Program Overview

Undergraduate Certificate in Science Communication

The Undergraduate Certificate in Science Communication is designed for students who aspire to become science journalists, science educators, public relations specialists, or work in science policy. This certificate provides students with the skills and expertise necessary to succeed in their chosen field.

Program Description

The science communication certificate is a flexible program that can be paired with various majors, including environmental science, journalism, English, political science, and scientific illustration and visualization. Students will develop communication skills essential for collaborating across multiple disciplines and sectors, positioning them as competitive candidates in any industry.

Certificate Requirements

• 12 credits of core courses:
  • JLMC 2600: Media Controversies in Science and Technology (3 credits)
  • PHIL 2060: Introduction to Logic and Scientific Reasoning (3 credits)
  • ENGL 3120: Communicating Science and Public Engagement (3 credits)
  • JLMC 3470: Science Communication (3 credits)
• 9 credits of electives: These credits address Science in Practice, Science and Society, and Communication in Practice. With approval, one of these electives could be an internship or research experience.

Final Portfolio

For the final portfolio, each student selects three public-facing projects completed as part of their course assignments and compiles them into a final e-portfolio with an accompanying reflection component. Public-facing projects are those produced specifically to engage the public, rather than present research at events where the public is invited to attend along with researchers. Students will submit their e-portfolios to the Science Communication Steering Committee.