Program Description

The Science Communication Program is primarily a graduate program composed of two separate tracks: science illustration and science writing. Students in both programs combine a love of science with a desire to communicate science to the general public.

The writing track, which is a graduate program only, is designed to bring individuals with a solid science background into the field of science writing for the public. The writing program focuses on the theory and practice of conceiving, writing, and editing articles on scientific, medical, environmental, and technological subjects for newspapers, magazines, and special publications directed at non-technical readers.

The illustration track has both graduate and undergraduate components. Hands-on illustration techniques and preparation for a career in science illustration are key elements of the program. Keen observational skills, understanding of the scientific concepts, as well as communication of accurate information through illustration are stressed throughout the course work.

Graduate Programs

Each track accepts 10 students per year, and enrollment in science writing and science illustration classes is strictly limited. Both programs consist of one academic year of full-time study, beginning in fall quarter, followed by a full-time internship lasting a minimum of 10 weeks. Science Notes, the UCSC online science magazine, is produced annually by the graduate students. Please see the current issue and an archive of past issues on our web site. Graduate study applications and instructions can be found at http://gradstudies.ucsc.edu.

Graduate Certificate in Science Writing

The 12-month program (that is a nine-month academic year plus summer internship) in science writing offers intensive training in science reporting and writing for general audiences. News, features, essays, and editorials are covered, but science feature writing is stressed.

At least a bachelor’s degree in science and additional full-time research experience are required for admission. Students who have an aptitude for writing and a strong desire to communicate science to the general public are ideal candidates for the program. Other admission requirements may be obtained from the program web site, along with biographical information about many of the program graduates.

Graduate Certificate in Science Illustration

The science illustration program specializes in training students who have a background in science, artistic talent, and a strong desire to combine both qualifications in a craft that brings scientific concepts to a wide audience. Careful observational skills are crucial whether the artist is cataloging new species, creating a field guide, or reconstructing a dinosaur. Applicants are often scientists with a strong visual background or artists who turn to nature and science for inspiration and wish to learn to communicate science, both natural and theoretical.

The courses offer intensive training in black-and-white, color, and computer-based illustration techniques. Special techniques, portfolio development, and business aspects of the science illustration profession are also covered.

A bachelor’s degree in science is preferred for admission, although other majors are accepted if there is evidence of serious interest and supplementary course work in science. All applicants must submit a portfolio with a minimum of eight samples of their artwork in addition to the UCSC Graduate Study Application for admission. See the program’s web site for application procedures, or contact the program office for information.

Undergraduate Program

The science illustration program offers both studio and computer classes that are open to undergraduates. Undergraduates are allowed to enroll in the courses designated as lower division, 80A, 107, 109, 110, 120, and so on. Field Sketching and Introduction to Natural Science Illustration are suitable for students with little or no drawing experience. Some drawing ability is recommended, but not required for the other courses. All courses are intensive and require substantial amounts of both materials and time. Most of the classes have undergraduates and graduates working side by side, which adds to the learning experience for the undergraduates.

Further Information

Details about the science writing and science illustration graduate certificate programs or information on the undergraduate courses may be obtained from the Science Communication Program Office, the web site, or by sending e-mail to scicom@ucsc.edu.