Photo by Element5 Digital / Unsplash
Science communication is more important than ever. Whether it’s bridging the gap between researchers and the public, crafting compelling stories about breakthroughs, or helping organizations explain complex concepts, effective SciComm is essential. But where do you start if you want to make this your career?
For many, a master’s degree is a great way to build expertise. The U.S. is home to a diverse range of programs that focus on everything from journalism to health communication, giving aspiring science communicators plenty of options to choose from.
In this article, you'll find a comprehensive list of science communication master's programs in the United States. Whether you're looking to start a master's program or you're already a marketer looking to hire your next team member, there's something here for everyone.
So, if you’re ready to take the next step toward a career in science communication, let’s explore the options!
💡
A few months ago, I also compiled a
complete list of master's programs in science communication in Europe
.
.
16 science communication master's to apply to in the U.S.
💡
A quick note on the methodology
The universities on the list are ranked according to the
from 2024, but keep in mind that the ranking reflects the overall position of the university and not necessarily the strength of the science communication program.
But hey, people love rankings, so I thought it would be good to put it there.
Now, let's dive in:
1. Harvard Medical School
Title: Master of Science in Media, Medicine, and Health
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Shanghai ranking: 1
2. MIT
Title: MIT graduate program in science writing
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Shanghai ranking: 3
3. Johns Hopkins University
Title: MA in Science Writing
Location: online
Shanghai ranking: 17
💡
Are you new to SciComm?
Read
.
4. New York University
Title: Science, Health & Environmental Reporting
Location: New York, New York
Shanghai ranking: 31
5. University of Wisconsin-Madison
Title: Life Sciences Communication
Location: Madison, Wisconsin
Shanghai ranking: 36
6. University of Minnesota
Title: Master of Science in Technical Communication
Location: online
Shanghai ranking: 47
💡
Wondering what the difference is between a scientific, medical, and technical writer?
Check out
.
7. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Title: MS in Health Communication
Location: online
Shanghai ranking: 55
8. Purdue University
Title: Health and Risk Communication
Location: West Lafayette, Indiana
Shanghai ranking: 100
9. Boston University
Title: Online Master of Science in Health Communication
Location: online
Shanghai ranking: 101-150
💡
Thinking about leaving your PhD to pursue a career in science communication?
Here are
.
10. UC Santa Cruz
Title: Science Communication Master's Program
Location: Santa Cruz, California
Shanghai ranking: 151-200
11. Texas A&M University
Title: Science & Technology Journalism
Location: College Station, Texas
Shanghai ranking: 201-300
12. Stony Brook University
Title: Master of Science in Science Communication
Location: Fully online
Shanghai ranking: 301-400
💡
If marketing is more your thing
, have a look at this list of
.
13. Columbia Journalism School
Title: M.A. Science Concentration
Location: New York, New York
Shanghai ranking: N/A
14. DePaul University
Title: Health Communication (MA)
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Shanghai ranking: N/A
15. Lasell University
Title: Master of science in communications - health communication
Location: online or hybrid at Auburndale, Massachusetts
Shanghai ranking: N/A
16. Mississippi College
Title: Master’s in Healthcare Communication
Location: Clinton, Mississippi
Shanghai ranking: N/A
PS: If I missed a program and you want to add it to the list, feel free to contact me.
