Scientific & Technical Communication
STC vs. STA...
What are the differences between the STC and STA majors? Though the degree itself takes its name from the larger rubric of "Scientific and Technical Communication," students may choose between two 128-credit streams within the degree.
- the B.A. in Scientific and Technical Arts (STA)
- the B.S. in Scientific and Technical Communication (STC)
STC majors tend to take more math and science courses than STA majors, who take more design and multimedia courses. However, both STA and STC majors have writing and design requirements, providing a strong foundation in design literacies. Both STC and STA majors complete an emphasis area (a series of classes taken in a different field of study designed to increase their awareness of the discourses native to the fields they intend to work in). What students learn in their emphasis area helps them become better, more savvy technical communicators. Increasingly, employers are on the lookout for technical communicators who can show experience in a technical area. STC/STA majors can select emphasis courses from any academic program at Michigan Tech.
Math and Science Requirements for the Two Majors
- STC and STA majors must take at least one Math course above 1000 level
(MA1020 is recommended) - STC and STA majors must take at least one Lab Science course
Other Requirements and Options
- STA majors must take at least one year of a modern language
- STC & STA majors may also declare a minor (Humanities offers Philosophy, Communication, or Journalism)
- STC & STA majors may also seek certificates in Media, Modern Languages, or Writing