculty teach the same materials you’d learn at a big school. They bring real-world experience into the classroom so you can gain job-ready skills and help you become the very best version of yourself.

Meet our Technical Communication experts

Learn more about faculty at CLC

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Complete the application form to begin your program.

After you apply, a Career and College Navigator (CCN) will reach out to answer your questions, guide your next steps and help you get enrolled. Explore steps to apply at CLC.

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Frequently asked questions

In this program, 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.
Develop strategic skills in:
- technical and professional writing
- editing
- content organization
- visual communication
- digital publishing
Gain skills to be successful in nearly every industry, from developing materials to launch a new business, creating clear documentation for a complex process, or designing audience-centered materials for the web.
These skills are in demand. According to U.S. News & World Report, technical writers enjoy a strong job market and high pay.
No. You’ll learn everything you need to know in a supportive environment. Develop your writing, communication and design skills through guided practice, class discussions and use of digital platforms. Each course builds on the last, helping you steadily grow your skills and confidence.
You'll learn what to expect in your creative career by working on real-world projects. These projects build your portfolio of writing, storytelling and digital communication skills. So does contributing to College of Lake County's award-winning literary magazines and student newspaper:
At CLC, class sizes are small. That means you get personal attention and support from instructors who know you by name as you develop your skills.
The certificate in technical communication is 32 credit hours and takes an average of 1 year to complete when enrolled full-time.
Yes, the Technical Communication Certificate can be completed fully online through a selection of online electives. This gives you the flexibility to fit courses into your busy schedule.
You can also attend some courses in person, which offers unique opportunities to interact one-on-one with faculty and peers.
Develop essential skills to succeed in technical communication. Find this work in fields, including:
- communication
- content creation
- marketing
- social media
- digital publishing
- business
- media
- nonprofit organizations
- healthcare and related fields
Take on specific roles like:
- content writer
- technical writer
- social media coordinator
- communications assistant
- copywriter
- digital content creator
- website writer
You can also continue your education at the College of Lake County to earn your Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Technical Communication.
The cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours. It includes in-district tuition and fees. It does not factor in the cost of books and materials. It does not account for financial aid (grants, loans, scholarships) that you may receive.

View current tuition and fees

Some courses in this program are subject to variable tuition and course fees because they provide specialized experiences, instruction or technology/equipment.

View courses with variable tuition and fees

Many opportunities exist at CLC to get financial aid. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.
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

What students say about CLC

Thais O'Malley
Graduate
“The quality of the program helped prepare me for the real world. I got my job right after graduation. I thanked my teachers because they prepared me so well.”
Thais studied Digital Media and Design at CLC. She now works as a graphic designer and social media specialist for the City of Lake Forest.
Read Thais' story
Za’Tozia Duffie
Transfer student
“I don't think I would have been able to grow academically, or even personally, if it wasn't for CLC.”
Za’Tozia studied communication at CLC. She transferred to Lake Forest College for her bachelor's degree and then to Syracuse University for graduate school.
Read Za’Tozia's story
Kenneth Dantes
Transfer student
"It felt like a community because there were actually those teachers that have time for you."
Kenneth studied literature at CLC, then transferred to Elmhurst University. While at CLC, he worked on film projects in Chicago to gain experience and to network. He now works in Los Angeles as a production assistant for streaming shows.
Read Kenneth's story

Related programs

This certificate is just one possible way to study Technical Communication. Keep exploring your options—degrees, credentials and more.

Career Degree
Technical Communication A.A.S.
Associate in Applied Science

Cost

$10,850* (estimated)
View Details Technical Communication A.A.S.
Career Certificate
Professional Writing Certificate

Cost

$3,500* (estimated)
View Details Professional Writing Certificate
New
Career Certificate
Multimedia Storytelling Certificate

Cost

TBD
- Stackable Certificate
View Details Multimedia Storytelling Certificate

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Register for Fall 2026 classes

Advance your career with professional writing and digital communication skills

Prepare for content-focused roles across industries

Get publishing experience

Highlights

Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

Career Certificate

Program Length: 1 Year

WIOA Program

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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Semester 1 14 Credits

Semester 2 18 Credits

Total Credit Hours

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What students say about CLC

Thais O'Malley

Za’Tozia Duffie

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Related programs

Technical Communication A.A.S.

Professional Writing Certificate

Multimedia Storytelling Certificate

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