Minor in Science Journalism
With today's digital landscape awash with misinformation, credible and accurate science reporting is critical. Through our Minor in Science Journalism, learn to effectively communicate science and health topics.
Full admission requirements, courses and complete info on how to apply to come in early 2021.
Why study science journalism?
The Minor in Science Journalism aims to produce intelligent, thoughtful, and versatile journalists and communicators who engage citizens in a democratic society, helping them make informed decisions about their communities. With a focus on the communication of scientific topics, this professional education combines hands-on writing and audiovisual production workshops with lectures and seminars that critically examine the social and political contexts in which journalism is produced.
You’ll benefit from small class sizes and state-of-the-art facilities. Engage in research-creation projects or partake in an internship practicum. We'll equip you with the storytelling tools you need to communicate science accurately and enagingly.
Program structure
Program option
- Minor in Science Journalism (24 credits)
Complete 24 credits in the Department of Journalism, which include 12 credits of core courses, and 12 credits of elective courses. The Minor is available to students beginning or currently enrolled in a BSc program.
Courses
JOUR 206 Introduction to Reporting (3 credits)
JOUR 207 Introduction to Multimedia (3 credits)
JOUR 340 Communicating Science with Society (3 credits)
JOUR 402 Specialist Reporting (3 credits) *topics course with a focus on science and health
12 credits chosen from the elective list, including: JOUR 205, JOUR 208, JOUR 209, JOUR 215, JOUR 216, JOUR 298, JOUR 302, JOUR 325, JOUR 451; COMS 360, COMS 361; ENGL 391; LOYC 340
- With permission of the program director, up to 6 of the 12 elective credits can be taken in alternative courses, if these courses meet the goals of the program.
Note: Elective courses may have limited space and require permission of various departments to enrol.
Admission requirements
Minimum cut-off averages
- Quebec CEGEP: 22
- High School: B-
- University Transfers (internal/external): B-
- Bacc. français: 12
- International Baccaleureate (IB) diploma: 27
Course requirements for admission
- No specific courses required. However, you must meet Concordia’s minimum admission requirements
Additional requirements for admission
- Letter of intent (500 words double spaced, written in English)
- Introduce yourself to the admissions committee. Tell us about yourself.
- Note your Concordia BSc program. This can be a program you have applied to enter for Fall or the BSc program you are currently studying in at Concordia.
- Explain why you want to study science journalism, your academic/professional interests, and any other relevant information.
- English proficiency test (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.) – except for Canadian and American applicants
- PDF copy of transcripts
Minimum cut-off averages should be used as indicators. The cut-off data may change depending on the applicant pool. Applicants who meet the stated minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission to these programs.
After your minor
- Be able to write, report and communicate scientific topics in a clear, accurate and engaging way;
- Be able to experiment with new forms of multimedia storytelling, including through audio, video, photography and social media platforms;
- Be part of a growing network of science communicators and journalists.
