This document provides information about the Professional and Technical Writing (PTW) program at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, including an overview of the program and some key details. It lists PTW classes available and contact information for the program director. It also summarizes that PTW involves communicating technical information through writing, editing, and document/web design and that job prospects for PTW graduates are promising with projected growth and salaries higher than average.

1. Professional and
Technical Writing
Class Offerings
University of Colorado
Colorado Springs
Think you might be interested in pursuing a
PTW degree? Provided below is a short list
of classes that are available for PTW majors
to take. If interested in viewing the complete
degree program, a link is provided at the bot-
tom of the page that details all classes re-
quired for the PTW program at UCCS.
ENGL 2090
Technical Writing/Presentation
ENGL 3080
Advanced Business and Administrative Writ-
ing
ENGL 3130
Web and Document Design
ENGL 2510-2540, ENGL 3530
British Literature
ENGL 2360 & 2370, 3330-3370
American Literature
For more information, visit:
http://uccs.edu/~english/
facebook.com/uccsptw
Contact:
Director, Dr. Alex Ilyasova
Department of English
kilyasova@uccs.edu

2. “Writing with real world
application.”
- PTW Student
A Growing Field
Professional/Technical Writing (PTW) is a
broad field that includes, but is not limited to
 Technical Writing/Authoring
 Technical Editing
 Information/Document/Web Design
 Technical Illustration
 Translation/Localization
 Publication/Content Delivery
The creation, modification, and/or spreading
of professional or technical information is the
simplistic way of looking at what professional/
technical writing is.
Who are Professional/Technical Writers?
PT writers prepare various documents to
communicate information more easily. They
also gather information from users and de-
signers to enhance user experience and un-
derstanding. They often work with subject
matter experts (scientists, engineers, market-
ing specialists, etc.) and in teams to produce
their documents.
Besides needing strong communication skills
(in a variety of mediums), Technical Writers
often utilize :
 Writing
 Graphic/video editing
 Publishing software
These individuals often need to be imagina-
tive/creative and detail oriented for document
design and accuracy of information.
Overview
What is Professional/Technical writing?
What is the PTW program at UCCS?
The PTW Program is intended for those indi-
viduals who wish to pursue writing-related ca-
reers in business and industry, as well as gradu-
ate degrees in writing. The program provides
students with an excellent opportunity to en-
hance their credentials and career marketability.
The mission of the PTW program is to prepare
students to participate critically and ethically in
professional and technical communication posi-
tions upon graduation.
The PTW curriculum combines courses from
technical and professional communication, rhet-
oric and writing, and literature. The Program
aims to gather a diverse skillset in:
 Research (critical thinking, reading, writing)
 Practices and processes
 Knowledge of conventions and genres
 Collaborative learning
 Technological literacy
Manipulation of visual and textual elements
for business or industry is the primary focus.
Jobs
Job outlook is promising for Professional and
Technical Writers. In 2013, there were
47,000 jobs in this field. With a projected
growth rate of 17% -- a total of 7,400 positions
-- through 2020, the growth potential for Pro-
fessional/Technical Writing is faster than
average for all occupations.
Employment
Employers seek employees knowledgeable in
software, computer science, engineering, and
many other professions in technology and the
sciences. Gaining technical knowledge is a
valuable asset to increase competiveness in
gaining employment.
Salary
Salaries for PT writers are higher than the
national average of $51,700 at $67,910. The
lowest 10%, which typically consist of entry-
level positions, was $38,700. The top 10%
earned an average of $101,660 .