Michigan Technological University

What you'll study

The curriculum blends core communication theory with hands-on practice in writing, multimedia production, editing and research. Typical modules cover:

• Foundations of Communication – introduction to interpersonal, organisational and mass communication theories and contexts.
• Professional and Technical Writing – clear, audience-focused writing for technical, scientific and business contexts, including document design and editing.
• Journalism and News Writing – reporting techniques, news judgment, ethics, interviewing and digital newsroom workflows.
• Digital Media Production – audio, video and web production skills for storytelling across platforms.
• Media Law and Ethics – legal and ethical responsibilities for communicators, freedom of expression and privacy considerations.
• Research Methods – qualitative and quantitative methods for audience analysis, message testing and program evaluation.
• Strategic Communication and Public Relations – planning, message development and campaign evaluation for organisations and causes.
• Electives and Capstone – topics such as social media strategy, visual communication, technical documentation, or science communication, culminating in a practicum, internship or capstone project.

Students are encouraged to gain applied experience through campus media, internships with regional employers, and collaborative projects with engineering and science departments to communicate complex technical information effectively.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school diploma. Admissions typically consider academic record with emphasis on English and humanities coursework, a personal statement, and examples of written work or a portfolio if available. Typical departments look for a competitive GPA and demonstrated writing ability; some applicants strengthen their application with relevant extracurricular experience, such as student media, volunteering or internships.

International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through approved tests or other institutional measures. Transfer students are evaluated on college transcripts and the transferability of prior coursework. Exact requirements and any optional testing policies should be confirmed with the university admissions office.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of roles in public, private and non‑profit sectors. Common career paths include:

• Technical writer or documentation specialist producing manuals, guides and online help.
• Journalist, reporter or digital news producer in local or specialised media outlets.
• Public relations and communications officer managing media relations, internal communications and campaigns.
• Content strategist, social media manager or digital marketer planning and producing content for web and social platforms.
• UX writer or information architect working with product teams to craft user-centred content.
• Corporate communications or investor relations professional supporting organisational messaging.
• Graduate study or specialised roles in science and health communication, where the ability to translate technical material is valued.

Hands-on coursework, internships and campus partnerships with STEM departments help prepare graduates for roles that bridge technical knowledge and effective communication.

Why study at Michigan Technological University

Michigan Tech combines liberal arts communication training with a strong technical environment, making it a good fit for students who want to communicate complex scientific, engineering or environmental information. The university emphasises experiential learning—students can join campus media, work on interdisciplinary projects, or take industry placements in the Great Lakes region and beyond.

Small class sizes give students direct access to faculty and opportunities for undergraduate research and capstone projects. Facilities and resources support multimedia production and digital publishing, and a campus culture rooted in STEM collaboration creates pathways for communicators to work alongside engineers, scientists and technologists.

Career services and employer relationships help translate academic experience into professional roles, while an emphasis on writing, ethics and applied media skills prepares graduates for a diverse communication job market.