<p>Is anybody majoring in this? I read somewhere that if you want to be a technical writer, you don't necessarily have to major in it... just major in something humanities and get lots of science and math classes together... if that's the case... then would it be better to just major in English and take science classes or get certificates?? Why get the bad grades when you can get the easier way out?</p>
<p>I have a friend who's a technical writer. She got her bachelors degree in electrical engineering, decided she didn't want to do electrical engineering, then went back to get her masters in English. I know for sure that her strong background in engineering really made her an amazing candidate for the jobs she was offered, and she's now working full-time, making a salary that's comparable to my own. I'm fairly impressed.</p>
<p>I suppose you could take the "easier" way out, but having proof that you've got a rigorous technical background, rather than having on your transcript that you aced "Rocks for Jocks", for example, would be a more convincing factor to the engineers that would be hiring you.</p>
<p>My technical writing instructor had an environmental engineering degree, so I think a technical background would trump an English major who took a couple of easy science classes.</p>
<p>I've dealt with tech writers a lot. I would strongly prefer to find one with a strong technical background who also happens to have strong writing/grammar skills than I would an English major who may have a weak or non-existent technical background and could also have weak writing/grammar skills (English majors don't necessarily have strong writing/grammar skills). It's much easier to filter through the candidates with a technical background for one who can write than to filter through the candidates with an English background for one who can understand technical details, understand technical writing (it's not like writing a novel), and also has the ability to write.</p>
<p>I'm planning to double major in English and tech writing... I know I should probably major in a more science/engineering major than tech writing, but I'm not sure which science I wanted to get into... I wanted to major in English so that I could have a more diverse degree and have a broader range of jobs if I ever get bored. And tech writing is ... because I like to write, and I also wanted to make money. I guess I just wanted to write and make money... I'm still not positive what to major in...</p>
<p>If there's a particular field you think you'd like better (software, consumer electronics, etc.), then I suggest perhaps getting a minor in the field if possible or at least some focus in that area. If you're not sure what field you'd be more interested in, try some likely ones out by taking some courses. Also, take a look at the fields employers are looking for tech writers in for locales where you're likely to end up living. Software is still a booming field that has a call for tech writers.</p>
<p>You're smart to be practical and consider income. Tech writing can be a pretty good career to have; at least while you're still working on your first novel.:)</p>
<p>How would majoring in tech writing compared to majoring in a certain tech field? </p>
<p>I live close to Microsoft. :D</p>
<p>What are the advantages and disadvantages to majoring in tech writing? Is it not really specialized in one certain tech field or something like that?</p>