The Writing Program
You will develop the ability to communicate effectively in your academic and professional endeavors.
Why is the Writing Program Important?
Through essential skill work, rigorous practice, use of critical thinking, and engagement in research and collaboration, Montana Tech graduates excel in producing responsible written communication that meets the needs of both their disciplines and society.
Learn More, at a Lower Cost
Textbooks can be costly. Dr. Dawn Atkinson and Professor Stacey Corbitt have authored two textbooks for entry-level and intermediate writing courses that can be accessed and used for free. These books are available to any student on or off campus.
Access a free writing textbook for several entry-level courses.
Access a free writing textbook for several intermediate-level courses.
Faculty are specialized in various areas of writing, including technical communication, composition, creative non-fiction, and research writing.
What is the Writing Program?
The Writing Program serves every student at Montana Tech. Writing skills are required for career readiness and as part of ABET-accredited engineering and technology programs. The Writing Program strives to help students demonstrate the following program outcomes.
Students will be able to apply knowledge of rhetorical situation.
- Performance Indicator for Outcome 1: Students will be able to consider and successfully address audience, purpose, context, and genre when writing.
Students will be able to apply knowledge of document design.
- Performance Indicator for Outcome 2: Students will be able to design documents that are appealing and easy-to-follow/scan.
Students will be able to apply knowledge of composition conventions.
- Performance Indicator for Outcome 3: Students will be able to recognize and prepare writing that is effective, clear, complete, concise, and correct.
Students will be able to apply knowledge of composing processes.
- Performance Indicator for Outcome 4: Students will be able to prepare for, develop, refine, finalize, and reflect on writing.
Students will be able to apply knowledge of critical thinking approaches.
- Performance Indicator for Outcome 5: Students will be able to identify, analyze, evaluate, interpret, and synthesize information.
What Kinds of Jobs Require Writing?
The National Association of Colleges and Employers says all students should be able to understand the importance of and demonstrate competent written, verbal, and non-verbal communication skills.
Explore Writing Classes
All undergraduate students are required to complete one lower-division writing course, either College Writing I or Introduction to Technical Writing. Students pursuing four-year degrees are also required to complete an intermediate-level or upper-division writing course (the specific class may depend on major). The Writing Program offers a variety of courses, including Advanced Technical Writing, Writing in the Sciences, and Technical Editing.
See courses offered by the Writing Program.
Meet the Writing Program team.
Learn more about writing placement requirements for incoming students.
We can answer your questions and help you get started.
Department Head/Associate Professor
406-496-4728