Do you like science? Do you also like to write, to explain things to people - to communicate? Many careers may be open to you that combine these two interests. From broadcast or print journalism to law to medicine, there is a great demand for people who understand science, engineering and technology and can translate it so that all can understand. The public needs to know more about science and technology. But once they complete their high school science, many rely on the media and on science professionals to keep them up to date with advances in research that affect their daily lives. Too many researchers, however, have difficulty in talking about their work in a way that people who are not scientists can understand. To solve this problem society needs people with special bridging skills who can provide a link between science, technology and the public. Science communicators in all careers at the interface between the laboratory and the public must have a firm understanding of the language of science as well as the ability to communicate. The suggested courses will provide a strong background in both science/engineering and communication/humanities, preparing students to enter exciting careers. Both the major and minor in Communication of Science and Technology are interdisciplinary. Students must take advanced courses in public speaking, writing, in one or more scientific disciplines, and a course that bridges the sciences with non-science content and issues. Majors must also take a statistics course, additional science and/or engineering courses, and a selection of electives. Students who would like to take a single course that provides an overview of science communication should take CSET 2100 (Science Communication Tools and Techniques).

Careers The American public must have a better understanding of science and technology to make many of the important decisions in their lives, on both a personal and a societal level. The ability to communicate scientific concepts to the public is therefore an important asset to professionals involved in research. In addition, the ability to communicate opens the door to other science and engineering related careers such as science journalism, management consulting, public health, engineering and pharmaceutical sales, science policy, public relations, and leadership positions in high technology industries.