Requirements

To earn the Science Communication Credential, Ph.D. students must develop a personalized training plan and complete requirements in three categories:

• Coursework: Communicating Science, Writing for Multiple Audiences (L41 BIOL 5866)
• Non-Credit Workshops

• Gain communication experience in editing, social media management, 3MT, job simulations, or an internship with The Ampersand.

• Publications for the General Public
• Self-Reflection Skills Assessment
• A Letter of Recommendation from a Science Communication Professional
  • Instructions: The letter should document and speak to the quality and professionalism of the student’s communication work while completing SCC publication requirements. Students should provide letter writers with relevant information to help highlight experiences that align with their career goals. If the letter writer will serve as a professional employment reference, this is an opportunity to clarify the message they will convey to potential employers.
  • Recommenders can send their letter to the student or email it directly to Heather Ahrens at ahrensh@wustl.edu.

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Students have the flexibility to choose training experiences and publication opportunities that support their goals. Before starting the program, students will meet with an SCC administrator to discuss their goals and create their training plan.

After submitting an approved SCC training plan, students will be invited to track their progress through the SCC Canvas site.

Training elements can be completed in any order based on the student’s interests and training timeline. The credential program is estimated to take 12–24 months to complete; training time will vary depending on the student’s choice of media and the publication schedules of campus partners. All requirements for the credential must be completed before graduation.