Graduate School Bulletin

Requirements for the MS in Science Communication

The 33-credit Master of Science in Science Communication consists of six required courses (18 credits) and five elective courses (15 credits). Students will work closely with the graduate program director and faculty advisors each semester to develop an individualized plan of study that best fits their interests and career goals. Students may elect to enroll part-time or full-time. Full-time graduate work is defined as a minimum of 9 credits per semester. All courses are offered in an online format.

REQUIRED COURSES (18 CREDITS)

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 (15 CREDITS)

COM 517: Advanced Communication Research Methods

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

COM 588: Graduate Internship

COM 605: Environmental Communication

COM 635: AI, Communication, and Care

Note: Science Communication students may complete select JRN courses for elective credit, with departmental approval.

Requirements for the Concentration in Climate Communication

The concentration in Climate Communication offers students interested in studying climate change a designated set of courses that focus specifically on climate change research and practice. Students have the option to take up to two courses in the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS). Students that elect to declare a concentration in Climate communication will complete the following requirements for the Master of Science in Science Communication.

REQUIRED COURSES (27 CREDITS)

COM 516: Communication Research Methods

COM 526: Building and Assessing Communication Strategies

COM 550: Climate Communication

COM 565: Foundations of Science 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 (6 credits)

Select two courses from the following list:

COM 522: Communicating Science to Policy Makers

MAR 514: Environmental Management

MAR 525: Environment and Public Health

MAR 534: Seminar in Decision Support for Climate Change Solutions

MAR 568: Practical Skills for Scientists

Requirements for the Advanced Graduate Certificate in Science Communication

The 12-credit Advanced Graduate Certificate in Science Communication consists of two required courses (6 credits) and two elective courses (6 credits). Students will work closely with the graduate program director and faculty advisors each semester to develop an individualized plan of study that best fits their interests and career goals.

REQUIRED COURSES (6 CREDITS)

COM 565: Foundations of Science Communication

COM 599: Project Work in Science Communication

ELECTIVE COURSES (6 CREDITS)

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 583: Principles of Inclusive Engagement

COM 585: Communicating Science and Health Risks to the Public

COM 605: Environmental Communication

Note: Certificate students may complete select COM and JRN courses not listed here for elective credit, with departmental approval.