Your education could be the reason you get hired or promoted. Therefore, when choosing a Technical Communication program, carefully consider the following :
- What specific skills or software knowledge is required for your current or desired field?
- How will the program help you develop your portfolio?
- What kind of practicum, internship or networking opportunities would benefit you the most?
- Do you meet the program’s prerequisites?
- Do you have the required computer system or software?
- How much time and money can you invest?
The following is a summary of local Technical Communication programs. Follow the links to the school’s website for more information.
| School | BCIT | Douglas College | SFU | VCC | VIU |
| Program | Technical Writing Associate Certificate | Print Futures: Professional Writing Program | Certificate in Technical Communication | Business and Technical Writing Certificate Program | Technical Communication Certificate Program |
| Courses | 11 | 22 | 8 | 9 | 8 |
| Cost per course | $307–562 | $94–564 | $420–540 | $175 | $279–409 |
| Start date | Ongoing | Fall, Winter | August | Ongoing | September |
| Full or part-time | Part-time | Part-time or Full-time | Part-time | Part-time | Part-time |
| Delivery | Online and evening classes at the Vancouver and Burnaby campuses | Classes at the New Westminster campus | Online | Weekend classes at the Vancouver campus | Online |
| Duration | 16–28 months | 16 months | 16 months | 9 months | 24 months |
| Practicum or Internship | 80 hours | 180 hours | 18 hours | None | None |
| Info session | October 2 | September 13 |
The STC Canada West Coast has many resources for students, including information interviews and scholarships. Also, become a STC volunteer to gain experience and network.
Hi there,
We discontinued the Print Futures program at Douglas this year — after 23 years! We now offer a post-degree diploma in professional communication, which is a streamlined version of our curriculum for degree holders. It includes 11 courses, has three intakes (Sept, Jan, May), part-time or full-time, classroom-based at New Westminster, 12 months for completion (or more if you need it), professional experience of 100 hours. The schedule is two evenings a week and Saturday, if you enrol in all courses offered. Our info sessions for the winter term are Oct 4, 18, and Nov 1, 11 a.m., Rm. 1808, New Westminster campus.
Cheers,
Maureen Nicholson
nicholsonm@douglascollege.ca
http://www.douglascollege.ca/procomm
Post-Degree Diploma in Professional Communication