Science Communication, BA
Love science but not the lab coat? Turn your curiosity into impact by making discoveries understandable and engaging to everyone. You can learn to translate complex ideas into compelling stories that inform, inspire and shape public conversations about technology, health and the environment.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Science Communication degree description
The Bachelor of Arts program in science communication prepares you to connect the worlds of science and society through clear, compelling communication. You learn to translate complex scientific concepts into multimedia content that informs and engages broad audiences. Through partnerships with researchers, institutions and public organizations, you gain experience producing fact-based storytelling, campaigns and digital content that advances public understanding of science. Coursework emphasizes writing, visual storytelling, audience engagement and strategic communication.
GI Bill® benefits
This new program is not yet approved for use with GI Bill® benefits.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.
Why study science communication at ASU?
Focus squarely on strategic communication within science, technology and innovation sectors rather than general communication paths and tap into Arizona's expanding ecosystem of technology, semiconductor, health care, research and innovation organizations. You study inside one of the nation's leading media schools, with access to expertise spanning communication, content creation, research and emerging media technologies.
You complete a professional capstone in the award-winning Cronkite Agency, building science communication campaigns for real clients. Graduate with a portfolio, internship experience and industry connections.
Additional details
You can get involved beyond the classroom through Cronkite student media, clubs and organizations, including Blaze Radio, the State Press, and the Public Relations Student Society of America. You also join the connected #CronkiteNation alumni network and work with the media-focused Cronkite Career Services team, which supports your resume, reel and portfolio; connects you to internship and job opportunities; and hosts recruiter visits.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| MCO 101 Grammar for Mass Communication |
| MCO 120 Media and Society |
| MCO 125 Developing Media Content |
| JMC 201 Media Writing |
| MCO 205 Information Gathering |
| MCO 225 Digital Media Foundations |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
English proficiency requirements for international student admission:
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Students in this program are required to complete a second course with the Global Communities, Societies and Individuals general studies designation, in addition to the one GCSI course required by ASU general studies requirements. To meet this, students are encouraged to pursue study abroad programs, including the more than 350 programs delivered by ASU's Global Education Office and just-for-Cronkite-students programs, that encourage multimedia creation and science communication opportunities. Students may also pursue international internships for program credit.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Communications Specialist | -0.3% | $76,910 | Learn more |
| Community Specialist | 5.5% | $56,730 | Learn more |
| Marketing Associate | -3.7% | $133,660 | Learn more |
| Marketing Manager | 6.9% | $166,790 | Learn more |
| Product Marketing and Promotions Manager | 0.2% | $39,320 | Learn more |
| Public Relations Manager (PR Manager) | 5.7% | $146,910 | Learn more |
| Public Relations Specialist | 1.8% | $74,750 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Careers this science communication degree prepares you for
Graduates are prepared for careers in science media, public relations for research and health organizations, science marketing, corporate communication in technology and biotech, educational and government outreach, and science storytelling thanks to the hands-on training they received through coursework and hands-on learning environments. Popular career areas include:
- digital media production
- media relations
- official public information
- public relations
- science, health or environmental communications
- science marketing
- science writing
- strategic communications
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Comm
|
CRONK 302
attendcronkite@asu.edu
602-496-5055
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
