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Department of English Language and Literature {College of Liberal & Creative Arts}
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About the Department
Faculty & Staff
Undergraduate Programs
Graduate Programs
Course Descriptions
Advising
Student Resources
Faculty Resources
Contact Us:
Department of English Languages and Literature
Humanities Building, Room 484
General Inquiries:
Phone: (415) 338-2264
E-mail: engdept@sfsu.edu
Graduate Inquiries:
Phone: (415) 338-2660
E-mail: english@sfsu.edu
Directions + Office Hours
Make a Gift
Major in Technical and Professional Writing
Coordinator
Neil Lindeman
Email: lindeman@sfsu.edu
Phone: 415-405-0493
Building: HUM Room Number: 423
Description
Technical and professional writers are in demand to link ideas, technologies and products with people who need to
understand those developments or to use them. San Francisco State University’s TPW program can prepare you for
that critical communications role through major, minor and certificate programs.
Technical and professional writers work in almost every field of industry and public life, including high-technology
industries, business, government and research and nonprofit organizations. These career writers not only write and
edit many types of documents in different media, but they also sometimes manage documentation and
communication projects.
To be best prepared for success in such work, you will need to start with strong writing skills, then learn how to
adapt them for the workplace and for changing technologies and employment needs. You will also need an
intellectual framework for continuing professional growth and responsibility throughout your career.
As a TPW student you will combine TPW courses — which expose you to workplace writing forms, methods and
issues — with interdisciplinary electives that further develop related communications skills and attitudes. You also
can target a potential employment interest: if you are a major, you will choose a specialized concentration (your
subject matter focus); if you earn a minor or certificate, you can use TPW studies to complement your education and
experience in other fields.
After completing the TPW program, you can begin your writing career with important accomplishments and
advantages: an academic degree or certificate in the field, improved and focused skills, an understanding of
professional expectations for writers and a portfolio of relevant writing samples.
Note: Technical and professional writing major, minor and certificate students must earn at least a C or better in all
courses that count towards the degree or certificate.
Requirements/Guidelines
Technical and Professional Writing (B.A.) — 45 units
Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.
Culminating Experience must be completed during one of the semesters of the student’s final (senior) year.
Review the Bulletin for further information.
Related Resources
TPW Textbooks
Here is a list of suggested textbooks for the TPW Program.
Learn more about TPW Textbooks
TPW Internships
Successful internships benefit both students and the companies that sponsor them! Our program provides the
preparation, connections and structure needed to make internships work as they should.
Learn more about TPW Internships
TPW Alumni
The TPW chapter of the SF State Alumni Association is the bridge between the academic and professional worlds.
It’s new. It’s growing and the only thing missing is YOU!
Learn more about TPW Alumni
TPW Advising
There are three times during your progress through our program when you must seek advising.
Learn more about TPW Advising
TPW Instructor Opportunities
SF State is the only college in California that offers a Bachelor’s degree in Technical and Professional Writing.
Learn more about TPW Instructor Opportunities
TPW FAQs
Academic programs vary from place to place and can be confusing. But we’ve got answers to your questions!
Learn more about TPW FAQs
TPW Jobs and Networking
If you're looking for information about workplace writing careers, please take advantage of our job-hunting
suggestions and program library.
Learn more about TPW Jobs and Networking
TPW Scholarships
Review the scholarships available to Technical and Professional Writing students.
Learn more about TPW Scholarships
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San Francisco State University
A California State University Campus
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Department of English Language and Literature
Web Contact: english@sfsu.edu