Program eligibility requirements
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with course work relevant to technical communication, professional writing, and/or interaction design.
- In some cases, professional experience may take the place of relevant undergraduate course work.
- Students lacking both relevant undergraduate course work and professional experience may be asked to complete specified courses, either prior to being admitted for graduate work or prior to completing the MSTC degree.
- Cumulative undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale).
- International applicants in the U.S. or abroad, on any type of visa, are required to provide proof of English proficiency
- TOEFL: Minimum 80 Internet based (21 in Writing and 19 in Reading), 550 for the paper-based test, or 213 for the computer-based test.
- IELTS: Minimum 6.5.
- Duolingo English: Minimum overall exam score 105. Official score report comes into the Metropolitan State University dashboard from Duolingo.
Note: Overseas students may complete the degree online without traveling to the United States; they also must meet the admission requirements and present evidence of language proficiency.
Application instructions
Questions?
For questions about applying to Technical Communication MS program, email graduate.studies@metrostate.edu (preferred) or call 651-793-1302.
Deadlines
We process applications on a rolling basis. Incomplete applications will roll forward to the next semester for a total of three semesters, after which you must re-apply if your file is still incomplete.
Application
The application process is online, and we encourage those considering the Technical Communication program to arrange an informational interview with the program director before submitting an application. Please contact the MS in Technical Communication program director at techcomm@metrostate.edu.
Overseas students may complete the degree online without traveling to the United States. In such cases, overseas students must meet the admission criteria and present evidence of language proficiency, as noted above for international students.
A complete application packet consists of the following parts, and all materials must be submitted and fees paid before you can be considered for full admission.
Part One - Provide to Graduate Studies Office
- Complete the Online Graduate Application – You will use your Minnesota State StarID to complete the application. If you don't have a Minnesota State StarID you will create one at the beginning of the application.
- If you do not have or choose not to provide your Social Security number (SSN) please follow the No SSN instructions to activate your StarID.
- If you encounter difficulty with the online application please email graduate.studies@metrostate.edu
- Non-refundable application fee
- Current fee of $20 is waived for graduates of Metropolitan State.
- Official transcripts indicating award of a BA or BS degree from an accredited institution, with at least a 2.75 GPA, with coursework relevant to technical communication. In some cases, relevant professional experience may take the place of relevant undergraduate coursework. Students lacking both relevant undergraduate course work and professional experience may be asked to complete a recommended course of study and reapply for admission at a later date.
- References
- Through the online admission process, submit the names and contact information from former or current employers or teachers. Please do not submit letters from family members.
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- The admissions committee will assess relevant professional experience in addition to appropriate academic preparation.
- Letter of application explaining your interest in the field of technical communication and the Metropolitan State program.
Part Two - Provide to MSTC Program
Feel free to contact the MSTC program director at techcomm@metrostate.edu with questions about the portfolio.
You may upload your portfolio to the application system or submit it directly to the MSTC program. If your portfolio is digital, send an email to techcomm@metrostate.edu and include the link, or attach a pdf.
Portfolio
The portfolio consists of representative samples/excerpts of writing and design work, including papers, reports, brochures, manuals, multimedia, Web pages, and so on, created as part of professional employment or academic study. The portfolio should be no longer than 25 pages total with individual pieces no longer than 3-4 pages. (Please submit excerpts instead of long documents.)
Part Three - International Students Only
In addition to parts one and two, international applicants in the U.S. or abroad, on any type of visa, are required to provide this information for admission to the university.
- Proof of English proficiency (official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score)
- Minimum scores: TOEFL 80 IBT, 213 CBT, 550 PBT, IELTS 6.5, or Duolingo 105-110
- IBT=internet based; CBT=computer based; PBT=paper based
- Financial statement (F1 visa only)
- Immunization records
- Copies of passport, visa, I-94, and international home address and phone numbers