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Science Communication

Specialized Certificate

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About the Science Communication Program

Courses

Delivery Method
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  • Live Online
  • In-Person
  • Online
  • Hybrid
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Required Courses

9 units

Science Writing IWCWP-40105

Units: 3.00

$425

This course provides an introduction to most forms of science communication intended for non-scientific audiences, such as news and feature writing for both print and online outlets, video scripts, un...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

News and Feature WritingWCWP-40276

Units: 3.00

$470

The goal of this course is to introduce you to the purpose of journalism and the fundamentals of news and featue writing. In this ever-changing media landscape, one thing can remain constant: an indiv...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Winter, Summer

Final Required Course

(All other Required Courses and Elective requirements must be completed first)

Science Writing IIWCWP-40230

Units: 3.00

$425

Science Writing II 9 Weeks | $425 | Live Online As the final capstone course for the Science Communication Certificate, this advanced writing course is designed to build upon the skills learned in th...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Fall

Electives

Minimum of 6 units required

Building a Business around WritingWCWP-40321

Units: 1.00

$185

There a many avenues to building a business around writing. In this short course we will briefly discuss various possibilities including becoming a book author, freelance writer for hire, or journal...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Summer

Self-Editing and Publishing for the WebWCWP-40313

Units: 3.00

$495

The ability to edit your own written work is a skill that s highly valued by employers and publishers. This class focuses on strengthening your writing for the web using journalistic techniques. Wheth...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

The Writer's Art of InterviewingWCWP-40123

Units: 2.00

$315

Effective interviewing techniques translate to writing that is clear, lively, and depending on the writer s mission instructive or entertaining. This course will encompass all the integral compone...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

The Art and Business of BloggingWCWP-40334

Units: 3.00

$495

In this course students will learn the art of writing for an online audience, how to create a basic Wordpress site, insert blog posts, edit, and brand their blog. This course will also touch on how to...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Writing Non-Fiction and Informational Books for ChildrenWCWP-40327

Units: 3.00

$425

The market for children s nonfiction and informational books and articles has never been better. In this course, which can be taken by those familiar with writing for children and those just beginnin...

Upcoming Start Dates:
Typically Offered: Winter, Summer

Conditions for Admission

Applicants are encouraged to have some previous background in writing and general knowledge of science. With the exception of the Science Communication Internship, all courses are open to students not enrolled in the certificate, as long as they complete the prerequisites to the particular course.

Certificate Guidelines

The Specialized Certificate in Science Communication consists of 15 units total. Students will take three (3) required courses (Science Writing I, News and Feature Writing and Science Writing II) which will give them the basic skills needed to communicate science concepts to a general audience through a variety of platforms and will provide them a fundamental understanding of the science writing marketplace.

Additionally, students will choose a minimum of six (6) units of elective courses which will enable them to focus on specific areas of interest.

Advisory Board

Mario Aguilera, B.A. Communication

Director/Comm-Bio Sci

UC San Diego

Jacqueline Carr, B.A. Law & Society

Assistant Executive Director of Communications

UC San Diego

Jon Cohen, B.A. Science Writing

Science Writer

Lynne Friedmann, B.A. Journalism/Bio

Instuctor

UC San Diego

Larry Goldstein, Ph.D. Genetics

Professor

UC San Diego

Gary Robbins

Reporter

San Diego Union Tribune

Joe Schuman, M.A. Journalism and Public Affairs

Senior Manager

Public Affairs at Qualcomm

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This certificate requires an application before taking any courses. There will be a $0 fee to apply to this program. Students will also be required to pay a $95 certificate fee upon enrollment into the program after acceptance. View the complete Certificate Registration and Candidacy Guidelines.