Graduate Certificate in Science Communication
Catalog Year: 2025-2026
Banner Code: LA-CERG-SCMN
This certificate, designed for graduate students and professionals with or without a communication background, explores how science communication research informs best practices within diverse, applied settings (and vice-versa). Spanning the intersection of research and practice, graduates strengthen science communication efforts geared toward various audiences and support effective science-related decision making within academic, government, and non-profit sectors, among others.
This graduate certificate may be pursued on a part-time or full-time basis.
The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on program requirements and courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes. Requirements may be different for earlier catalog years. See the University Catalog archives.
Admissions
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions.
Policies
All course choices included in this certificate must be approved by the department.
For policies governing all graduate certificates, see AP.6.8 Requirements for Graduate Certificates.
Certificate Requirements
Total credits: 15
This certificate may be pursued on a full-or part-time basis.
Students should be aware of the specific policies associated with this program, located on the Admissions & Policies tab.
Core Course
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 639 | Science Communication | 3 |
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Electives in COMM
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select two courses from the following: | 6 | |
| Risk Communication | ||
| The Issues of Science and Politics | ||
| Science and the Public | ||
| Analysis and Criticism of Science Journalism | ||
| Climate Change and Sustainability Communication Campaigns | ||
| Communication Internship | ||
| Crisis Communication | ||
| Total Credits | 6 | |
Electives in Science
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Students select two 500- or 600- level courses in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM), health sciences, or science policy disciplines offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the College of Science, the College of Public Health, the Schar School of Policy and Government, or the College of Education and Human Developement. | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 6 | |