Health and Science Communication, Undergraduate Certificate

Certificate Advisory Group: Holley Wilkin and Michael Tannebaum, Communication; Roberta Attanasio, Biology

Information: cascertificates@gsu.edu

The Health and Science Communication certificate is designed to prepare students for the vital task of effectively communicating science and health information in both personal and professional contexts. This program equips students with the skills needed to educate, persuade, and support individuals and communities through various communication channels. Tailored for those pursuing careers in the sciences, behavioral sciences, health professions, media, and communication, this certificate offers a flexible curriculum that can be customized to align with specific interests in science, health, and communication. With the increasing importance of clear and accurate communication highlighted by the recent pandemic, this certificate program provides foundational courses in interpersonal and public speaking, advanced training in health and science topics, and practical application of communication theories and research. By completing this 15-hour certificate, students will enhance their ability to effectively convey complex scientific and health information, making them valuable assets in fields such as public health, medical care, journalism, public relations, and beyond.

Certificate Course Credit

Courses taken as part of a Georgia State University certificate program count toward the requirements of the certificate and may also count toward core curriculum, major, and minor requirements. However, students are advised to limit themselves no more than two certificates during their undergraduate studies. Please consult with an academic advisor if considering pursuing an undergraduate certificate. A grade of C or higher is required in all courses counting toward the certificate.

Certificate Requirements (15-16 Hours)

Communication Foundations (3 Hours)

Select one course from the following:

SCOM 1500 - Public Speaking 3 Credit Hours
SCOM 2400 - Interpersonal Communication 3 Credit Hours
ENGL 2105 - Workplace-Based Research and Writing 3 Credit Hours

Sciences and Health Foundations (3-4 Hours)

Select one course from the following:

BIOL 1104 - Introductory Biology II 3 Credit Hours
and
BIOL 1104L - Introductory Biology II Laboratory 1 Credit Hours
or
BIOL 2108 - Principles of Biology II 3 Credit Hours
and
BIOL 2108L - Principles of Biology II Laboratory 1 Credit Hours
BIOL 2260 - Foundations of Microbiology 3 Credit Hours
CHEM 1050 - Chemistry for Citizens 3 Credit Hours
GERO 2000 - Introduction to Gerontology 3 Credit Hours
NEUR 2000 - Introduction to Neuroscience 3 Credit Hours
NUTR 2100 - Principles of Nutrition 3 Credit Hours
PHPB 2000 - Introduction to Public Health 3 Credit Hours
PHPB 2020 - Determinants of Health 3 Credit Hours
PSYC 1101 - Introduction to General Psychology 3 Credit Hours
PSYC 2060 - Introduction to Positive Psychology 3 Credit Hours

Sciences and Health Advanced Issues (3 Hours)

Select one course from the following:

AAS 4110 - Black Women and Health 3 Credit Hours
or
WGSS 4110 - Black Women and Health 3 Credit Hours
ANTH 4460 - Health and Culture 3 Credit Hours
GERO 4200 - Health and the Older Adult 3 Credit Hours
HIST 3420 - Historical Aspects of Public Health and Medicine 3 Credit Hours
BIOL 3740 - Biomedical Ethics 3 Credit Hours
or
PHIL 3740 - Biomedical Ethics 3 Credit Hours
RELS 4770 - Religion and Health 3 Credit Hours
SOCI 3358 - Environmental Sociology 3 Credit Hours
SOCI 3352 - Mental Illness in the United States 3 Credit Hours
SOCI 4230 - Sociology of Health and Illness 3 Credit Hours

Sciences and Health Communication Proficiency (6 Hours)

Select two courses from the following:

BIOL 3010 - Science Communication 3 Credit Hours
JOUR 4460 - Health Communication 3 Credit Hours
or
SCOM 4560 - Health Communication 3 Credit Hours
or
CNHP 4500 - Health Communication 3 Credit Hours
Public Health majors can substitute PHPB 4040 - Public Health Communication
SCOM 4480 - Political Campaign Communication 3 Credit Hours
or
JOUR 4480 - Political Campaign Communication 3 Credit Hours
NEUR 3930 - Experience in Science Outreach 3 Credit Hours
SCOM 4700 - Health Communication in Interpersonal Contexts 3 Credit Hours

Certificate Capstone Requirements

To earn the certificate, students must enroll in the following non-credit course during the term when all other certificate requirements will be completed, or the immediately following term. Students may not delay their graduation to complete the certificate.

INDS 4882 - Health and Science Communication Certificate Capstone 0 Credit Hours

Internship Opportunities

Although not required as part of the certificate, pursuing an internship is an excellent way of building on the skills and knowledge gained through this program and your major. The College of Arts and Sciences partners with an expanding network of employers in the Atlanta region to offer internships, giving our students access to opportunities with Fortune 500 companies, major media networks, government branches, community organizations, healthcare centers and more. Visit https://cas.gsu.edu/internships/ to learn more.