Communicating Science

Program Description

Designed for graduate students enrolled in STEM and health-science programs at Stony Brook University, the Advanced Graduate Certificate in Communicating Science empowers experts to combine their deep subject-matter knowledge with evidence-based communication practices to foster clear, empathic, and effective science communication. Students will learn to:

• Share scientific discoveries in ways that resonate with diverse audiences
• Design audience-centered messaging for specific face-to-face and mediated platforms
• Support diversity and inclusion in their communication

This 12-credit certificate program complements ongoing graduate degree work at Stony Brook University. A hybrid in-person/online foundational course offers students the opportunity to engage with fellow students and faculty to build an enriching, connected, online learning experience. The remainder of the courses are offered fully online.

The Advanced Graduate Certificate in Communicating Science is offered in collaboration with the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science, one of the nation’s leading science communication training and research organizations in the country. As a certificate student, you will work with an interdisciplinary team of faculty scholars and practitioners to explore the science behind effective communication, and hone your own communication skills with hands-on experiences.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Develop an understanding of the history, context, and key concepts of science communication research and theory
2. Craft a message that responds to the needs, values, and cultures of an audience
3. Use a combination of preparation and spontaneity to connect with audiences
4. Communicate vividly and expressively about science
5. Work competently and collaboratively with people of varied backgrounds and interests to expand scientific literacy
6. Critically evaluate science communication
7. Apply the skills learned to a real-world context

An applicant must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 point scale. If the student attends a college that only gives Passes or Credits for the first year of study, then these grades will be evaluated as C for GPA admission purposes unless the student provides actual grades.

• Paper recommendations can be sent in, but you must use the paper recommendation form from your application portal and give it to your recommender. Paper recommendations must be sent directly to the graduate program you are applying to in sealed envelopes, signed across the seal by the recommender.
• In order to gain access to our recommendation forms, you must submit an application. Within your application, you can either send emails directing your recommenders to each submit a recommendation online, or you may download a paper recommendation form and give it to your recommender. Paper recommendations must be sent directly to the graduate program you are applying to in sealed envelopes, signed across the seal by the recommender.

All applications must be submitted electronically through our online application system. Once you create an account, you can save and update your material as often as necessary until you click the “Finalize Application” button. Once your application is submitted, you can log on to track its status.