Caution: You should be aware that technical-writing courses are writing-intensive. You will probably write more in your technical-writing course than in any other course you have ever taken. If you are taking a full load of classes, working full time, and juggling unique family obligations, please consider whether this is the right time for you to take technical writing. Consult with your professor about the workload for this class in order to make your decision.

Another key part of the definition of technical communication is the receiver of the information—the audience. Technical communication is the delivery of technical information to readers (or listeners or viewers) in a manner that is adapted to their needs, level of understanding, and background. In fact, this audience element is so important that it is one of the cornerstones of this course: you are challenged to write about technical subjects but in a way that a beginner—a nonspecialist—could understand.

While technical communication is essential in a wide range of fields and occupations, technical writing is also a fully professional field of its own with degree programs, certifications, and—yes!—even theory. It is a good field with a lot of growth and income potential, and an introductory technical writing course is a good way to start if you are interested in a career in this field or will work in a career in which writing is a component.

Technical writing courses build on what you have learned in other writing courses. But there is plenty new to learn!

Technical writing courses introduce you to some of the most important aspects of writing in the worlds of science, technology, and business—in other words, the kind of writing that scientists, nurses, doctors, computer specialists, government officials, engineers, and other such people do as a part of their regular work. The skills learned in technical writing courses can be useful in other fields as well, including education and social sciences.