Note: The information below is outdated and represents my final project as an MTPW student several years ago. Please see NU's official pages for current information on the Master of Technical and Professional Writing and other graduate programs.
The intensive nine-month Technical Writing Training Program (TWTP) emphasizes a curriculum of Technical Communication and Computer Science to prepare students for software technical writing positions. The program encourages a hands-on approach to the learning process. Students work closely with members of an advisory board that represents area high-tech companies. Some of these companies have included:
This full-time program runs from September through June. Students must earn the graduate certificate in this time frame. Classes meet three evenings per week. Students receive full graduate course credit for all completed courses. These graduate courses can be credited toward the master's degree if a student decides to continue after earning the graduate certificate.
The TWTP is a part-time graduate program open to people in all areas of study. Applicants should have a basic familiarity with computers. Admission is competitive, and is based on:
To apply, send the application to:
Northeastern University
Department of English Graduate Programs
406 Holmes Hall
360 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
Students earn a graduate certificate upon the successful completion of six courses. These six courses consist of three courses in Technical Writing and Editing and three courses in computer science. These courses may change from year to year to reflect the rapid changes in the computer industry. Here is a sample course listing:
Note: These six courses total 21 credit hours.
This course introduces the student in the TWTP to the fundamental concepts
and principles of technical writing. Topics include the definition of
technical writing, audience analysis, organization, clarity, and definitional
techniques. Students edit and revise existing documentation. This course
integrates discussion and sound writing techniques with practice in writing
original documentation.
ENG 3615 Writing for Computer-Related Industries
This course in the TWTP focuses on document preparation and production, and
on the job environment. Students learn how a documentation department is
structured, the phases a document passes through, and how to deal with other
departments such as Research and Development and Marketing. Discussions will
include such topics as communication skills, what to expect from other writers
and managers, and how to excel within a high tech environment.
ENG 3616 Applied Software Writing
Introduces a range of advanced concepts and processes relating to technical
documentation. Topics may include text processing, online help, preparation
of indexes and cross-reference, and documentation bases.
ENG 3617 Computer Hardware and Organization
This course introduces students in the TWTP to computer hardware components
and how they are organized into a computer system. The components include
disks, magnetic tapes, printers, the CPU, and memory. The student will learn
data representation, become acquainted with Assembly Language, and learn how a
computer stores, addresses, and executes instruction. The explanation of
files includes records, fields, and indexed files. Elementary data structures
are introduced.
ENG 3618 Programming in C++
Students in the TWTP will learn structured programming using C++.
Correctness, clarity, and reliability of programs are stressed. Students
receive individual guidance in writing programs, and have access to
Northeastern's computer systems for running programs.
ENG 3619 Interface Design
Examines computer-human interaction, focusing on screen layout, windowing, menu structures, various input/output devices, online documentation, and online help.
28 May 1996
9 August 2001