r/sciencecommunication • u/cinnamoogoo • Feb 09 '24

Degree/program questions

Hello!

I’m just beginning my journey of looking into science writing as a career and need some advice on which programs to pursue.

Currently, I am deciding between a science writing certificate program at UCSD or a masters program at Johns Hopkins.

Does anyone know why a certificate would be “better” or ”worse” than a masters? The cost for a certificate is significantly more affordable than a masters, but the courses seems relatively similar so I’m very confused as to which would be more beneficial for a career pathway.

Thanks for any advice!

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u/Aggravating_Hour9965 Feb 10 '24

You can't cram 2 years into a 9 week program. The master's degree will give you more depth and hopefully more opportunities to try things. But if you want a quicker dive to see if this is something you'd be interested in, go for the certificate.

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u/cinnamoogoo Feb 10 '24

Thanks for the feedback! Both programs are actually about a year and half. They just both seem similar in curriculum, but the cost difference between the two is staggering. Leaning toward the certificate as you said just to try it out since they seem more flexible with the program. Thanks again!

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u/Aggravating_Hour9965 Feb 10 '24

I'm sorry, I just googled the UCSD science writing certificate and it showed me offers for a nine week program. Could you poiu t me to what you were looking at?

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u/cinnamoogoo Feb 11 '24

Ahh I see where I confused things. It’s the science communication program, not science writing I was referring to. Here’s the link: Science Communication Program

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u/Writerinthelake Feb 14 '24

I interviewed John Hopkins alums and the program is online with limited career development opportunities (placement, internships) most students seem to work full time and do the online masters.