General Information
Prospective Students
Current Students
- MTPC Requirements
- MTPC Coursework
- Capstone and Portfolio Projects
- The Written Comprehensive Exam
- MTPC Faculty
- MTPC Students
- Graduate Student Handbook
- Graduate Student Planner
- Department Forms
Alumni
Graduate Student Life
Useful Resources
- Society for Technical Communication
- STC Birmingham Chapter
- STC Atlanta Chapter
- STC Huntsville Chapter
- STC Middle Tennessee Chapter
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many students are in the MTPC program?
At present, sixteen students are enrolled in the MTPC program. In general, five to eight students are accepted per year.
2. How long does it take to earn the degree?
Students who enter the program with graduate assistantships usually complete the program in four semesters (two years) without attendance during the summer. Other students typically take from three semesters to three years, depending on their outside commitments to work and family. Graduate students at Auburn are allowed five calendar years to complete a master's degree.
3. What kinds of professional organizations are there for MTPC students?
MTPC students are encouraged to take advantage of student memberships (with reduced rates) in national organizations such as the Society for Technical Communication (STC) and the Project Management Institute (PMI). Depending on the student's career goals, other useful organizations are the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA), the Council of Science Editors (CSE), the Association of Teachers of Technical Writing (ATTW), and the Conference on College Composition and Communication (CCCC). Many of these organizations have regional chapters that sponsor seminars and conferences.
4. Will I be able to attend any conferences or seminars?
The AU Department of English is typically able to provide support for graduate students who give presentations at professional meetings or conferences. This support is capped each year at a specific dollar amount.
Other opportunities to participate include the AU English Graduate Associaton's annual Research Colloquium and other campuswide research forums for graduate students. The AU Women's Studies Program provides travel and conference funding for students who conduct research on women's and gender studies topics.
5. What is the advantage of getting an MTPC over an MA in English?
The MTPC degree is a very useful degree for students preparing for careers as technical writers, editors, or project managers in technical or professional communication and for other students seeking to enhance their credentials as professional communicators. Potential positions go by a variety of titles, such as information developer, proposal writer, manual writer, analyst, web designer, content manager, corporate trainer, and so on. The MTPC degree is also useful degree for anyone who wishes to teach writing courses at a junior or community college level, particularly if he or she also gains experience as a graduate teaching assistant.
The MTPC degree is not a suitable choice for students preparing for careers as teachers of literature or creative writing at any level. It does not prepare a student for admission to a doctoral program in literature or creative writing. It is not the best choice for students who hope to work as literary editors or for academic presses (these jobs are very difficult to obtain). It also is not the best choice for students who wish to pursue doctoral-level study in linguistics or rhetoric and composition, unless the student has a strong secondary interest in technical and professional communication.
More coming soon!