This minor will support any student wishing to gain practice and credentials in technical communication (both writing and speaking), including the writing of texts to document processes (e.g., manuals or instructional materials), provide instructions or explanations, or share technical information, as well as grant writing, and technical presentations. This minor is especially appropriate for majors in the natural sciences, social sciences, computer science, healthcare fields, English, mass media, and communication studies. This minor will document to future employers that writing and presentation skills cover a wide range of styles and approaches in the technical arena.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Select and use appropriate processes (e.g. research, brainstorming, collaboration, revision, editing, formatting) to develop texts and presentations about technical information.
• Clearly communicate complex information in a variety of presentation formats and modalities.
• Create technical texts and presentations by successfully utilizing the appropriate syntax, structure, formatting, and presentation based upon the context and audience.

This minor requires a minimum of 15 credit hours, including 6 credit hours in two required classes and 9 credit hours to be taken from approved courses from three different distribution areas (1) oral communication; (2) specialized communication; and (3) application of scientific content. A minimum of 6 hours will be at the upper division level. Students must have a grade of “C” or better in each course. A minimum of six hours used to meet the minor requirements must be earned in residence at Washburn University.  Students may request alternate coursework be accepted toward the minor. Students should make these requests prior to completing coursework.

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Required Courses
EN 208	Professional Writing	3
EN 308	Scientific and Technical Writing	3
Subtotal		6
Oral Communication Courses
Select at least one course from the following:		3
CN 150	Public Speaking
CN 306	Health Communication
CN 341	Persuasive Speaking
CN 353	Environmental Communication
Specialized Communication Courses
Select at least one course from the following:		3
EN 207	Beginning Nonfiction Writing
EN 312	Theories of Persuasive Writing
MM 199	Professional Media Applications
MM 202	Professional Media Writing
MM 321	Advanced Professional Media Applications
MM 403	Advanced Professional Media Writing
PO 374	Topics: Public Administration (Section Name: Grant Writing)
Application of Scientific Content Courses
Select at least one course from the following:		3
EN 103	Academic Reading & Research
EN 177	Science Fiction
HL 377	Critical Issues in Health
PH 214	Medical Ethics
PH 300	General Topics in Philosophy (Section Name: Climate Change Ethics)
PH 327	Philosophy of Science
Total Hours		15