Technical Writing Program at the University of the Incarnate Word

By:

Ceile Clement

Nick Medrano

Lea Padilla

Ashley Rivas

Clinton Thomas

Vanessa Unsell

“The Universe is Yours”

Technical Writing IndustryThe technical writing industry is thriving right now with a 17% growth rate - 3% above averageOne of the fastest growing job markets

Local Statistics

15% growth for technical writers and projects 3,940 technical writers employed in Texas by in 2018Austin and San Antonio listed respectively as relatively popular areas for technical writers

Local Statistics

Regional Competitors

UTSA• Tuition• Ranked 41st for Technical Writing • Graduate and PhD programs

Texas State• Funded Scholarships• Ranked 35th

Texas Tech• Highest Ranking in the state• 5th best writing program• Online degree

National Competitors

Carnegie Mellon• 44th best in the Nation• 1st for Technical Writing• Specifically designed program

Recommendation

Implement as a minor– Low start up cost– Time to distinguish program– Develop demand– Increase in enrollment

Progress towards graduate or certification program

Recommendation Minor program will help increase job

opportunities in a sustainable growing market According to Clinton Lanier’s study, experience

is a key area for a technical writer

State Employment (1) Employment per thousand jobs Location quotient (9) Hourly mean wage Annual mean wage (2)California 5,910 0.42 1.2 $40.57 $84,380Texas 3,420 0.33 0.94 $28.90 $60,110Virginia 2,880 0.81 2.3 $36.69 $76,310Maryland 2,000 0.81 2.29 $33.66 $70,000New York 2,000 0.24 0.67 $32.11 $66,780

States with the highest employment level in this occupation:

Reasoning for Recommendation

A majority of employers are looking for candidates with previous/general technical writing experienceSubject matter experience is also another key

factor that employers are looking forExtensive education is not required in order to get

a technical writing position

Minor Complements Major

By adding a minor program, students will be able to add technical writing minor in addition to their majorThe minor can compliment majors such as English, Business, Nursing, Politics, etc. More jobs can become available to students

Minor Beneficial to English Department

• The English department would benefit from an increase in enrollment by attracting current UIW students from other colleges

• Adding a new degree to offer prospective students

Cost to Implement Minor

• Classes already exist• New curriculum does not need to be created• More class sections may need to be offered

depending upon enrollment• Cost will include:– Adding additional sections– Professors pay, classroom costs, etc.

Texas Tech Minor Curriculum

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Minor Curriculum

UIW Example Minor Requirements

Option 1 Option 2

Detail of the Program

UIW Mission – Follows UIW mission for educational excellence

Goals and objectives– Credentials in the field of technical writing– Minor complements many offered degrees– Low cost – Easy integration as a minor

Benefits of catalogue – Pairing with varying undergraduate degrees– Job opportunities – Extended education

Marketing the Minor Program to Other UIW colleges

• Word of mouth through English core classes by the professor

• Brochures dispersed throughout campus emphasizing benefits of technical writing minor

• Press release in the Word• Lecture- “Technical Writing-What it Can Add

to your Degree”

Marketing the Minor Program to the San Antonio Public

Open lectures to the publicPress releasesCompany involvement-Sponsor a Technical WriterCreate a society of Technical Writing Charter on campus

Closing Statement

Add a statement that ties in presentation together then ask if there are any questions about presentation!!