"Skills & Careers in Science Writing" Applications Now Open
[The skills I learned in this course] will be helpful to convince people of the importance of scientific research and (hopefully) policy-making around science. I have found the techniques of storytelling and explainers useful for 'elevator pitches' as well as revising papers – yes, peer-reviewed papers as well.”
Skills & Careers in Science Writing course alum
Applications are now open for SCIMEDIA 517: Skills & Careers in Science Writing course, offered in partnership between the Medill School of Journalism and The Graduate School and launched in 2015 with Science in Society. Northwestern STEM+ PhD candidates interested in developing science writing and communication skills are encouraged to apply here by 11:59 PM CT on Sunday, February 23.
Skills & Careers in Science Writing is a Spring 2025 course that trains graduate students to distill scientific ideas into engaging, reader-friendly stories for public audiences and provides networking and exposure to science writing and communication professionals. Students will work with former and current journalists and scientists-turned journalists to develop a stronger understanding of narrative technique, story structure and the uses of metaphors and vivid language to convey complex topics. It is the first course in the Medill Media and Science Communication certificate and cluster program, a unique program for Northwestern’s STEM PhD students and the only program to offer media training from a top tier journalism program in tandem with PhD science training.
The course focuses on three key learning outcomes:
- Develop science writing and communication skills appropriate for lay audiences.
- Conveying complex scientific content in audience-appropriate ways.
- Employing narrative and storytelling modalities to communicate information to non-experts.
- Building a better understanding of non-scientist audiences including expectations and knowledge levels, and how to design various approaches for effective, relevant engagement.
- Gain greater understanding of and exposure to science writing and communication careers, models and opportunities.
- Understanding feature writing story structures and learning to pitch articles.
- Building your brand and portfolio through social media.
- Building interviewing and reporting skills.
- Working with a professional editor.
- Build an iterative writing practice including:
- Practicing self-editing and revision.
- Giving and receiving constructive peer feedback in dialogue
- Creating science communiques through several drafts and with external readers and feedback.
The class will meet on Mondays from 5:00–8:00 PM CT as a hybrid course with some days in person in Fisk Hall, Room 206 on the Evanston campus and others remote synchronous. There will also be regular assignments (readings and writing) that will vary in time commitment–expect another one to two hours of homework per week. Class will meet April 1 (Northwestern Monday schedule; starting Tuesday, April 1) through June 2.
Applicants must be full-time, PhD-track STEM+ graduate students at Northwestern. Relevant fields of study include but are not limited to Anthropology, Chemistry, Communication Sciences & Disorders, Computer Science, Engineering, Life Sciences, Math, Medicine, Physics and Psychology. At this time, applications from postdoctoral scholars or master's degree students will not be considered.
Apply here by 11: 59 PM CT on Sunday, February 23. Please note: The application form includes a short essay and personal statement. Please email Patti Wolter with any questions.
Categories: STEM