Science communicators in all careers at the interface between the laboratory and the public must have a firm understanding of the language of science as well as the ability to communicate.  The suggested courses will provide a strong background in both science/engineering and communication/humanities, preparing students to enter exciting careers.

Both the major and minor in Communication of Science and Technology are interdisciplinary.  The three 200-level science courses, for example, are to be taken across two sciences, permitting the student to achieve depth in those sciences that most interest him/her. The breadth of engineering options emphasizes various aspects of engineering. Students who plan to continue their studies by entering graduate or professional school can tailor their course of study to the requirements of the graduate program they plan to pursue. For the student who wishes to take more in the communications area, the Department of Communication Studies and Theatre offers a broad selection of courses.

 

Students who would like to take a single course that provides an overview of science communication should consider CMST 237: Communication of Science and Technology.

The interdisciplinary major involves an internship program with components both on campus and in the national arena. Students have interned at such nationally prominent places as NASA, CNN, the American Chemical Society, and the American Heart Association. Credit is offered for these internships through Interdisciplinary Studies.

For students planning a career in science, the ability to communicate their experimental results to peers via journal publications and meeting presentations and to explain their work to the public through the media will be very important. This ability will help obtain funding for their work through written proposals, keep the public informed, and maintain public support for scientific research. The minor in the communication of science and technology develops the critical skills in science communication. It is currently available for students majoring in any of the science or engineering disciplines, as well as those majoring in the humanities.