Technical Communication and Information Architecture (M.S.)
The Master of Science in Technical Communication and Information Architecture will prepare you to structure and deliver information for the best possible user experience across desktop and mobile technologies.
In a world increasingly dependent on technology, organizations are looking for employees with the skills to effectively communicate using a variety of technology platforms. In the Master of Science in Technical Communication and Information Architecture (TCIA) program, you will take courses on enhanced technical communication and develop specialized concepts, skills, and tools for designing, implementing, and managing web applications and digital media.
Students in the program come from a range of backgrounds, including design, English, and library science, providing you with a vibrant community and classroom discussions informed by a variety of perspectives.
Upon completion of the TCIA program, you will be equipped with the expertise for a number of tasks relevant to mid-level and advanced positions in the workplace, including web application design, digital media project management, information architecture, and user experience testing and evaluation.
Program Overview
Learn to structure and deliver information for the best user experience across desktop and mobile technologies. Students take courses on enhanced technical communication and develop specialized concepts, skills, and tools for designing, implementing, and managing web applications and digital media.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the TCIA program have gone onto successful careers in:
- Web design and development
- Quality assurance
- Content strategy
- Social media and marketing
- User experience and interface design
The M.S. in technical communication and information architecture enhances a technical communication core with specialized concepts, skills, and tools for designing, implementing, and managing websites and related digital media.
You must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0.
In addition to an application form, you must submit the following:
- Professional statement discussing your professional and academic preparation and goals.
- Two letters of recommendation from faculty or supervisors who can evaluate your potential for graduate-level work.
- Official transcripts, or certified copies thereof, of all academic work at the college level or above.
- Required test scores.
You are required to submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores with minimum scores of 144 in quantitative reasoning and 153 in verbal reasoning, and an analytical writing score of at least 3.0.
If you are an international student you must submit TOEFL scores unless you are exempt as specified in the "International Applicant Requirements" of the Graduate Bulletin. The minimum TOEFL score is 95, with minimum section scores of 20 each in the Listening, Reading, and Writing sections.
Applicants should contact Nathan Robbins, admissions and recruitment specialist in the Office of Graduate Admissions, with any questions about the application system or assistance uploading required files.
Note: Enrolling in courses does not guarantee later acceptance into a degree program, nor does meeting the minimum admission requirements. If you enter as a non-degree or certificate student you should first discuss your plans with the director of graduate studies.
Featured Faculty
Mohamed El Marzouki
Gregory Pulliam
Carly A. Kocurek
Matt Bauer
"I have always been interested in user experience research, which is why I came to Illinois Tech. My research interest is social media analysis, so most of the time I study Facebook and Twitter. When I learned that I could work at Facebook to conduct research, I was so excited! The training I had at Illinois Tech gave me the skills."
