Science Writing Certificate

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The Science Writing Certificate at the School of Communication provides undergraduates and professionals with the opportunity to develop specialized knowledge in media writing, science reporting, the scientific method and contemporary science. The certificate comprises courses in the School of Communication and the Science College. Students who complete this certificate are expected to have a working knowledge of contemporary scientific concepts and methodological approaches appropriate to their study. Students who successfully complete the certificate will have the tools necessary to explain interesting and complex ideas to a general audience.

About Required Courses:

The certificate requires 18 semester hours. Science as a Way of Thinking (SCI 220 )* is a course designed for this program. There are 8 hours of core courses in journalism. Students will choose a 6-credit exit project in one of four areas, combining Health Communication, Electronic Journalism, Editing & Graphics or Advanced Public Relations with COM 493 - Special Topics in Communication .

Admission & Completion:

For admission to this certificate program, students must complete the prerequisite course Media Writing (COM 225 ) with a minimum grade of B-. The following courses make up the certificate program. A 2.25 GPA must be maintained across all required courses.

Prerequisite:

COM 225 - Media Writing

Required Courses:

Exit Options:

COM 493 - Special Topics in Communication

Choose one of the following to be taken in conjunction with COM 493:

Note(s):

(COM 405 and COM 447 have other prerequisites.)

* Students must satisfy the university’s General Education Requirements in Natural Science. Thus, students must complete SCI 220 in addition to their two GenED science courses, one of which must include an approved laboratory component.