Advanced Graduate Certificate in Communicating Science
Build trust and inspire understanding
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.
This program is offered by the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science through the Stony Brook School of Communication and Journalism.
Learn More
Join Office Hours
Every Wednesday at 5 pm ET
Stop by our virtual office hours to speak with a representative from the School of Communication and Journalism.
Passcode: 737498
Request Information
Complete our inquiry form to find out more about the advanced graduate certificate in communicating science.
Or, send us an email.
Meet our Faculty
Get to know the science communication researchers and practitioners you'll be working with and learning from.
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Application Materials
CV or Resume
Personal Statement (500 words)
Permission to Enroll in Secondary Certificate form
This program is designed for students who are enrolled, or will be enrolled, in a Stony Brook graduate program.
It cannot be completed as a stand-alone credential.
If you are interested only in a science communication program, check out our MS in Science Communication.
Deadlines
SBU graduate students must declare a secondary certificate no later than the semester before they plan to graduate. Check the Graduate Bulletin for more information.
Fall Admission
March 1
Spring Admission
October 1
Explore the Program
A 12-credit program designed to complement STEM or health-focused SBU graduate work
Learn to combine your subject-matter knowledge with evidence-based communication strategies
Foster clear, empathic and effective science communication
Scientific discoveries mean nothing if they are not shared. Effective communication requires trust, mutual understanding, and dynamic two-way connections in which audience members help build meaning and find ways to engage with new or complex information.
In this program, you will learn to:
- Share scientific discoveries and information in ways that resonate with diverse audiences
- Design audience-centered messaging for face-to-face or mediated interactions
- Support diversity and inclusion through communication
You'll get to work with an interdisciplinary team of faculty researchers and practitioners to explore the science of effective communication and hone your skills through hands-on experiences.
Most of the program may be completed online. You will spend one weekend on campus as part of the program.
Course Offerings
Most students complete the program in two years; it can be completed in just one
Required Courses
6 credits
Communicating your Science - COM 565
Project Work in Science Communication - COM 599
Electives
6 credits
Communicating Science to Decision-Makers - COM 522
Building and Assessing Communication Strategies - COM 526
Communicating your Science using Digital Media - COM 534
Principles of Inclusive Engagement - JRN 583
Communicating Science and Health Risks to the Public - COM 585
Environmental Communication - COM 605
Data Analysis and Storytelling - COM 615