BA Communication

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Stevens Institute of Technology

Program Overview

The B.A. in Science Communication at Stevens Institute of Technology prepares students to translate complex ideas in science, technology and medicine into clear, engaging stories for public, professional and media audiences. It is ideal for students interested in the intersection of science and communication, combining writing, research, technology, media, policy and humanities with opportunities to add a secondary concentration such as Marketing, Medical Humanities, Computer Science, Data Visualization, or Pre-Law and Public Policy.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1: Students establish a foundation in science, technology and communication through courses such as HST 120 Introduction to Science and Technology Studies, HHS 130 History of Science and Technology, and HST 160 Introduction to Science Communication. They also build their quantitative and technology background through mathematics, computer science and Stevens' technology-focused core curriculum.

Year 2: Students broaden their understanding of how scientific knowledge connects with society through subjects such as HLI 220 Images of Science in Literature, HPL 111 Philosophy I: Theories of Human Nature, HQSS 141 Introduction to Sociology, and HST 250 Medical Humanities. This stage helps students examine science through cultural, philosophical, social and human perspectives while continuing their major-specific coursework.

Year 3: Students move toward professional research and communication through HST 301 Research Design and Methods, HST 330 Environmental Communication, HST 320 Science and Media, and related major courses. They can also explore areas such as social networking and marketing, philosophy of science, environmental ethics and creative programming, developing stronger research and communication skills for contemporary media environments.

Year 4: Students complete advanced work including HST 401 Seminar in Science Writing and the HASS 499 Senior Thesis, where they undertake substantial original research under faculty guidance. Senior-level study can also incorporate areas such as environmental policy, sociology of science and technology, consumer behavior, science fiction and rhetoric/technical writing, while the secondary concentration adds depth in a complementary professional or technical field.

Focus Areas:

Science communication, science and technology studies, science writing, science and media, environmental communication, medical humanities, public health, research methods, visualizing society, technology and society, digital communication, marketing, data visualization, public policy and technical writing.

Learning Outcomes:

Students develop the ability to research and evaluate scientific information, communicate complex concepts clearly to different audiences, write compelling science-based narratives, analyze the social and ethical dimensions of science and technology, use digital and quantitative approaches, conduct independent research, and connect scientific knowledge with media, policy and public life.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

Stevens' Science Communication B.A. is housed within the School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences. The university does not identify a separate specialized professional accreditation for the Science Communication major; its value instead comes from the interdisciplinary curriculum combining science, technology, research and communication.

Reputation (Employability & Official Recognition):

Stevens reports that 93.4% of its Class of 2025 graduates achieved employment or continuing-education outcomes within six months, with an average starting salary of $86,900 across undergraduate programs. The university also reports that 83% of employed 2025 graduates had completed at least one work experience, while Stevens' Career Center is ranked No. 12 nationally by The Princeton Review. These figures are university-wide rather than Science Communication-specific.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Science Communication students at Stevens gain practical experience by combining research and writing with technology, public-facing science discussions and professional experiences. The major's Senior Thesis, Seminar in Science Writing, Center for Science Writings activities and access to New York City's professional environment give students multiple ways to develop work that demonstrates their ability to explain science, technology and health to real audiences. Stevens also provides internship opportunities in science journalism, healthcare, nonprofit outreach and media:

• Center for Science Writings: The center hosts free public talks every semester featuring scientists, humanities scholars and journalists discussing issues such as climate change and mental health, giving students direct exposure to contemporary science-writing and public-communication debates.

• HST 401 Seminar in Science Writing: Students attend Center for Science Writings events, engage with speakers' books and articles, prepare questions and produce written work examining scientific controversies and their ethical, political and philosophical dimensions.

• Senior Thesis: Through HASS 499 Senior Thesis, students conduct original research under faculty direction and present their work at Stevens' annual Innovation Expo, turning their research into a substantial academic and professional achievement.

• HST 301 Research Design and Methods: Students develop structured research skills that support independent investigation and evidence-based communication.

• Science and Media: Courses such as HST 320 Science and Media allow students to examine how scientific knowledge is represented and communicated through media.

• Environmental Communication: HST 330 Environmental Communication provides a focused opportunity to explore communication around environmental issues, an important area for science writers, public communicators and policy professionals.

• Visualizing Society: Stevens' HST course offerings include HST 325 Visualizing Society, connecting communication with visual approaches to understanding and presenting social information.

• Technology-Infused Learning: Stevens' curriculum incorporates computing, mathematics and emerging technologies alongside humanities and communication, giving Science Communication students an interdisciplinary environment rather than a traditional writing-only degree.

• New York City Professional Environment: Stevens' Hoboken location is approximately a 10-minute train ride from New York City, providing access to major media, healthcare, nonprofit, technology and communications organizations.

• Science Communication Internships: Official program examples include internships with Prudential Financial, Zeno Group and Pew Research Center, covering communications, health and public engagement.

• Career-Focused Work Experience: Stevens students can pursue internships and, where eligible, the university's Co-op program, gaining professional experience and building industry contacts before graduation.

Facilities & Resources: Stevens School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, Center for Science Writings and Science Communication resources.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Science Communication graduates can take their combination of scientific literacy, research and communication skills into journalism, health communication, marketing, public relations, education, science policy and public engagement. Stevens' official examples include roles such as Marketing Content Writer, Assistant Communications Specialist, Communications Associate and Curriculum Developer, while internships with organizations such as Pew Research Center, Prudential Financial and Zeno Group can help students establish professional connections before graduation.

Typical career directions include: Science Writer, Health Communications Specialist, Science Policy Communications Specialist, Digital Content Strategist.

• Stevens Career Center: Students receive personalized career coaching, career education and access to recruiting opportunities, with the Career Center partnering with 600+ employers each year for internships, co-op experiences and full-time employment.

• Employer Recruiting: Stevens hosts employer recruiting events and uses Handshake for employers to post internships, full-time positions and co-op opportunities.

• Internship Access: The university's proximity to New York City gives students access to organizations across media, healthcare, nonprofit outreach, communications and technology.

• International Career Support: International students can work with Stevens' career and international-student services to navigate professional opportunities and, where eligible, work authorization requirements.

• University Career Outcomes: Stevens reports a 93.4% employment or continuing-education outcome rate for the Class of 2025 and an $86,900 average starting salary across undergraduate graduates.

• Work Experience Advantage: Stevens reports that 83% of employed Class of 2025 graduates completed at least one internship, co-op job or summer research experience before graduation.

• Professional Network: Stevens' career ecosystem connects students with employers ranging from startups to Fortune 100 companies, supporting networking and recruitment opportunities.

• Industry-Relevant Preparation: The combination of science, technology, writing, research and communication gives graduates flexibility to move between media, healthcare, business, policy and public-facing science roles.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue into master's and professional programs in areas such as Science Communication, Climate and Society, Public Health, Communication, Journalism, Public Policy, Environmental Studies or Law. Stevens highlights alumni progression to programs including Penn State's M.A. in Science Communication, Columbia University's M.A. in Climate and Society and Catholic University's J.D., demonstrating the degree's flexibility for both academic and professional advancement.

Program Key Stats

$65606
$65606
$65606
$75
EA, ED1, ED

Aug Intake : 15th Jan (RD) , 15th Nov (EA / ED)Jan Intake : 15th May


41%

Eligibility Criteria

BBC - BBB
3.6 - 3.9
28 - 34
70 - 80

1150 - 1350
30 - 34
6.5
90
Optional
No
Eligibility criteria

Additional Information & Requirements

How US Universities Assess Applicants

Career Options

  • Communication Strategist
  • Media Relations Specialist
  • Corporate Communications Coordinator
  • Public Relations Executive
  • Content Marketing Specialist
  • Internal Communications Specialist
  • Digital Communications Manager
  • Social Media Manager
  • Brand Communications Specialist
  • Community Relations Coordinator
Career options

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