“...the number of good science writers has grown dramatically thanks to programs such as the Knight Fellowship at MIT and the science writing program at the University of California, Santa Cruz. ”
— Nieman Reports Fall 2002

Nature article on the career of science writing for the public (Nature, Vol. 432, 18 Nov 2004, pgs 418-419)

"Physicists as Journalists" by Robert Irion, in the Sept/Oct 2007 Interactions, the magazine of the American Assoc. of Physics Teachers (pdf file)

"Training Scientists to be Journalists" by John Wilkes, in the Fall 2002 issue of EMBO Reports, a Continental journal for molecular biologists. The journal is edited in Heidelberg and published by Cambridge University Press.

"Science Journalism in the U.S. and Austria." Feature article from the Office of Science & Technology, Vol. 1, April 2004.

Download a UCSC science writing poster. (pdf file)

Directions to our building on campus, with maps. (pdf file)

1. Do I need a Ph.D.?

No. While research experience is required, an advanced degree is not and provides no advantage in the admission process. Over the years, we have enrolled roughly 40% Ph.D. recipients, 30% with master's degrees, and 30% with bachelor's degrees.

2. What if I don’t have a degree in science?

The program requires a degree in life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, or engineering. Contact the program office (below) if you aren't sure whether your academic background qualifies.

3. I have in a degree in sociology (or psychology or anthropology or economics or medicine or linguistics or …) Does that count?

Maybe. We'll consider you if you have the required research experience and have taken one of the GRE advanced tests in science.

4. Are international students eligible for financial aid?

Yes. We reserve most of our fellowships for domestic students, so our international students typically seek funds from agencies in their home countries, but we have some funds available. All international students must provide evidence of sufficient funding for living and educational expenses to the Graduate Division upon accepting an admission offer.

5. Can I use old GRE scores?

We accept old GRE scores. However, the program accepts only original copies of the scores, not photocopies. If you cannot get an official copy of old scores sent to us, contact our program office for assistance. ETS will not send scores older than five years. See http://www.gre.org for more information.

6. Will my GRE scores make it in time? What if scores are not in?

Since test results are received by the Graduate Division Admissions office four to six weeks after you have taken the exam, applicants should register for the December or earlier test dates. Be sure to "self-report" your scores, if you know them, on your application.

7. Do applicants with a master's or a Ph.D. need to take the GRE tests?

Applicants who have completed a Ph.D. do not need to take the GRE Subject Test. They must however, submit their scores for the general test (verbal, quantitative, and analytical). Students with a masters degree need both the general GRE and subject tests.

8. I majored in a subject that is not offered on the GRE advanced test, so what should I do?

Applicants who have studied in fields that are not offered by ETS still must take the test. We suggest taking the test in physics or biology after reading an introductory text. Mention your situation in the "Additional Information" section of the application. We'll grant special consideration to you, and low scores will not count against you.

9. What are the minimum GRE scores required for admission?

We're looking for the best writers, so we rarely admit students who score below the 85th percentile on the verbal and analytical sections of the general GRE exam. Scores above the 90th percentile help greatly. On the quantitative section of the general exam, as well as on the advanced subject test, we're looking for competence in math and in a given field of study. A low score will hurt your chances more than a high score will help.

10. What type of research experience is expected?

We prefer at least six months of academic lab or field research experience — such as two field summers, several semesters of part-time lab work, and so on. We generally do not consider clinical research experience. We will examine corporate research on a case-by-case basis.

11. When does the program start and when does it end?

Our academic cycle is on the quarter system: mid-September through early December; early January through mid-March; and early April through mid-June. The part-time internships during the school year run concurrently with classes. We encourage our graduates to complete their full-time summer or fall internship within six months of completing the academic program.

12. May I enroll as a part-time student?

No. The program is a full-time commitment. We also do not recommend working or taking extra classes during the year. Since working internships are part of the academic portion, your hours are filled. Reporting, writing, and editing consume most hours outside of class time.

13. May I sit in on classes or audit a single class?

We do not allow visitors in the classroom. There is one exception: Students who have an offer of admission may request to sit in on classes for one day as part of a campus visit.

14. How do I establish state residency or know if I qualify?

Visit the campus Registrar's webpage for more information. http://reg.ucsc.edu/students/residency.htm

15. Whom should I contact if I have any additional questions? May I visit or talk to someone in person?

The program director is happy to meet with prospective students. Contact the program manager for questions or to make an appointment before visiting the campus.

Email: scicom (at) ucsc.edu
Phone: 831-459-4475
Location: Kresge College Annex A
Hours: Mon.–Fri. 8:00 a.m.–12:00 noon