Program Overview

MA in Science Writing

The online/low-residency MA in Science Writing program at Johns Hopkins University strives to guide the next generation of writers and editors who will help the public comprehend the increasingly complex issues of science, medicine, and technology that affect their lives. Students in the program develop the craft of translating complicated information about science, medicine, and technology into clear, perceptive prose for a broad audience.

Program Overview

The program recognizes that contemporary science writing involves journalism, communication, multimedia, and the literary arts. A typical student hones journalistic and creative writing techniques to craft enticing, understandable prose for digital or print venues, from magazines and books to social media and websites, for news outlets, companies, research agencies, and universities. Along the way, students acquire communication skills to promote viewpoints and develop expertise to thrive in the digital universe.

Admissions Criteria

In addition to the materials and credentials required for all programs, the Master of Arts in Science Writing program requires:

• Resume
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Statement of Purpose: A statement, up to one page in length, describing personal background and/or life experience that has shaped goals or decisions to pursue a graduate degree at Johns Hopkins.
• Writing samples: 10 to 20 typewritten, double-spaced pages (about 2,500 to 5,000 words), including pieces about science, medicine, or technology. A combination of several shorter pieces rather than a single, lengthy piece is recommended.

Program Requirements

Students in the MA in Science Writing program must complete:

• Three required core courses
• Three customizable core courses
• Three elective courses

Course List

• Core Courses - Required:
  • AS.491.658: Techniques of Science and Medical Writing
  • AS.491.750: Contemporary Science and Medical Writing: Creative and Professional Forms
  • AS.491.802: Thesis and Careers in Science Writing
• Core Courses - Customizable:
  • Select two of the following:
    • AS.491.673: Science and Medical Writing Workshop
    • AS.491.674: Science and Medical Writing Workshop
    • AS.491.675: Science and Medical Writing Workshop
    • AS.491.680: Writing the Tech Story Workshop
    • AS.491.754: Science Narratives Workshop
    • AS.491.755: Science Personal Essay and Memoir Workshop
    • AS.491.757: Science Profiles Workshop: Writing About People
  • Select one of the following:
    • AS.491.691: Science Policy, Funding and Politics
    • AS.491.708: Medicine in Action
    • AS.491.709: Science in Action
    • AS.491.710: In the Field: Science Writing in the Woods, Coasts, & Labs of Mt. Desert Island
    • AS.491.711: Public Health in Action
    • AS.491.712: Discovering Science History in The Athens of the North
    • AS.491.713: Science and Global Conflict
    • AS.491.785: In the Wild: Science Writers Explore Montanas Wilderness and Wildlife Biology
• Electives:
  • Select two of the following:
    • AS.491.696: The Nature of Nature
    • AS.491.697: The Literature of Science
    • AS.491.700: Subatomic Writing
    • AS.491.701: Communicating Climate Change
    • AS.491.702: The Funny Side of Science
    • AS.491.704: Science Writing for Change
    • AS.491.707: Prizewinners: The Best Writing about Science, Technology, Environment & Health
    • AS.491.748: Principles of Editing
    • AS.491.807: Independent Study in Science Writing
    • AS.491.808: Internship in Science Writing
    • AS.490.734: Digital Storytelling and Multimedia Journalism
  • Select one additional course from either the customizable core or the electives
• Optional:
  • AS.491.888: Thesis Continuation

Total Credits

Students must complete a total of 36 credits to fulfill the program requirements.