Undergraduate Advising

The English and Technical Communication (ETC) advising office is here to help students navigate Missouri S&T’s unique program, which blends the humanistic study of English with the principles of technical communication. Our STEM-focused environment equips students with the adaptive thinking and ethical training that today’s job market demands, preparing them for careers in engineering, health care, publishing, government, and beyond.

Advisors provide personalized support in course selection, research opportunities, and client-based projects that offer real-world experience. Students meet with their advisor each semester and can schedule additional appointments through S&T Connect or visit during walk-in hours.

Dr. Sarah Hercula

Assistant Chair for Undergraduate Studies

ETC Academic & Career Resources

This map is designed to guide students through a flexible, career-focused curriculum. By selecting core and supplementary modules, students can tailor their education to match their interests and career goals. With coursework in literature, linguistics, and technical communication, along with hands-on experiences like internships and research projects, students develop adaptable skills for a rapidly evolving job market. The map also highlights key milestones, from career exploration in the first year to graduation preparation in the final year. 

Core Modules

  • Literature: Enhance critical thinking through the study of literature, honing skills essential for professions that demand effective communication within human narratives.
  • Linguistics: Engage with the scientific study of language, exploring structure, usage, and evolution while developing linguistics strategies for various communicative contexts.
  • Technical Communication: Develop skills to ethically and effectively convey complex information, preparing for diverse careers by prioritizing user-focused communication. 

Supplementary Modules

Supplementary modules are three-course sequences added on to core modules to increase specialization and improve career marketability. Some available core modules include: 

  • Marketing management
  • Creative writing
  • Popular genres in literature
  • Workplace communication
  • Game studies
  • Literature of contemporary issues

Choose from more than 25 available options, or create your own in consultation with your advisor!

ETC Major Map

  First Year Second Year Third Year Fourth Year
Take the courses you need

ENGL 1120

ENGL 2002

ENGL 2410

Electives

Core Module 1

Core Module 2

Electives

Core Module 3

Core Module 4

Electives

TCH COM 5620

TCH COM 4410

Electives

Gain relevant experience Explore our major and career options in consultation with your advisor Join a design team or student organization to build your resume and social network Complete an internship or co-op to gain applied professional experience Take the lead on workplace or extracurricular projects relevant to your career goals
Prepare for the future Attend the career fair as an observer to help plan for the future Take note of shortcomings in your resume and plan strategically to gain the kinds of experiences you want Consider applying for the GTP to earn a Master's degree in Technical Communication with just one additional year of study

Apply for graduation 

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Participate in the career fair to jumpstart your job search

Customize your degree with a minor or certificate to gain specialized expertise and expand your career opportunities. Explore your minor choices to find the best fit for your goals, and consult our advisor to ensure a smooth addition.

We also offer a graduate minor and certificate in technical writing. 

Our program offers a foundation in technical communication skills, followed by pathways that meet student interests and goals. Nationwide, media and communication occupations project 104,800 openings per year across roles like writers, content creators, and PR specialists​. Technical writers (a key role in technical communication) are seeing consistent demand: the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 4,500 openings each year between 2024-2034. Median salaries in these fields are strong, with technical writers earning around $91,000 annually​! This indicates healthy career outcomes for graduates in this domain.

Students must complete at least 120 credit hours and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA to earn a Bachelor of Science in English & Technical Communication. These requirements are separate from any credit received for basic ROTC.

4 + 1 Grad Track Pathway

English and technical communication students are encouraged to join a student organization such as Sigma Tau Delta, an honor society for English majors and minors and those interested in English language and literature, or the student chapter of the Society for Technical Communication, which is the only chapter of its kind in the Eastern half of Missouri.

Student Organizations & Publications

Each year, our department publishes Panoply, a newsletter highlighting updates on students, faculty, and alumni.

Editions from 2012 and 2014–2018 were designed by students in ENGL/TCH COM 2540 Layout and Design. Editions from 2021 and 2023 editions were created by students in TCH COM 5540 Advanced Layout and Design. Editions from 2019 and 2020 were designed by staff from the S&T Office of Publications.

Department Newsletter

Additional Resources