Science Communication Microcredential

Faculty Coordinator: Mackenzie Gerringer (gerringer@geneseo.edu)

This microcredential will allow students to connect science topics to communication skills and so prepare for professional opportunities including freelance writing, journalism, and graduate study.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students in this microcredential program will deepen their knowledge and skills in science communication across courses and contexts. Students will think about studying science topics with an eye to communication as a practice, harnessing skills in storytelling, communication, and creative writing for the public good values of science and countering misinformation, and to prepare for professional opportunities in science communication areas, including freelance writing, journalism-related careers, and graduate school programs.

Students will understand STEM and Fine Arts / Humanities fields as inter-related and complementary; the Science Communication microcredential will allow students to think integratively about their coursework at Geneseo, making strong connections between courses across disciplines.

Integrative Curricular Microcredential in Science Communication (10-12 Credits)

1. Select one course (that builds knowledge and skills in storytelling):
ENGL 102 - The Elements of Creative Writing: (subtitle) Credit(s): 4
ENGL 201 - Foundations of Creative Writing Credit(s): 4
ENGL 202 - Reading As a Writer: (subtitle) Credit(s): 4
ENGL 305 - Advanced Creative Nonfiction Workshop: (subtitle) Credit(s): 4
FMST 270 - Video Production Credit(s): 4
COMN 100 - Introduction to Communication Credit(s): 4
COMN 266 - Radio and Audio Media Production Credit(s): 4
COMN 267 - Visual Communication Credit(s): 4
COMN 300 - Introduction to Strategic Communication Credit(s): 4
COMN 314 - Persuasion Credit(s): 4
DANL 310 - Data Visualization and Presentation Credit(s): 3
2. Select one course (in a STEM discipline of interest to the student)
3. BIOL 452 - Communicating Science Credit(s): 3
4. Following BIOL 384, students will develop and carry out an integrative, high-impact project in science communication via either an internship or a Directed Study; the high-impact project will involve disseminating science to a broader public, such as through a publication, presentation, podcast, etc. During the microcredential, students will engage in active reflection on science communication through metacognitive activities including dialogue with others in the program.