Technical and Scientific Communication: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Technical and Scientific Communication is a dynamic field dedicated to translating complex scientific and technical information into clear, accessible, and effective content for diverse audiences. This program equips learners with the skills to design, produce, and evaluate communication materials across print, digital, and multimedia platforms, ensuring accuracy, usability, and impact.
- Scientific and Technical Writing and Editing: Develops precision in crafting reports, manuals, proposals, and research summaries tailored to both expert and non-expert readers, emphasizing clarity, structure, and compliance with industry standards.
- Graphic and Information Design: Focuses on visual storytelling through layout, typography, icons, and diagrams to enhance comprehension and engagement in technical documentation.
- Web Design for Technical Content: Integrates user-centered design principles with technical accuracy to build intuitive, searchable, and responsive digital platforms for knowledge delivery.
- Audience Analysis: Teaches methods for identifying user needs, expectations, and backgrounds to tailor content strategy and delivery for maximum effectiveness and inclusivity.
- Document Usability and Field Testing: Involves evaluating real-world use of documentation through user testing, feedback loops, and iterative design to ensure functionality and ease of use.
- Publications Management: Covers the full lifecycle of technical content—from planning and production to archiving and version control—within collaborative and regulated environments.
- Applications to Specific Technical Fields: Applies core communication principles to domains such as engineering, health sciences, information technology, environmental science, and advanced manufacturing.
Technical and Scientific Communication Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Technical and Scientific Communication Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Technical and Scientific Communication degrees, including Technical Writers, Communications Teachers, Postsecondary and Editors. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 180,270 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Technical Writers 27-3042 | $91,670 | $54,400 - $130,430 | 55,530 | $44.07 |
| Communications Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1122 | $77,800 | $47,100 - $160,210 | 29,260 | N/A |
| Editors 27-3041 | $75,260 | $36,200 - $140,840 | 95,480 | $36.18 |
Technical and Scientific Communication Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $49,065 in Hawaii to $108,597 in California—a 121% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Connecticut, and New York. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 180,270 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Technical and Scientific Communication by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 28 institutions offering Technical and Scientific Communication programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Technical and Scientific Communication is found at University of North Texas (UNT) (28 graduates), Arizona State University, Digital Immersion (24 graduates), Utah State University (USU) (12 graduates), Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) (11 graduates), and Michigan Technological University (MTU) (11 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 191 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Texas (UNT) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
28 | Denton, Texas | Public | unt.edu |
| Arizona State University |
Master's
|
24 | Scottsdale, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| Utah State University (USU) |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (Research)
|
12 | Logan, Utah | Public | usu.edu |
| Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) |
Bachelor's
|
11 | Worcester, Massachusetts | Private | wpi.edu |
| Michigan Technological University (MTU) |
Bachelor's
|
11 | Houghton, Michigan | Public | mtu.edu |
| Stony Brook University (SBU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
10 | Stony Brook, New York | Public | stonybrook.edu |
| Kennesaw State University (KSU) |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
9 | Kennesaw, Georgia | Public | kennesaw.edu |
| University of California (UCSC) |
Master's
|
8 | Santa Cruz, California | Public | ucsc.edu |
| Northern Arizona University (NAU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
7 | Flagstaff, Arizona | Public | nau.edu |
| Metropolitan State University |
Postbac Cert.
|
7 | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Public | metrostate.edu |
| SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology (SUNY Cobleskill) |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Cobleskill, New York | Public | cobleskill.edu |
| Texas A & M University |
Master's
|
7 | College Station, Texas | Public | tamu.edu |
| University of Arizona |
Postbac Cert.
|
6 | Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
| Mercer University |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Macon, Georgia | Private | mercer.edu |
| Indiana University (IU Indianapolis) |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
5 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | indianapolis.iu.edu |
| Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) |
Postbac Cert.
|
5 | Rolla, Missouri | Public | mst.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison |
Other Award
|
5 | Madison, Wisconsin | Public | wisc.edu |
| Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Denver, Colorado | Public | msudenver.edu |
| Iowa State University (ISU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
4 | Ames, Iowa | Public | iastate.edu |
| University of Alabama (UAB) |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 | Birmingham, Alabama | Public | uab.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Master's
|
2 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| Colorado State University (CSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Fort Collins, Colorado | Public | colostate.edu |
| Ball State University (BSU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Muncie, Indiana | Public | bsu.edu |
| Oregon State University (OSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Corvallis, Oregon | Public | oregonstate.edu |
| Ohio State University |
Other Award
|
1 | Columbus, Ohio | Public | osu.edu |
| Lehigh University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Bethlehem, Pennsylvania | Private | lehigh.edu |
| George Mason University |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Fairfax, Virginia | Public | www2.gmu.edu |
| Washington State University (WSU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Pullman, Washington | Public | wsu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Technical and Scientific Communication programs
How much can I earn with a Technical and Scientific Communication degree?
Salaries for Technical and Scientific Communication graduates vary by role and location. Technical Writers earn a median of $91,670 annually, while Communications Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $77,800. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $108,597 compared to $49,065 in Hawaii. Approximately 180,270 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Technical and Scientific Communication programs?
Currently 28 accredited institutions offer Technical and Scientific Communication degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of North Texas (UNT) (28 graduates), Arizona State University, Digital Immersion (24 graduates), and Utah State University (USU) (12 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Technical and Scientific Communication growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 56 in 2010 to 191 in 2023-24. This represents a 241% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Technical and Scientific Communication degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Technical Writers, Communications Teachers, Postsecondary, and Editors. Related occupations employ approximately 180,270 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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