Scientific Writing

Develop expertise in STEM-based writing with the Professional Science Master's in Scientific Writing in Temple's College of Science and Technology and the Klein College of Media and Communication. Designed to meet the growing needs of both the mass media and scientific communities, this degree will prepare you for careers in biotechnology, communications and public relations, journalism, patent law, pharmacy, public health, publishing, and STEM disciplines.  

This interdisciplinary program's main objective is to train you to accurately and concisely convey complex scientific arguments and concepts in an accessible manner for different demographics. In order to provide the most beneficial curriculum for your particular career goals, you will have the option to choose between two tracks in either Marketing/Regulatory Writing or Popular Scientific Writing.

In this degree, you will have access to faculty and resources from both the College of Science and Technology and the School of Media and Communication. Your courses will cover a variety of science writing skills, from technical writing for clinical reports to journalistic writing for media and news outlets.

In addition to classroom-based training, you will gain hands-on experience through an internship. Approved internships have included work with local newspapers, practicing scientists, patent law offices, pharmaceutical companies, publishing companies and more. The internship will form the foundation of your capstone project.

This degree can be earned on a part- or full-time basis over three years.

Tracks & Concentrations

In order to create a curriculum tailored to your career interests, the degree program offers a choice between two educational tracks.

• The Marketing/Regulatory Writing track provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in environments such as a patent law office, pharmaceutical company or regulatory agency.
• The Popular Scientific Writing track provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in fields such as mass market journalism, publishing and other mass media environments.

University degree requiring four years of study.

Request one certified copy of official transcripts from every college and university you have attended, even if only one course was taken. International degrees must be assessed for equivalency with a U.S. degree based on the characteristics of the national educational system, the type of institution attended and the level of studies completed. A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is ordinarily required for admissions consideration. If unofficial transcripts are submitted during the application process, submission of official academic records will be required by the end of your first term of graduate study if you are admitted and subsequently enroll at Temple University.

In the Scientific Writing PSM program, students complete an internship as part of their capstone project. Past internships have included work in the fields of

• biomedicine and drug discovery,
• biotechnology,
• environmental engineering,
• government,
• journalism, and
• scientific publishing.

Recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that technical writer jobs are growing at a fast rate. Graduates of the Scientific Writing PSM are prepared to use scientific writing skills in all relevant areas, including within

• contract research organizations,
• public health and policy,
• science communications, and
• STEM disciplines.