For many, science communications is a career path that they stumbled upon at some point of their career, while for others, this may have been a decision that they made earlier in their life.
Regardless of your level of education, there are multiple avenues to pursue a degree in science communication. In this blog, we have compiled a full list of programs in the Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia (DMV) area and some more. We hope this guide is helpful in your search process!
Bachelor of Arts in Technical and Scientific Communication at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech): this program prepares students to write while being focused on target audiences in a thoughtful and professional approach. They will explore the complex relationships between writing, rhetorics, technology, and culture through a humanistic lens. The program also teaches them to translate complex information into plain language so that it is accessible to a public audience.
Master of Science in Science Communication at Stony Brook University: this 33-credit, online master’s program teaches students to engage in and advocate for valid, reliable public discourse about science. The program is offered in collaboration with the Alda Center for Communicating Science, a national leader in science communication training and research.
Master of Arts in Science Writing at Johns Hopkins University: this 9-course, online master’s program teaches the reporting and writing skills required to succeed in the diverse ecosystem of science and medical writing. In core classes, students hone reporting techniques such as interviewing scientists and identifying credible sources. Electives such as Subatomic Writing, Principles of Editing, and Literature of Science help students polish their prose and emulate masters of the craft.
Science Communication Graduate Certificate at George Mason University: this 15-credit program is designed for graduate students and professionals with or without a communication background, explores how science communication research informs best practices within diverse, applied settings (and vice-versa). Spanning the intersection of research and practice, graduates strengthen science communication efforts geared toward various audiences and support effective science-related decision making within academic, government, and non-profit sectors, among others.
Science Communication Graduate Certificate at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB): this 12-credit, 9-month, online program provides a robust foundation in science communication, covering various strategies, current research, and examples across multiple platforms and modalities, including social media, journalism, and academic publications. The Science Communication Certificate at UMB program also provides tools to share scientific knowledge in ways that foster dialogue, build trust, and drive informed decision-making across disciplines, sectors, and communities.
Science Communication Specialized Certificate at the University of California, San Diego Extended Studies: this 15-credit, online certificate is designed to provide students with the necessary skills to communicate professionally and effectively about science from a journalistic perspective. Students will focus on understanding how to help an audience of general readers engage with and understand scientific and technical information. Courses are taught by successful science writers and other industry experts who have learned from their years of experience and science writing education.
Lastly, if you’re looking for more programs outside the DMV area, check out this guide by the Open Notebook.
