Graduate Certificate in Science Communication

Science communication is increasingly recognized as critical for establishing public understanding of issues in the world. With a growing number science communication job opportunities, this certificate offers STEM and communication graduate students the opportunity to gain science communication skills in an academic setting.

Take part in improving public understanding of science.

Anyone interested in applying must complete 1) the “Application Form” linked below and 2) the corresponding “UGS Application” form in a page also linked below. For further details, please see “Learn More”.

Learn More
Application Form
UGS Application

Requirements

The Graduate Certificate in Science Communication will require a total of 15 credits, including two foundational required courses (6 credits) and three elective courses (9 credits). A maximum of three credit hours may be taken at the 4000 level.

 

Please email us at sci@fiu.edu for additional enrollment requirements and/or any questions.

1. Foundational Courses

  • MMC 5409 Science, Health, Environment and Risk Communication (3 credits)

  • PUR 6117 Strategic Storytelling and Digital Content Creation (3 credits)

2. Elective Courses
Electives in Communication (select at least one)

  • VIC 6005 Web Design and Data Visualization (3 credits)

  • COM 5606 Environmental Communication (3 credits)

  • COM 6318 Applied Research Methods (3 credits)

  • MMC 5932 Special Topics (if approved by advisor) (3 credits)

  • PUR 6116 Multimedia Skills for Strategic Communicators (3 credits)

  • PUR 6508 Social Media Metrics and Evaluation (3 credits)

Electives in Science (select at least one)

  • BSC 6936 Writing, publishing and communicating peer reviewed papers in biological sciences (3 credits)

  • SOP 5058 Proseminar in Social Psychology (3 credits)

  • PHC 6401 Health Behavior and Public Health (3 credits)

  • OR any course from the STEM disciplines with approval from student advisor and certificate coordinator

This certificate is intended for students, researchers, educators and professionals in Communication or STEM disciplines. Other students will need to write an essay and be interviewed by the certificate director before enrolling. Current students must be in good academic standing. Non-degree seeking students must submit their last transcript (unofficial) to demonstrate they have completed an undergraduate degree, and must submit an essay with their application.

Testimonials

“As a member of the SciComm certificate program, I have been able to expand my grasp on social media and outreach tools for the use of my research project as a graduate student in Biology. I am learning to confidently explain my work through different media strategically and I have a great group of mentors who help facilitate my learning and success in this program. I recommend this program for any and all STEAM graduate students at FIU.”

Student Testimonials

“Now more than ever, effective science communication is such a valuable skill. Not only have I gained concrete science communication skills, but I am also working on a science communication research study for my master’s project. I’m grateful that FIU is offering this certificate opportunity.”

Student Testimonials