Science and Technology Journalism
With a significant need for professionals to communicate science, discoveries, and innovations to the general public, a flexible hybrid/online program—with a focus on science and technology—is offered through the Department of Journalism.
In addition to an online master’s degree with a focus on science and technology journalism, the program also offers online courses on emerging topics that may be taken individually or combined to earn a certificate. This flexibility is designed to assist communicators, journalists, scientists, and other working professionals in the science and technology industries to upskill and gain specialized training to advance in their careers.
Areas of focus include data visualization in journalism, humanizing science through video storytelling, communicating science with augmented reality or with virtual reality, writing for television and streaming news, intro to genomics, advanced science and technology reporting, and more. Students also have access to the resources of a top research university, such as the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology and the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology.
Alumni of the University of Illinois journalism program have had successful careers as science communicators and editors, news directors, digital content producers, and more, working at places such as NASA, national science laboratories and research centers, and nonprofits in the science, environment, and energy sectors.
Master of Science in Journalism
MS in Journalism students interested in covering science and technology topics can opt for a focus on Science and Technology Journalism coursework that can be completed entirely online and in as few as two semesters. Students examine and report on the science of genomics and its applications to environment, health, and technology on professional news platforms. See sample sequence and a list of course modules.
Non-Degree Online Courses in Science and Technology Journalism
Journalists and other professional communicators who want to boost their skills are welcome to enroll in online modules as non-degree students. See online journalism courses. Soon, students will be able to combine modules into certificates. For more information, contact the Department of Journalism at journmaster@illinois.edu.