Science Writing Programs: 2020 Update
For anyone interested in science writing grad programs, here is some updated information about the upcoming year. Obviously now is not the best time to think about….any life plans really, but I’m writing this while I have pandemic free time. Maybe you can use your free time to look into this if it’s truly your heart’s desire.Â
Before I went to science journalism grad school I spent a boatload of time researching where to go, whether to go, how to go, and I still didn’t have enough information. We’re talking, for six months doing this research was like my part-time job. So I’m happy to impart some of my wisdom and will answer questions if they’re not already in my FAQ.Â
Most importantly, if you are not very interested in this field, keep scrolling. Journalists are losing their jobs by the bucketful and the field is low-paid and competitive. I recommend that no one join me here in ass hell. But if you’re dead set, and truly believe that going to grad school is the only way you’ll get in, then here are some basics. There’s more info on their websites.
Just one year, prestigious, you’ll be surrounded by smart, sciencey people, Cambridge Massachusetts.
Price: This is the best science writing program in my opinion because it is free. It says on their website “One Hundred Percent” of their students receive aid but it doesn’t make it clear that the aid covers one hundred or more percent of the tuition (as in, you get extra to help with living costs.)Â
Pandemic plan: Here is MIT’s plan for re-opening in 2020. Keep in mind that grad programs are pretty insular and not like being a normal undergrad student so the individual program might have different rules. In the pandemic, you might be able to ask for remote learning, but no promises.Â
Applications due Sept 15, so get rolling on those tests and letters of recommendation!Â
2. NYU Science, Health and Environmental Reporting ProgramÂ
Also a really good program. The only one that has a thorough website; I am moved to tears by their transparency. 1.5 years of school, with a very talented director who 1) won a Pulitzer for a book and 2) actually answered my questions when I asked for what kind of salary science journalists usually make. Also this program is in NYC which has a much bigger media industry than Boston/Cambridge, so the opportunities might be better. Plus the director really cares about placing his students and goes to bat for them. I wish I went here but I doubt I would have been offered admission because it’s too good.
Price: $78k, but average financial aid last year was $56k off. So, approximately $22k.Â
Pandemic plan: No GRE is required this year. I did a GRE for BU and man was it ever pointless. They are offering classes in-person or online if you prefer. (If you get in! For goodness sake do not assume you will get in just because it’s free. That makes it even MORE competitive.)Â
Applications were due Jan 4, but they accept late admissions. Grad school is weird and very personal; if they like you, they’ll admit that some rules were never really rules in the first place and break them for you. Still, at this point maybe think about preparing to join 2021 instead.Â
3. BU Science Journalism MS
This is the program I did so I know most about it, but the only thing you really have to know is: It is no more.Â
4. UCSC Science Communication Certificate
The only public school. Very strict on requirements: you need your own car and a science degree and research experience. Â
Price: $18k for California residents, double for out of state. You can move to CA for one year or register a business there (which I have heard is pretty easy and costs $200) to get in state tuition.Â
Applications: Closed for 2020 now, but they open in October for 2021. That’s coming up!
4. Johns Hopkins MA in Science Writing
Probably the best option for a pandemic as it is online! I think IRL networking is very important in a grad degree but what can you do. This one is by far the most flexible and is more like an undergrad degree in that you just take the classes as you like.
Price: $29,844 for tuition. Other fees apply. I didn’t see anything about scholarships but I bet you could get them.
Applications: I don’t know when they’re due but you can start in fall, spring or summer. None of the other programs offer that!