Science Writing, Certificate

Certificate in Science Writing

The Graduate Certificate in Science Writing program shares the same mission as the MA in Science Writing program. Certificate students complete five courses: a mix of electives and core courses that develop the reporting and writing skills for communicating science broadly. The program recognizes that contemporary science writing involves journalism, communication, multimedia, and the literary arts. Our typical student hones journalistic and creative writing techniques to craft clear, enticing prose for digital or print venues, from magazines and books to social media and websites, for news outlets, companies, research agencies, and universities. Along the way, students acquire communication skills to promote viewpoints and develop expertise to thrive in the digital universe. Our writers and editors are also challenged to monitor science itself, to disclose how research can falter or be misused. Certificate students may complete all courses online, but have the option of enrolling in one of the Science Writing program’s onsite residency courses.

Admissions Criteria for all Advanced Academic Programs

PROGRAM-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the materials and credentials required for all programs, the Graduate Certificate in Science Writing program requires:

• Statement of Purpose: The statement should be one to three typewritten pages, single- or double-spaced, and describe the applicant’s education, experience, and interest in writing about science, medicine or technology. Statements of Purpose are reviewed for creativity, content, and the level of interest in the field, so we appreciate originality and professional or personal reflection. The statement should also describe the applicant’s recent reading (books, periodicals, digital sites, or other works). 
• Writing samples: The samples should total 10 to 20 typewritten, double-spaced pages (about 2,500 to 5,000 words), and should include some pieces about science, medicine, or technology. A combination of several shorter pieces rather than a single, lengthy piece is recommended. Any factual form is permitted, including news or feature article, commentary/blog, memoir, travel, essay, review, profile, book chapter, and creative nonfiction. Applicants may submit published or unpublished works. Digital writing samples should be submitted in their entirety, not as links. The majority of an applicant’s samples should be no more than five years old. Academic papers, peer-reviewed research reports, technical writing, or government documents are not recommended as writing samples; the samples should be journalism, communication writing, creative writing, blogging, etc.

Program Requirements

• Three customizable core courses
• Two electives
   

COURSES

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Core Courses - Customizable
Select at least one of the following:
AS.491.658	Techniques of Science and Medical Writing	4
AS.491.750	Contemporary Science and Medical Writing: Creative and Professional Forms	4
Select at least one of the following:
AS.491.696	The Nature of Nature	4
AS.491.697	The Literature of Science	4
AS.491.700	Subatomic Writing	4
AS.491.701	Communicating Climate Change	4
AS.491.702	The Funny Side of Science	4
AS.491.703	The Online Science Magazine	4
AS.491.707	Prizewinners: The Best Writing about Science, Technology, Environment & Health	4
AS.491.748	Principles of Editing	4
AS.491.752	Advanced Reporting & Writing in Science	4
AS.491.807	Independent Study in Science Writing	4
AS.491.808	Internship in Science Writing	4
AS.491.709	Science in Action	4
AS.491.691	Science Policy, Funding and Politics	4
AS.491.710	In the Field: Science Writing in the Woods, Coasts, & Labs of Mt. Desert Island	4
AS.491.711	Public Health in Action	4
AS.491.785	In the Wild: Science Writers Explore Montana’s Wilderness and Wildlife Biology	4
AS.491.787	In the Field: Writing about How Science Can Save Our Wild Lands	4
Select at least one of the following:
AS.491.673	Science and Medical Writing Workshop	4
AS.491.674	Science and Medical Writing Workshop	4
AS.491.675	Science and Medical Writing Workshop	4
AS.491.680	Writing the Tech Story Workshop	4
AS.491.754	Science Narratives Workshop	4
AS.491.755	Science Personal Essay and Memoir Workshop	4
AS.491.757	Science Profiles Workshop: Writing About People	4
Electives
Select two electives from any of the above courses.		8