Testimonials
“This program is one of the best career decisions I have ever made.”
-Tawana
“This course helped me grow as a science writer in ways outside of my comfort zone.”
-Marty
“This program’s structure has been different from the typical course set up. By having one class at a time, I was able to focus on select skills at a steady pace. After the completion of the program, I felt prepared to write in any discipline within science whether for an academic audience or the general public.”
-Shaniece
“I found Science Writing Principles one of the most productive courses that I’ve ever taken during my PhD program.”
-Raziyeh
“I gained transferable skills that will assist me not only with my thesis, but my career as a scientist.”
-Paige
“I learned writing techniques that I honestly wish I knew back in undergrad and even in high school.”
-Makeda
This unique 12-credit graduate certificate program is entirely online and can help advance your career in science communication.
Students interested in Science Communication will have the opportunity to strengthen their skills as writers by taking courses in technical writing, writing for scholarly journals, proposal and grant writing, and writing for the public. As scholars in the healthcare industry, it is important to understand how to write to appeal to different audiences using various forms and styles of writing. At the end of the program, students will be able to strategically plan, craft, edit, and execute their writing to communicate in an engaging, scientifically-informed manner about their research and other health-related topics. Many students interested in this degree program will work in the following fields: technical writing, medical writing, grant writing, medical research, communications, marketing, grants management, program management, and more.
Applications for admission to the fall term are due by July 1
According to the US Department of Labor, employment of technical writers is projected to grow 10% from 2014 to 2024. The knowledge and training you'll receive in the Science Communication Certificate Program will prepare you to jump-start your career in a number of rapidly growing fields, including:
- Scientific Journalism
- Public Information/Affairs
- Research and academic institutions
- Technical and Scientific Writing
- Writing for Scholarly Journals
- Writing Proposals and Grants
Science Communication is a 12-credit, four-course graduate certificate program offered in an asynchronous, 100% online environment. This means that we offer maximum flexibility to meet the needs of working professionals. There are no online meetings or set times when you'll need to log in; just submit your coursework before the posted deadline, and check back in for feedback from your instructors and classmates.
As a student in this program, you will acquire expertise in science communication. Your classmates will most likely be practicing professionals with a health, scientific, or journalism background who are employed or seeking employment in positions requiring this specialization.
Is an Online Course Right for You?
Program Completion Timeline
- All four courses will be offered at least once each year to enable you to complete the program within one year.
- Participants begin the program in the fall and complete it in the spring (courses need to be taken in sequence).
- Although most students complete the program within one year, you will be allowed up to three years to complete the program.
Interested in a Master's Degree? ▾
The Science Communication certificate is a stackable credential that can be applied toward a Master of Science in Health Sciences or a Master of Science in Health and Social Innovation.
The 30-credit MS Health Science program is available entirely online and can be completed by a working professional is as little as 18 months. Upon the successful completion of the certificate, all 12 of the credits are completely transferrable to the MS Health Science program and the GRE requirement is waived. This means that when you finish your certificate, you'll be 18 credits away from a Master's degree! Want to know more about the 18 credits? See the core curriculum
The 36-credit MS Health and Social Innovation program is available as a hybrid degree combining elements of online and in-class learning and can be completed by a working professional in as little as 24 months. Upon the successful completion of the certificate, all 13 of the credits are completely transferrable to the MS Health and Social Innovation program. This means that when you finish your certificate, if you choose you'll be 24 credits away from a Master's degree! Check out the curriculum for the MS in Health and Social Innovation.
If you prefer to complete the Master’s and certificate coursework concurrently, please submit your application for the Master’s program. In this case, the GRE requirement will not be waived.
