FAQ'S about the TPW
Advising and Curriculum
| Q:
What if I need to speak to an advisor? |
A: First,
you might want to review the following information. These are the
questions most frequently asked by prospective and current program
participants. If you still have questions or would like to discuss
your individual program, contact Lu Rehling, the TPW Program Director,
to arrange an advising appointment. Phone:
415-338-3988
email: rehlingl@sfsu.edu
|
| Q:
What is "technical and professional writing"? |
A: Technical
and professional writing is a specialized communication field for
writers, who may also work as editors, graphic designers/desktop publishers,
trainers, researchers, and information managers. Technical writers
typically work in engineering, scientific, and financial industries.
Professional writing may involve promotional writing, grantwriting
or other forms of report writing, writing and editing for publications
in specialized disciplines, and writing for training purposes. |
| Q:
What is the TPW Program? |
A: SFSU
is the only college or university in California that offers a Bachelor's
degree in technical and professional writing. In addition to the major
(available since 1991), there is also a minor and a certificate option
(for those who have already completed a bachelor's degree or significant
undergraduate course work). TPW, which started as "Career and Technical
Writing" in 1983, is an independent interdisciplinary program within
the College of Humanities.
See
the program description
for more details on degrees and course offerings.
See the
SFSU home page for more information about the university. |
| Q:
Should I come in for advising before I start taking courses? |
A: It's
a good idea. Otherwise, try to include TPW 400 (Fundamentals of Technical
& Professional Writing) among the classes you take in your first
semester. This course is a good introduction to the field. It is also
a prerequisite for other required courses in the program. |
Q:
How quickly can I complete my
Bachelor's degree
if I attend fulltime? |
A:
Even if you have completed all of your other graduation requirements,
it typically takes a minimum of three semesters to complete the 45-unit
TPW program. |
| Q:
Do I need to own a computer in order to take classes? |
A:
It's possible to take all of your classes for the TPW Program without
owning a computer. However, computer work is required. Labs are available
on campus. Nevertheless, most students find it more convenient to
have their own computers. |
| Q:
What books are used? |
A:
The TPW Program assigns textbooks
(see list) for all courses. Other books and resources are also available
in the TPW Program library. |
| Q:
Can I waive any TPW course prerequisites based on prior experience
or degrees? |
A:
Maybe, but you need advance approval from the TPW Director. Write
a letter to the TPW Director, explaining what in your background you
believe will substitute for the prerequisite(s). Note that waivers
are on a course-by-course basis, so any waiver may not apply to other
TPW courses with the same prerequisite. |
| Q:
Can I waive prerequisites or enrollment limitations for skills electives
courses? |
A:
Maybe. Contact the instructors of the courses. Be sure to explain
that you need the elective for your TPW program. (The TPW Director
can verify your program status.) |
| Q:
Can I challenge any classes that count toward my degree/certificate? |
A:
Yes, if the course offers a challenge option and if
you qualify. Check with the offering program or department to determine
whether a challenge option is available. If it is, then fill out a
Credit by Examination form and obtain the required approvals. |
| Q:
Can I double count courses from another primary major for a secondary
TPW major? |
A:
Yes. If you have two majors you can double-count. However, if you
have a TPW minor and another major, you can only double-count 6 units
of major course work towards your TPW minor. |
| Q:
How do I change my major or minor to TPW? |
A:
Fill out a Change of Major/Minor form and obtain the Program Director's
approval. |
| Q:
How do I choose a subject matter focus? |
A:
Your subject matter focus is restricted either to a recognized communications
or technical-professional specialization or to an approved interdisciplinary
theme with clear career applications. Examples of possible subject
matter focus tracks are described in the program
description. Talk to TPW Director,
to confirm your selection of a subject matter focus. |
| Q:
When should I choose my subject matter focus for the major? |
A:
If possible, you should try to pick a subject matter focus at least
two to three semesters before you plan to graduate, because the courses
you need may have prerequisites or be hard to schedule. |
| Q:
Can I apply transfer or prior degree course work to the degree/certificate? |
A:
Maybe. You may need to have an Advanced Standing Evaluation completed
by the university that shows your credits have been accepted as transfer
work. You also need to propose substitutions and get approval from
the TPW Director. Provide copies of your transcripts and, if possible,
syllabi/course descriptions and sample course projects. Finally, transfer
maximums will apply: minor/certificates: 12 units; majors: check the
Bulletin. |
| Q:
Can I substitute other SFSU course work for skills electives listed? |
A:
Maybe, with approval of the TPW Director. Bring in a current syllabus
for the course you wish to substitute. |
| Q:
Are there scholarships offered specifically for Technical & Professional
Writing students? |
A:
Yes. Check the scholarship
information page. |
| Q:
Who approves my major/minor graduation application? |
A:
The TPW Director signs both as advisor and as department chair. |
Q:
Can I count class in which I received a CR grade or a grade
of C- or lower towards my major,minor, or certificate program?
.
|
A:
No. All courses you want to count towards completion of the TPW major,
minor, or certificate must be completed with a grade of C or better.
A CR grade signifies only a C- or better, so a CR grade cannot count
towards a TPW major, minor, or certificate. Please note that CR/NC
is not a grading option for any TPW-prefix courses.
|
Most recent update: January 31, 2007
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 TPW
Home Page SFSU
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Contact:
Technical & Professional Writing Program Email: tpw@sfsu.edu
Phone: 415-338-7025
Office: HUM 414
|
