Certificate in Science Writing
advanced.jhu.edu/sciencewritingcert
The Graduate Certificate in Science Writing 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 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 Applicants may submit published or unpublished works.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
- Two customizable core courses
- Three electives
COURSES
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.491.708 | Medicine 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.491.751 | Marine Science & Science Writing on the Emerald Isle | 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-Medical Writing Workshop | 4 |
AS.491.675 | Science-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 either Science Writing core or electives | 8 |