Credential: Graduate Academic Certificate
Delivery: Online core course and project-based or in-person elective choices
Program Length: Two graduate courses
Start Date: September 2026
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The Graduate Academic Certificate in Science Communication equips students with the skills to communicate scientific ideas clearly, ethically, and effectively to diverse audiences.
Offered by the School of Interdisciplinary Science, this certificate combines interdisciplinary theory with hands-on, experiential learning. Students explore how science is communicated in media, policy, education, and public settings, while developing their own creative or research-based science communication project.
The certificate can be completed concurrently with a graduate degree or as a standalone credential.
Students complete two courses to earn the Graduate Academic Certificate in Science Communication: one required core course plus one elective course. Depending on course selection, students may complete the certificate in as little as one academic term.
Foundations in Science Communication (Required)
Creative Project in Science Communication (Elective)
Science Communication Research Project (Elective)
Narratives of Science (Elective)
This flexible delivery format allows students to complete the certificate alongside graduate studies or professional commitments, while gaining practical and applied experience in science communication.
Graduates of the program will be able to:
An undergraduate degree with an average of B+ or equivalent professional experience in one of the following disciplines: science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, is generally required for admission to the Graduate Academic Certificate in Science Communication program. Consideration will be given to those holding an undergraduate degree in other areas, or with a lower undergraduate average. All applicants must submit a statement of interest, curriculum vitae and undergraduate transcript (if applicable).
For foreign applicants whose native language is not English, evidence of proficiency in the use of the English language is required. The most common evidence is the Test of English. The minimum university requirements are outlined in the General Regulations of the Graduate School.
Tuition for the Graduate Academic Certificate in Science Communication is charged on a per-course basis and follows the University tuition schedule for non-funded, for-credit graduate programs.
As of Fall 2026, tuition is $2,924.34 per course, for a total program cost of $5,848.68 for the two-course certificate. In addition to tuition, supplementary fees of approximately $280 per year apply. These fees support student services and infrastructure such as athletics and recreation, convocation services, graduate academic support, the MacCard, student wellness services, and transcripts.
Application requirements include:
Candidates can apply directly through this link: Application Information.
The Graduate Academic Certificate in Science Communication builds on the foundational skills introduced in the undergraduate certificate by emphasizing advanced learning, professional practice, and applied experience. Students engage with both theory and practice, with higher expectations for critical thinking, project development, and professional-level communication.
A key difference is the strong focus on work-integrated learning and portfolio development. Through applied elective courses — including projects developed in partnership with potential employer organizations — students will create professional communication materials they can showcase in a portfolio. With access to a network of potential employer partners, students may also have opportunities for placements or collaborative creative projects.
The graduate certificate also offers a diverse cohort experience, bringing together recent graduates, working professionals, and individuals with advanced academic backgrounds, including PhD holders. This mix of perspectives supports networking, collaboration, and exposure to a wide range of career pathways in science communication.
This certificate prepares students for roles in:
School of Interdisciplinary Science
McMaster University
sis@mcmaster.ca
Assistant Professor
Summary:
Dr Alexander Hall is a science communication expert whose work explores the history of science in popular media. With an interest in the role of science in society, he is committed to empowering more active participation and engagement with science across diverse communities. He has an extensive track record working on large multidisciplinary research projects, is a co-founder of the International Research Network for the Study of Science & Belief in Society, and a former History of Science Section Recorder for the British Science Association.
Research Interests:
Science communication, history of science, media studies, science and technology studies, environmental history
Dr Hall’s research traces how scientists have gained positions of expertise in society and used the media to communicate complex theories to the public. Focussing on the history of science in popular media, Dr Hall has published on a wide range of subjects from the history of evolution on TV and radio, to the importance of narrative in communications on climate change.
UG Teaching:
Science Communication for Professional Audiences (LIFESCI 3PP3/SCICOMM 3PP3)
Science Literacy (ISCI 1A24)
History of the Earth (ISCI 2A18)
UG Supervisor on:
Integrated Science Enrichment Project (ISCI 2A18)
Integrated Science Independent Project (ISCI 3A12)
Research Practicum (LIFESCI 3RP3)
Independent Project in Science Communication (SCICOMM 4A03)
Undergraduate Thesis Projects (e.g. LIFESCI 4C12/4C15 and ISCI 4A12)
Grad:
Narratives of Science (GEOG 721/SCICOMM 704)
Grad Supervisor on:
Creative Project in Science Communication (SCICOMM 702) Science Communication Research Project (SCICOMM 703)
Masters and PhD-level Thesis Projects
Associate Professor
Dr. Katie Moisse is a science journalist teaching science communication in the School of Interdisciplinary Science. Her stories have appeared in Scientific American, Spectrum and The Atlantic. She was Digital Health Editor for ABC News, leading the network’s national online coverage of countless outbreaks and other important health stories. She has a Ph.D in pathology from the University of Western Ontario, an M.Sc. in neuroscience from King’s College London and an M.Sc. in journalism from Columbia University.
Science communication, media, global health, public health
Dr. Moisse’s research examines the role of the media in shaping perceptions about health and science among non-scientists, as well as the role of creative storytelling in enhancing science comprehension and curiosity.
Courses:
LIFESCI 2AA3
LIFESCI 2G03
LIFESCI 3P03
LIFESCI 3Q03
LIFESCI 3XX3
LIFESCI 4E03
LIFESCI 4J03
LIFESCI 4L03
SCICOMM 2A03
SCICOMM 3P03
SCICOMM 701
SCICOMM 702
SCICOMM 703
Professor Acting Director, School of Interdisciplinary Science
Associate Member, Department of Physics & Astronomy
Dr. Sarah Symons is a Full Professor in the School of Interdisciplinary Science and an associate member of the Department of Physics & Astronomy. She was educated in the UK, gaining a BSc Honours Degree in Mathematics and Astronomy and PhD in History of Astronomy in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Leicester. She began her career as an academic pedagogical project manager in the UK. At McMaster, she has been a pedagogical designer and teaching professor in the Honours Integrated Science Program and also teaches LIFESCI 4P03 Ancient Scientific Literature.
pedagogy, history of science, history of astronomy, Egyptology, science literacy
Sarah’s involvement in scholarship of teaching and learning includes pedagogical research in science education, educational consultancy focusing on active learning and assessment design, and collaborative projects with teaching-stream and interdisciplinary faculty internationally. She is particularly interested in science literacy and scientific skills development in science courses big and small. Her research outside pedagogy is in history of astronomy, concentrating on astronomical texts and instruments from ancient Egypt.
ISCI 1A24A/B, ISCI 2A18A/B, ISCI 3A12A/B, ISCI 4A12A/B, LIFESCI 4P03, SCICOMM 701
Additional Websites:
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