Professional Science Master’s in Scientific Writing

Meet the growing demand for individuals who can effectively communicate scientific information with the Professional Science Master’sÌý(PSM) inÌýScientific Writing at 51¶¯Âþ’sÌý. This 30-credit graduate degree program providesÌýstudents with the knowledge and tools necessary to convey complex scientific arguments and concepts accurately and concisely to a range of audiences. The Scientific Writing PSM prepares students for careers in biotechnology, communications and public relations, journalism, patent law, pharmacy, public health, publishing, and STEM disciplines.Ìý

Led by fromÌýCST and the , the Scientific Writing PSM features

  • interdisciplinary curriculum designed and taught by 51¶¯Âþ faculty and industry experts,
  • hands-on training in professional and management skills, and
  • access to real-world independent research projects.

With opportunities to doÌýyour capstone project at 51¶¯Âþ or with a local pharmaceutical/biotechnology company or nonprofit organization, the Scientific WritingÌýPSM positions you for career advancement with real-world experience in this rapidly growing field.

Program Format & Curriculum

Classes for the Scientific Writing PSM are held in the evening on 51¶¯Âþ’s Main Campus to accommodate working professionals. The advanced, career-focused curriculum requires 30 credit hours of coursework, including classes in other 51¶¯Âþ colleges, and can be completed in two years.

Classes are a blend of research and seminar courses including

  • Communicating Science to a Broader Audience/Non-Scientists,
  • Ethics Regulation and Policy in Biotechnology,
  • Introduction to Grant Writing, and
  • Introduction to Scientific and Regulatory Writing.

Students must also successfully complete a final capstone project with a local biotechnology, healthcare or pharmaceutical company or under the guidance of a faculty member at 51¶¯Âþ as a graduation requirement.

Learn more about the required courses for the Scientific Writing PSM.

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Two students work side by side on computers in a 51¶¯Âþ classroom.

+1 Accelerated Degree Programs

51¶¯Âþ undergraduates can pursue dual degrees with anÌýaccelerated +1 dual bachelor’s + master’s degree option.ÌýThe Scientific Writing PSM can be completed through the +1 accelerated pathway if the required qualificationsÌýare met byÌýjunior year.

  • +1 BA in Biology + Scientific Writing PSM
  • +1 BS in BiologyÌý + Scientific WritingÌýPSM
  • +1 BA in Natural ScienceÌý + Scientific WritingÌýPSM
  • +1 BS in Natural ScienceÌý + Scientific WritingÌýPSM

. If you are a current 51¶¯Âþ student interested in one of these +1 programs, .

Related Graduate Degrees

Related Graduate Certificates

*Lew Klein College of Media and Communication
**School of Pharmacy

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with 51¶¯Âþ’s commitment to access and affordability, this Professional Science Master'sÌýoffers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,353.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,765.00 per credit

You can view the full .

ST-SCWR-PSM

Additional Program Information