Science communication is more important than ever. Whether itβs 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 masterβs 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 youβre ready to take the next step toward a career in science communication, letβs explore the options!
16 science communication master's to apply to in the U.S.
The universities on the list are ranked according to the Shanghai academic ranking 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
- Link
2. MIT
- Title: MIT graduate program in science writing
- Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Shanghai ranking: 3
- Link
3. Johns Hopkins University
- Title: MA in Science Writing
- Location: online
- Shanghai ranking: 17
- Link
4. New York University
- Title: Science, Health & Environmental Reporting
- Location: New York, New York
- Shanghai ranking: 31
- Link
5. University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Title: Life Sciences Communication
- Location: Madison, Wisconsin
- Shanghai ranking: 36
- Link
6. University of Minnesota
- Title: Master of Science in Technical Communication
- Location: online
- Shanghai ranking: 47
- Link
7. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Title: MS in Health Communication
- Location: online
- Shanghai ranking: 55
- Link
8. Purdue University
- Title: Health and Risk Communication
- Location: West Lafayette, Indiana
- Shanghai ranking: 100
- Link
9. Boston University
- Title: Online Master of Science in Health Communication
- Location: online
- Shanghai ranking: 101-150
- Link
10. UC Santa Cruz
- Title: Science Communication Master's Program
- Location: Santa Cruz, California
- Shanghai ranking: 151-200
- Link
11. Texas A&M University
- Title: Science & Technology Journalism
- Location: College Station, Texas
- Shanghai ranking: 201-300
- Link
12. Stony Brook University
- Title: Master of Science in Science Communication
- Location: Fully online
- Shanghai ranking: 301-400
- Link
13. Columbia Journalism School
- Title: M.A. Science Concentration
- Location: New York, New York
- Shanghai ranking: N/A
- Link
14. DePaul University
- Title: Health Communication (MA)
- Location: Chicago, Illinois
- Shanghai ranking: N/A
- Link
15. Lasell University
- Title: Master of science in communications - health communication
- Location: online or hybrid at Auburndale, Massachusetts
- Shanghai ranking: N/A
- Link
16. Mississippi College
- Title: Masterβs in Healthcare Communication
- Location: Clinton, Mississippi
- Shanghai ranking: N/A
- Link
PS: If I missed a program and you want to add it to the list, feel free to contact me.