If I had to go through college again, these are the ten majors I would select from – en route to a career as a Technical Writer. As I list each major, I will tell you exactly why I have recommended it. You will notice quite a diverse selection, but, truly, each one contains great subjects that will prepare you well for writing about the big and complex world of software applications.

Computer Science. This is the best major of all because you learn the very essence of computing theory – and will learn about binary code, hexadecimal code, assembly language, top-down programming, object-oriented programming, data structures, and all of the things that go “into” the development and foundation of a sound computer program or system.

Computer Information Systems. This is another great “geeky” type major focusing on computers, with some programming, but this major also focuses on computer system architecture and seeing things from the larger perspective. This is great to help you understand the system design process.

Mathematics. There are many incredible software applications that work with algorithms, so if you are really into mathematics, then get your major in this area and see out companies like Google and Yahoo who devote tremendous efforts to producing and implementing algorithms, which instruct the system how to behave and work with all sorts of information.

Economics. What, economics you say? Yup. Economics is very similar to Mathematics, in that the two ends of Economics are Macro theory and also Micro theory. Computer systems have the macro side (architecture) and the micro side (programming and coding). Conquering economics will invariably help you to be able to work with both ends of the computing spectrum.

Philosophy. This was my major in college I know, you are wondering once again, what does philosophy have to do with technical writing? Well, philosophy majors do a lot of writing. This is very good practice. Also, philosophy majors do alot of work with logic systems and systematic thinking, just like Computer Information Systems majors. I especially loved my Symbolic Logic classes.

English. This may seem to be the most obvious major, here. But let me tell you something – English majors usually end up being great writers, however, their writing is based upon a very general train of thought and not focused on intricate details. So, English major who want to jump into Technical Writing need to take a few classes in computer science, to balance their program.

Accounting. Like Mathematics, Accounting is a hot area in the software market. There are always new and better applications to help people and businesses deal with issues of accounting, especially tax calculation and fiscal reporting.

Finance. Like Accounting, a Finance major will prepare you to understand the larger picture of how money moves and its effects in the economy. A person who likes to write about finance and also tinker with applications and all of their buttons and GUIs will make an excellent Technical Writer for the financial sector.

Business Administration. Most Business majors don’t like to write, but some do. For the ones that do, KUDOS to you – because if you can integrate your business administration skills with your love of software, then you will make an excellent trainer and technical writer. Many people in computer science areas lack solid business sense, and here you will be able to offer a clearer written sense.

Music. Interestingly enough, music is very similar to mathematics, because music studies patterns and expressions of being and motion. This is what software is all about today. So, for the music major who likes to write, you will find quite a few companies which produce multimedia software programs that need writers who understand the creative aspect of the program.

Regards,

Keith