Climate change, emerging diseases, dramatic discoveries in medicine, rapidly evolving technologies, and many other challenges that touch on both science and public policy underscore the great and growing importance of effective communication about science. It is incumbent on those who will be working in the realm of publicly relevant science to themselves have a good grasp of the strategies, technologies, and ethical considerations of effective communication. This 15-credit certificate, which can be completed either in person or through a combination of an intensive summer program and distance learning, will provide students with a broad overview of communication needs and strategies; extensive hands-on experience with communication tools such as writing tactics and photography, audio, and video technologies; and the opportunity to produce an in-depth individualized communication project under the guidance of a faculty mentor.
Students who complete the graduate certificate in science communication will develop the broad background and hand-on skills needed to work in this burgeoning field. Whether coupled with another graduate degree or not, the coursework will enable students to later work as science communicators in a corporation, government agency, NGO, or media organization.
Please be aware that federal financial aid is not available for some certificates if the certificate is pursued and completed as a stand-alone certificate (i.e., not completed concurrently with a degree program). See the “Details” tab for additional information.
In addition to University Requirements:
| Minimum Units for Completion | 15 |
| Some online/blended coursework | Required |
Purpose Statement
Climate change, emerging diseases, dramatic discoveries in medicine, rapidly evolving technologies, and many other challenges that touch on both science and public policy underscore the great and growing importance of effective communication about science. It is incumbent on those who will be working in the realm of publicly relevant science to themselves have a good grasp of the strategies, technologies, and ethical considerations of effective communication. Many researchers, graduate students, land managers, and other professionals who work in the realm of science—or in government, nonprofit, corporate, or educational settings connected to science—receive little training in the skills needed to communicate effectively outside their disciplinary sphere. This 15-credit graduate certificate, which can be completed either in person or through a combination of an intensive summer program and distance learning, will provide students with a broad overview of communication needs and strategies; extensive hands-on experience with communication tools such as writing tactics and photography, audio, and video technologies; and the opportunity to produce an in-depth individualized communication project under the guidance of faculty mentors.
Student Learning Outcomes
The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.
Admission requirements include the following:
Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.
Ready to apply? Begin your application now.
International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.
Take the following 15 units:
This certificate may be pursued and completed concurrently with a degree program or as a stand-alone certificate. Federal financial aid cannot be used if the certificate is completed as a stand-alone certificate.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.