Master of Science in Science Communication

Learn to engage in and advocate for valid, reliable public discourse about science.

Bridge Science with Society

 

Combine a traditional social science theory and research foundation with practical, hands-on training to pursue a career in professional science communication. In the Master of Science in Science Communication program, you will learn to bridge science with society in new and exciting ways, to transform complex expertise into meaningful communication that builds trust, inspires action, and drives lasting impact. This program is the only graduate degree jointly offered with the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science. As part of your coursework, you will experience cutting-edge training in the Alda Method®, the Alda Center’s signature communication training approach that delivers authentic, human connections. Study full-time or part-time from anywhere with this fully online degree program. Online courses are always delivered live in eastern standard time (EST).

 

Program Requirements and Coursework

Online Only | 33 Credits | Enroll Full-Time or Part-Time

The science communication program can be completed in as little 1.5 years, for students enrolled full-time. All courses are delivered in a live synchronous format via Zoom so that students can still fully engage with their faculty and peers. All courses meet in eastern standard time (EST), with required courses typically offered in the evenings to accomodate working professionals. Some elective courses are offered in the late afternoons for students who wish to stack coursework on the same days. Students may choose between the standard science communication concentration and the climate communication concentration offered in partnership with Stony Brook's School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences.

Required Courses

  • COM 500: Theories of Science Communication
  • COM 516: Communication Research Methods
  • COM 526: Building and Assessing Communication Strategies
  • COM 577: Communication Law and Ethics
  • COM 583: Principles of Inclusive Engagement
  • COM 699: Master's Project in Science Communication


Elective Courses (Choose five)

  • COM 517: Advanced Communication Research Methods (Prerequisite: COM 516)
  • COM 522: Communicating Science to Policy Makers
  • COM 534: Communicating Science using Digital Media
  • JRN 545: Mobile Podcasting
  • COM 550: Climate Communication
  • COM 575: Special Topics in Science Communication
  • COM 585: Communicating Science and Health Risks to the Public
  • COM 587: Independent Study (By permission)
  • COM 588: Graduate Internship (By permission; Internship must be unpaid)
  • COM 605: Environmental Communication
  • COM 635: AI, Communication, and Care

Visit the Graduate Catalog for course descriptions.

Required Courses

  • COM 500: Theories of Science Communication
  • COM 516: Communication Research Methods
  • COM 526: Building and Assessing Communication Strategies
  • COM 550: Climate Communication
  • COM 577: Communication Law and Ethics
  • COM 583: Principles of Inclusive Engagement
  • COM 585: Communicating Science and Health Risks to the Public
  • COM 605: Environmental Communication
  • COM 699: Master's Project in Science Communication


Elective Courses (Choose two)

MAR courses are offered through the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences
  • COM 522: Communicating Science to Policy Makers
  • MAR 514: Environmental Management
  • MAR 525: Environment and Public Health
  • MAR 534: Scientific Decision Support
  • MAR 568: Practical Skills for Scientists

Visit the Graduate Catalog for course descriptions.

 

Curriculum Maps

Customized plans of study that work for your schedule 

The curriculum maps below offer suggested course sequences for optimal degree completion, based on full-time or part-time enrollment. Students may work with the graduate program director to adjust these sequences to best meet their needs. Students must be enrolled in a minimum of three courses (9 credits) to maintain full-time student status. Full-time students can move between three to four courses per semester as desired. 

2 Years | Three Courses per Semester

Courses taken during a summer session will adjust this schedule. 

FALL 1
9 credits

SPRING 1
9 credits

FALL 2
9 credits

SPRING 2
6 credits

COM 500

 COM 526

Elective

COM 699

COM 516

COM 583

Elective

Elective

COM 577

Elective

Elective

--

1.5 Years | Four Courses per Semester

Courses taken during a summer session will adjust this schedule.

FALL 1
12 credits

SPRING 1
12 credits

FALL 2
9 credits

COM 500

 COM 526

COM 699

COM 516

COM 583

Elective

COM 577

Elective

Elective

Elective

Elective

--

3 Years | Two Courses per Semester
  • Courses taken during a summer session will adjust this schedule.
  • Part-time students may elect to take only one course per semester, but will be required to complete at least one course during a summer session or an additional course in a fall/spring to ensure on-time degree completion within five years of starting the program. 

FALL 1
6 credits

SPRING 1
6 credits

FALL 2
6 credits

SPRING 2
6 credits

FALL 3
6 credits

SPRING  3
3 credits

COM 500

COM 526

COM 577

Elective

Elective

COM 699

COM 516

COM 583

Elective

Elective

Elective

--

 

Application Information

Please review the helpful information below prior to submitting your application:
  • Our graduate students hold bachelor's degrees in a range of fields. While a background in STEM is helpful, it is not required for admission to the program.
  • Students are eligible for the online out-of-state tuition rate.
  • At this time we do not offer graduate teaching or research assistant positions, so our students are all self-funded or employer-funded.
  • This program is offered entirely online and does not qualify international students for a United States Visa. 

 

Apply Now

 

Admissions Requirements

 

Application Materials

 

Deadline to Apply