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Graduate: Communicating Science

  • Program Overview

    Program Description

    Designed for graduate students enrolled in STEM and health-science programs at Stony Brook University, the Advanced Graduate Certificate in Communicating Science empowers experts to combine their deep subject-matter knowledge with evidence-based communication practices to foster clear, empathic, and effective science communication. Students will learn to:

    • Share scientific discoveries in ways that resonate with diverse audiences
    • Design audience-centered messaging for specific face-to-face and mediated platforms
    • Support diversity and inclusion in their communication

    This 12-credit certificate program complements ongoing graduate degree work at Stony Brook University. A hybrid in-person/online foundational course offers students the opportunity to engage with fellow students and faculty to build an enriching, connected, online learning experience. The remainder of the courses are offered fully online.

    The Advanced Graduate Certificate in Communicating Science is offered in collaboration with the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science, one of the nation’s leading science communication training and research organizations in the country. As a certificate student, you will work with an interdisciplinary team of faculty scholars and practitioners to explore the science behind effective communication, and hone your own communication skills with hands-on experiences.

    Student Learning Outcomes

    1. Develop an understanding of the history, context, and key concepts of science communication research and theory
    2. Craft a message that responds to the needs, values, and cultures of an audience
    3. Use a combination of preparation and spontaneity to connect with audiences
    4. Communicate vividly and expressively about science
    5. Work competently and collaboratively with people of varied backgrounds and interests to expand scientific literacy
    6. Critically evaluate science communication
    7. Apply the skills learned to a real-world context

    Advanced Graduate Certificate in Communicating Science

    Dean, School of Communication and Journalism

    Laura Lindenfeld, PhD

    Graduate Program Director

    Brenda Hoffman , PhD

    Graduate Program Coordinator

    Stefanie Ambrosio-Mullady, MA

    For questions related to applications and course registration, email SOCJ_grad@stonybrook.edu

    Website

    https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/journalism/academics/agc-scicomm.php

    Science is more than data, and sharing it is more than reciting information. Start your scientific career ready to engage others, and prepared to inspire trust in your role as a scientist and in the impact of your work.

     

  • Admissions
     

    Admission Requirements to the Program

    The Advanced Graduate Certificate in Communicating Science (12 credits) complements ongoing graduate degree work at Stony Brook University. To apply you must be enrolled in a graduate program at Stony Brook University.

    1. A personal statement (300-500 words) - In a short essay, applicants should describe why science communication is important to the work they do, their reasons for applying to the AGC in Communicating Science Science, and how they feel as though this certificate would advance their future career goals.
    2. Permission to Enroll in a Secondary Certificate Form: Before completing the application you must have your Permission to Enroll in a Secondary Certificate Program Form completed, and ready to upload with your application. Download the form at: https://bit.ly/3jsC7zd

    Current SBU students apply through this link. The Graduate Program Director will review these applications on a rolling basis.

  • Degree Requirements
     

    Degree Requirements

    Students will complete one of the following options:

    A. COM 565: Communicating Your Science (3 credits)

     OR

    B. ALL of the following:

    COM 501: Foundations in Science Communication I (1 credit)

    COM 503: Foundations in Science Communication II (1 credit)

    COM 513: Science of Science Communication (1 credit)

     

    After completing the foundational course , students choose two courses from   the following electives (for a total of 6 credits):

    • COM 516: Communication Research Methods (3 credits)
    • COM 522: Communicating Science to Decision Makers (3 credits)
    • COM 526: Building and Assessing Communication Strategies (3 credits)
    • COM 534: Communicating Your Science Using Digital Media (3 credits)
    • COM 575: Special Topics in Science Communication* (3 credits)
    • COM 577: Communication Law and Ethics (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)

    Students must complete the following as the final 3 credits of the 12-credit certificate:

    COM 599: Project Work in Science Communication

     

  • Facilities

    Facilities

    School of Communication and Journalism students have access to classrooms, libraries and broadcasting studios at Stony Brook University that will be used for instructional purposes.

  • Faculty

    Faculty

    Graduate courses offered by the School of Communication and Journalism in collaboration with the Alda Center are taught by faculty with diverse expertise including: science, technology, engineering, math, medicine, journalism, communications, public policy and theater. This multidisciplinary approach to science communication education and training helps students tap into innate connections that come alive naturally when people share a passion for their work.

    Program faculty and the Graduate Program Director will have regular contact with students. Faculty affiliated with the graduate program will provide ongoing, additional mentorship. Our website provides a comprehensive overview of our faculty expertise and contact information.

    For an up to date list, see  our faculty page .

  • Contact

    Advanced Graduate Certificate in Communicating Science

    Dean, School of Communication and Journalism

    Laura Lindenfeld, PhD

    Graduate Program Director

    Brenda Hoffman , PhD

    Graduate Program Coordinator

    Stefanie Ambrosio-Mullady, MA

    For questions related to applications and course registration, email SOCJ_grad@stonybrook.edu

    Website

    https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/journalism/academics/agc-scicomm.php

    Science is more than data, and sharing it is more than reciting information. Start your scientific career ready to engage others, and prepared to inspire trust in your role as a scientist and in the impact of your work.

     

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