Science Communication has evolved to be of interdisciplinary significance as its competencies affect every aspect of our lives. The School of Communication is a leader in Science Communication research. The faculty are engaged in cutting-edge, innovative work in the discipline. Whether you need to develop, improve, or maximize your science communication skillsets, the following courses provide a range of opportunities to best equip you with the tools you need to become a leader in this crucial field.
Definition
Science Communication is the ability to apply interdisciplinary, translational methods to communicate with non-experts about science-related topics through spoken, written, and digital formats.
Details
Open to: Undergraduate and Graduate
Format: In-person, online synchronous and
asynchronous
Flexibility: Choose one or more of these courses, as
best fits your needs.
Core Courses in Science Communication
- COM 4930 Seminar in Communication: Science Communication Fall
- COM 4022 Health Communication Fall
- DIG 3779 Introduction to Virtual Reality Development Fall, Spring
- IDS 3163 Media, Culture, and the Environment Fall, Spring
- COM 5426 Media, Culture, and the Environment Spring
Courses Suitable for Broader Science Communication Skills
- COM 4560 Social Marketing Fall, Spring
- COM 4561 Social Media Campaigns Fall, Spring, Summer
- COM 4712 Writing to Persuade Fall, Spring
- COM 5565 Social Media Campaigns Fall, Spring
- MMC 3464 Positive Media Psychology Fall, Spring
- MMC 4200 Media Law and Digital Innovation Fall
- MMC 4300 Diffusion of Innovations Fall, Spring, Summer
- MMC 6469 Diffusion of Innovations Summer
Fall 2026 Courses in Science Communication
| Course | Title | Days and Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| COM 4022 | Health Communication | Tues/Thurs, 9:45 am to 11:00 am | HCB 0213 |
| COM 4560 | Social Marketing | Mon/Wed, 4:50 pm to 6:05 pm | UCD 2105 |
| Mon/Wed, 9:20 am to 10:35 am | UCD 2102 | ||
| COM 4561 | Social Media Campaigns | Tues/Thurs, 3:05 pm to 4:20 pm | Online synchronous |
| Mon/Wed, 4:50 pm to 6:06 pm | UCD 1103 | ||
| COM 4712 | Writing to Persuade | Mon/Wed, 1:20 pm to 2:35 pm | UCC 4400 |
| Tues/Thurs, 4:50 pm to 6:05 pm | UCC 4400 | ||
| COM 4930 | Seminar in Communication: Science Communication | Tues/Thurs, 4:50 pm to 6:05 pm | UCD 2102 |
| COM 5565 | Social Media Campaigns | Mon/Wed, 3:05 pm to 4:20 pm | UCD 2102 |
| DIG 3779 | Introduction to Virtual Reality Development | Mon/Wed/Fri, 3:05 pm to 3:55 pm | LSB 0130 |
| Mon/Wed/Fri, 1:20 pm to 2:10 pm | LSB 0130 | ||
| IDS 3163 | Media, Culture, and the Environment | Mon/Wed/Fri, 10:40 am to 11:30 am | WJB 2004 |
| Tues/Thurs, 11:35 am to 12:50 pm | UCD 1101 | ||
| MMC 4200 | Media Law and Digital Innovation | Tues/Thurs, 8:00 am to 9:15 am | DIF 0230 |
| MMC 4300 | Diffusion of Innovations | – | Online asynchronous |
| RTV 4667 | TV Practicum: Media and Environment (cross-listed with LIT 3622 Eco-Literature and Ecocriticism) | Tues, 3:05 pm to 5:35 pm | UCD 6124 |
Schedules are subject to change. Always verify course times in the FSU course search before registering.
Study Abroad Opportunity
Students interested in Science Communication may take part in a newly developed summer program in Switzerland.
Faculty
Multiple faculty are invested in science communication.
| Faculty Member | Area of Expertise |
|---|---|
| Rachel Bailey | Health Communication |
| Russell Clayton | Health Communication |
| Juliann Cortese | Health and Visual Communication |
| Braidyn Lazenby | Health Communication |
| Patrick Merle | Crisis and Risk Communication |
| Andy Opel | Environmental Communication |
| Elizabeth Ray | Crisis and Risk Communication |
| Yin Yang | Health Communication |
| Ruosi Shao | AI and Health Communication |
| Jessica Wendorf Muhamad | Health Communication |
| Pengfei Zhao | AI and Communities |
| Annie Zhang (*joins SCOM in Fall 2026) | Public Understanding of Science |