Science Communication, MA
Communication, Content Strategy, Media Analysis, PR, Public Relations, Science, Science Communication, Science Writer, marketing, media
Want to make science matter in the public mind? Turn data into stories that move people. You'll learn to translate discovery into action, communicating complex science clearly, creatively and credibly to audiences who need it most.
The Master of Arts program in science communication prepares you to lead efforts that bridge the gap between scientific discovery and public understanding.
You gain advanced skills in translating research into compelling multimedia storytelling that informs and inspires. Through collaboration with scientists, institutions and public organizations, you learn to position experts as trusted voices and foster community trust through transparent, fact-based communication. Coursework emphasizes PR, digital marketing, multimedia storytelling, media relations, content creation, digital marketing, audience engagement and strategic campaign design, responding to the growing need for skilled communicators who can counter misinformation and make complex ideas accessible to broad audiences.
Upon graduation, you are ready for leadership roles in government agencies, research organizations, universities, museums, nonprofits and industries such as biotech and AI, driving informed dialogue around science and innovation.
GI Bill® benefits
This new program is not yet approved for use with GI Bill® benefits.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.
- College/school:
Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication
- Location: Downtown Phoenix
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
33 credit hours including the required capstone course (MCO 570)
Required Core (3 credit hours) Other Requirements (18 credit hours) Electives (6 credit hours) Culminating Experience (6 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information
MCO 507 Science Mass Communication (3)
MCO 502 Media Skills (8)
MCO 503 Media Law (3)
MCO 504 Cronkite Master's Seminar (1)
MCO 525 Media Ethics Leadership (3)
MCO 554 Media Models, Organizations and Leadership (3)
MCO 570 Capstone (6)
Students should consult their program advisor for the complete list of electives.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
U.S.
applicants | International
applicants | English
proficiency
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = ''A'') in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = ''A'') in an applicable master's degree program.
Applicants are required to submit:
- graduate admissions application and application fee
- official transcripts
- personal statement
- professional resume
- three letters of recommendation
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. Applicants should have a TOEFL iBT® score of at least 5, or a score of 100 if taken before January 21, 2026 in a testing center. Students with an IELTS band score of 7.50 or a Duolingo score of 135 will also be considered.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 06/01 | Final |
Study abroad is possible for graduate students. There are more than 50 program opportunities, with programs on every continent delivered by ASU's Global Education Office, as well as just-for-Cronkite-students programs that encourage media production and audience discovery opportunities. Students may also pursue international internships for program credit.
Graduates are prepared for strategic communication careers in science organizations, technology firms, universities and brands thanks to the hands-on training they received in the program. Possible career paths include:
- digital marketer
- public engagement and outreach manager
- public information officer
- science communications director
- science content creator or influencer
- science public relations specialist
Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Comm
|
CRONK 302
cronkitegrad@asu.edu
602-496-5055
Admission deadlines
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
