Scientific Writing PSM
Develop expertise in STEM-based writing with the Professional Science Master's in Scientific Writing in Temple’s College of Science and Technology and the Klein College of Media and Communication. Designed to meet the growing needs of both the mass media and scientific communities, this degree will prepare you for careers in biotechnology, communications and public relations, journalism, patent law, pharmacy, public health, publishing and STEM disciplines.
This interdisciplinary program’s main objective is to train you to accurately and concisely convey complex scientific arguments and concepts in an accessible manner for different demographics. In order to provide the most beneficial curriculum for your particular career goals, you will have the option to choose between two tracks in either marketing/regulatory writing or popular scientific writing.
In this degree, you will have access to faculty and resources from both the College of Science and Technology and the School of Media and Communications. Your courses will cover a variety of science writing skills, from technical writing for clinical reports to journalistic writing for media and news outlets.
In addition to classroom-based training, you will gain hands-on experience through an internship. Approved internships have included work with local newspapers, practicing scientists, patent law offices, pharmaceutical companies, publishing companies and more. The internship will form the foundation of your capstone project.
This degree can be earned on a part- or full-time basis over three years.
Tracks & Concentrations
In order to create a curriculum tailored to your career interests, the degree program offers a choice between two educational tracks.
- The Marketing/Regulatory Writing track provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in environments such as a patent law office, pharmaceutical company or regulatory agency.
- The Popular Scientific Writing track provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in fields such as mass market journalism, publishing and other mass media environments.
Classes & Curriculum
Some of the core courses in this 30-credit program include
- Communicating Science to a Broader Audience / Non-Scientists;
- Ethics Regulation and Policy in Biotechnology;
- Introduction to Grant Writing;
- Introduction to Scientific and Regulatory Writing; and
- Reporting and Writing I.