Program Overview

Science Communication

Certificate Awarded

Advanced Graduate Certificate in Science Communication

Dean

Laura Lindenfeld, PhD

Graduate Program Director

Brenda Hoffman, PhD

Graduate Program Coordinator

Stefanie Ambrosio-Mullady, MA

Program Description

Designed for graduate students enrolled in STEM and health-sciences programs at Stony Brook University, the 12-credit Advanced Graduate Certificate in Science Communication complements ongoing graduate degree work. Students receive hands-on skills training to combine their deep subject-matter knowledge with evidence-based communication practices, preparing them to engage in audience-centered science communication that is meaningful, relatable, and upholds scientific integrity. Graduates of this certificate will be prepared to share scientific discoveries in ways that resonate with diverse audiences, design targeted messaging that responds to the needs, values, and cultures of an audience, and support diversity and inclusion in their written and verbal communication.

Admission Requirements

• Application Deadlines
  • February 1: Fall Admission
  • September 1: Spring Admission
• Applicant Information
  1. To apply, students must be enrolled in a graduate program at Stony Brook University. Students must enroll in the certificate program no later than the second to last semester in their primary program. Students may not enroll in their final semester.
  2. Before completing the application, students should have completed letters of approval from both their primary program’s director and the certificate program’s director. The application requires that both documents be uploaded with the application.
  3. Students ready to apply can submit their applications on the graduate school’s website.

Certificate Requirements

• Required Courses (6 Credits)
  • COM 565 - Foundations of Science Communication (3 credits)
  • COM 599 - Project Work in Science Communication (3 credits)
• Elective Courses (6 Credits)
  • COM 522 - Communicating Science to Policy Makers (3 credits)
  • COM 534 - Communicating Science Using Digital Media (3 credits)
  • JRN 545 - Mobile Podcasting (3 credits)
  • COM 550 - Climate Communication (3 credits)
  • COM 575 - Special Topics in Science Communication (3 credits)
  • COM 583 - Principles of Inclusive Engagement (3 credits)
  • COM 585 - Communicating Science and Health Risks to the Public (3 credits)
  • COM 605 - Environmental Communication (3 credits)

Notes

Certificate students may complete select COM and JRN courses not listed here for elective credit, with departmental approval.