Graduate Certificate in Civic Science Communication

The Graduate Certificate in Civic Science Communication is an online certificate program for individuals interested in learning more about communicating scientific ideas and the best methods for engaging their audience. This certificate is designed to bolster the skills and knowledge of those with an existing career in science communication or to equip scientists with the ability to effectively disseminate their knowledge.

Students in this program will learn how to engage different audiences—including the public, the media, and government entities—by studying the ways various groups receive and share information. Students will also become more effective communicators—learning how to contextualize complex information and data and how best to share this information through written, verbal, and social channels. Additionally, students will learn how to better advocate for scientific ideas and how to persuade the attitudes and behaviors of important stakeholders. The skills and knowledge acquired by graduates of this program will aid them in their endeavors to make scientific developments intelligible to the public at large. Their skills will also be essential to helping the public, media, and policymakers make informed, science-based decisions regarding society’s most pressing challenges.

Learning Outcomes

• Contextual Storytelling
  • The ability to share information with a multitude of audiences through written, verbal, and social channels.
  • The ability to write short- and long-form narratives, opinion pieces, and promotional media.
• Leadership in Advocacy
  • Knowledge of public campaigns, persuasion, and using different modes of delivery to engage the public.
  • The ability to communicate to, engage with, and lead diverse groups—from grassroots communities to international organizations.
• Engaging Audiences
  • Knowledge of the principles of engagement, with an emphasis on understanding how audiences receive and then disseminate information.
• Data/Information Presentation
  • The ability to use data to tell an impactful story.
  • The ability to present data in an intelligible manner for the general public—including through video, photographs, infographics, and effective public presentation.

Program Requirements

The Graduate Certificate in Civic Science Communication consists of four courses—16 units in total—that are offered in an asynchronous format. Each course will have one synchronous component.

Required Courses (16 units total)

• COM CO 610 Science Storytelling (4 units)
• COM CO 611 Engaging and Persuading Audiences (4 units)
• COM CO 613 Transformative Data Storytelling (4 units)
• COM CO 614 Advocating Science (4 units)

Additional Requirements

In addition to the four asynchronous online courses, students will participate in at least one synchronous activity per course. Possible activities include attendance at a COM Science Communication Lecture Series event, workshops offered through the College of Communication, and other events that will be announced. During each course, students will be given a list of activities that satisfy the synchronous component.