Choosing Colleges for Science Communicators

Which colleges are renowned for producing excellent science communicators? I'm considering making a career out of science communication and would love to know which schools offer strong programs or unique opportunities in this field.

There are several colleges well-known for their programs and commitment to nurturing skillful science communicators.

1. University of California, Santa Cruz: Their Science Communication Program has been producing graduates who are now effectively serving as journalists, public information officers, and multimedia producers for nearly four decades.

2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology: MIT has a minor in Science, Technology, and Society that could augment a major in one of the sciences extremely well, nourishing both scientific knowledge and its communication.

3. University of Wisconsin, Madison: The university offers a Life Sciences Communication major, where students are also encouraged to double major with a conventional science field.

4. Cornell University: It offers a unique undergraduate major in Communication with specific options to focus on areas like science communication.

Remember, the college you choose should depend on your specific focus within science communication and what flavor you want your education to have. While certain schools might offer more specialized programs, a degree in communication or journalism from an institution with a strong program in your area of scientific interest could also set the foundation for an effective career in science communication.

You should search for colleges with robust journalism or communication departments and campuses where scientific research is ingrained in the culture. Opportunities to get involved with student newspapers, radio, TV, or magazines, or intern at local science communication outlets or the university's public relations office could provide beneficial real-world experience as well.