Technical Communication Education Opportunities in the Portland Metro Area

By Rolf Vellek

Whether entering the technical communication field, or seeking to update skills, anyone may benefit from enrolling in a specific training program or courses. For prospective students in the Portland metro area, several available education options are worth considering.

This report summarizes not only the similarities, but also the distinct differences to consider in the offerings of the four major Portland area public education institutions.

The following table provides a summary of findings on the schools researched. Note that reciprocity agreements ensure that residents of Clark County receive in-state tuition rates for Portland area public institutions.

Table 1: Four Local Public Institutions’ Writing Programs

* Apprx. based on Spring ‘03 enrollment; see course catalog for full-time enrollment costs; costs increase annually
** New bordering state surcharge of $10 per credit added in 2003.
*** Fee for 1-8 credits. Costs for resident and non-resident are the same for 1-8 credit hours; beyond 8 credits non-resident costs increase. Surcharges may be implemented in future quarters due to state budget constraints.
**** Equivalent to 26 quarter hours.

The following discussions provide additional insights, comparing the offerings of each school.

Portland Community College (PCC)

PCC’s program has had a relatively strong word-of-mouth reputation, recognized by educators and professionals alike. Unfortunately, the Technical and Professional Writing Certificate program was put on hold in 2003 due to the current education budget constraints in Oregon. The curriculum was a 15-20 credit program, with a combination of interrelated courses in technical documentation, graphic design and editing.

Some courses are still available on an ad-hoc basis or in conjunction with other programs. The Technical Writing I course and Graphic Design courses are still offered, while the Professional Editing course may be offered again next year. The two intermediate technical writing courses may be on hold past that time. Kate Evans, the program manager cites, “I honestly think the program will return, but I can't guarantee when.”

Alternatives at PCC include a popular multimedia program and a solid series of Web development courses. Courses from those programs are excellent alternatives for technical communication students, Evans says.

The courses are offered in the evenings, some via distance learning. However, when classes are offered at only one of the three main branches, travel logistics can easily become an issue, especially for students residing in a non-central location.

Beginning in Fall 2003, the per-credit fee will increase from $45 to $58 per quarter credit hour, also a direct effect of the educational budget crisis.

Portland State University (PSU)

PSU’s English Department and Center For Excellence in Writing sponsors a Minor, offered in conjunction with a declared Major, as well as a Master of Science in Technical and Professional Writing. Targeted at full-time students as well as working professionals, many upper division and graduate offerings are available in the evening. The university offers a convenient central location in downtown Portland.

The programs offer a diverse set of elective offerings with topics such as one page documents, online documentation, and technical communication management.

The Minor in Professional Writing consists of 12 required credits in foundation courses and 16 credits of advisor approved electives. Accreditation is provided only to those enrolled as degree seeking students. However, a non-degree seeker may perform a “quick-enrollment” with PSU and take certain course offerings within the undergraduate and graduate offerings.

The WR410/510 series includes the undergraduate and graduate technical writing courses, respectively. Many of the courses in the series are taught in single sessions, with students registering for either course number, as appropriate.

For the Master of Science in Writing, students typically will complete 16 core credits, 16 elective credits, and 16 credits in a specialization that may involve coursework in another discipline. Graduate students also are required to complete a final project.

Clark College

Clark College, located one mile east of downtown Vancouver, offers an Associate’s program designed as a transfer degree or as a standalone Associate of Arts degree. Compared to the other programs, it is oriented for the scientific/engineering student, with a relative focus on employability in high technology or engineering environments.

The Associate of Arts (AA) in Scientific-Technical Communication consists of a total of 95 required credits, with a minimum of 30 credits taken from Clark College (non-transfer). The curriculum is broad, ranging from physics and chemistry to physical education. The course offering is strong for those seeking an Associate of Arts, or perhaps a transfer degree, for further employment in a technical environment. However, the program may be less desirable for those seeking a concentrated writing program. Department advisor Don Erskine comments, “the science requirements are the tough ones.”

For Bachelor of Arts degree holders, some requirements may be waived based upon previous schoolwork. However, without a technical degree, less may be waived as Clark’s AA degree requirements for the program are heavy in the sciences. For example, a Bachelor of Arts degree holder would need at least 50 additional credits (one year full time) to complete the program. Someone in that situation may be better served seeking either a more succinct certification program or committing that length of time toward a master’s degree.

Washington State University (WSUV)

With a beautiful campus setting North of Vancouver in Clark County’s Salmon Creek area (near the I-5 and I-205 juncture), WSUV’s location is ideal for those residing in southwest Washington or Multnomah County. It is a “transfer” institution, offering only upper division and graduate level courses, and requiring students to obtain freshman and sophomore level courses elsewhere, such as from a community college.

WSUV is on a semester system and the two main sessions, Fall and Spring, begin in August and January, respectively. According to advisor Pamela Smith-Hill, the program has grown significantly in the last two years and core courses are offered during both sessions.

Each student’s work in the Professional Writing Certification Program, consisting entirely of English courses, culminates in a portfolio of writing samples.

Most coursework for the certification can be applied either toward a minor concentration or toward an undergraduate degree. Related undergraduate majors include:

• Bachelor of Arts: Electronic Media and Culture – A newer, progressive humanities program that prepares students for careers in information technology, multimedia, and electronic communications and research.
• Bachelor of Arts: English

Training Alternatives

Those seeking only some very specific training, such as desktop publishing, may consider taking individual technical training courses from a private company, such as Ace Communications, in Beaverton.

Ready To Grab Those Backpacks?

The good news for aspiring writers in the Willamette Valley is that a variety of post-high school education options are available with quality programs at all levels. Whether pursuing individual courses, a professional certification, or a master’s degree, individuals may navigate their own logistic and financial considerations, while pursuing the training program that meets their specific needs.

Additional Information

Portland Community College www.pcc.edu
(Multiple Campus and Center Locations)
503-244-6111

Washington State University, Vancouver Branch www.vancouver.wsu.edu
14204 NE Salmon Creek Avenue
Vancouver, WA 98686-9600
360-546-9779

Portland State University www.pdx.edu
Post Office Box 751
Portland Oregon 97207-0751
(503) 725-3000 voice
(800) 547-8887 outside Portland

Clark College www.clark.edu
1800 E. McLoughlin Blvd
Vancouver, WA 98663-3598
360-992-2000

Ace Communications www.ace1.com/
10550 SW Allen Blvd.
Suite #219
Beaverton, OR 97005

Rolf Vellek recently completed the Certification Program in Technical and Professional Writing, with an emphasis on Web development, at Portland Community College. A former business professional, he has managed a career transition into the field and is currently working as a contract intranet Webmaster. He can be reached at rvellek@comcast.net.