Technical Communication Certificate
Certificate in Japanese Studies for Engineering Majors
Engineering Professional Development Courses
The Technical Communication Certificate (TCC), offered by the Department of Engineering Professional Development (EPD), complements all undergraduate degrees. The TCC curriculum helps students gain a broad range of skills in these areas:
The technical communication certificate has established itself as a program that meets industry and government agencies' demands for students with skills as communicators and for communication specialists. Because employers value well-developed communication skills, TCC courses will enhance success in co-op/intern positions and post-graduation careers. The more than three hundred TCC graduates overwhelmingly confirm not only that the certificate gave them an edge over other candidates during the recruitment process, but also that the communication knowledge, skills, and attitudes they acquired while in the program helped them succeed in their jobs and helped prepare them for the communication and management tasks in today's multifunctional team environments. While the certificate is designed especially for engineering students, students from other fields, as well as graduate students, seek out the program. Students who complete the certificate will have the notation "Technical Communication Certificate" added to their transcripts.
To graduate with the certificate in technical communication, students must complete at least 24 credits, with a minimum of 9 credits in technical proficiency courses and a minimum of 15 credits in technical communication courses. In addition to course requirements, students must achieve a 3.5 average in EPD technical communication courses and complete the program within five years from their application date. Students must meet regularly with the certificate advisor and must compile and submit a portfolio of their work for the internship course. Students cannot count courses completed on a pass/fail basis toward the certificate.
Aside from the relevant courses offered in the TCC, students especially value the close contact with faculty through advising, independent study projects, and collaboration. Students in the program often take on leadership roles in other college or campuswide student organizations and projects, further developing their communication, team, and management skills.
The TCC Program admits students who have already completed the following prerequisites:
To apply, students must have an overall GPA of at least 2.5 and a grade of at least a B in the General Communication Part A course
Minimum of one course each from three areas:
Additional Courses: Independent Study courses in technical communication (EPD 399, 499)
From a list of approved courses.
EPICS courses: Students who take 3 semesters of EPICS courses can count 2 of these credits toward the TCC. Students who take 2 semesters of EPICS courses with a total of at least 3 credits can count 1 credit toward the TCC.
For further information and applications contact the Department of Engineering Professional Development, Room M1050, Engineering Centers Building, 1550 Engineering Drive, Madison, WI 53706; 608/262-2472; fax 608/265-4734; tc@engr.wisc.edu; www.engr.wisc.edu/epd/tc/.
Japanese has become an important language in engineering and in business. In all major industrial fields Japanese technology is regarded as world class. An increasing number of American companies are establishing technical operations in Japan. These companies need engineers who can read and communicate in both English and Japanese. To meet this need, the College of Engineering offers a sequence of courses leading to a Certificate in Japanese Studies. This option is recommended for students who seek a balance among comprehension of technical Japanese, the ability to use Japanese in daily life, and an understanding of Japanese culture.
In order to receive this certificate a student must complete a minimum of 27 credits.
E Asian 103 First Semester Japanese, 6 cr
E Asian 104 Second Semester Japanese, 6 cr
E Asian 203 Third Semester Japanese, 6 cr
Elective in Japanese politics, history, or literature, 3 cr
EPD 374 Intermediate Technical Japanese I, 3 cr
EPD 375 Intermediate Technical Japanese II, 3 cr
For more information contact Professor James L. Davis, Engineering Professional Development, Room M1056D, Engineering Centers Building, 1550 Engineering Drive, Madison, WI 53706; 608-262-4810; jdavis@engr.wisc.edu.