Science journalism is a specialization within the journalism field that focuses on issues pertaining to the STEM fields, predominantly science, medicine and technology. Unlike technical writing, which conveys technical information to an audience of specialists, science journalism conveys scientific concepts to the general public.

In other words, a science journalist can review a scientific study, break down its findings into simple language and explain the concepts to a general audience that is presumed not to have a background in science competencies.

What is science journalism like as a career choice? Becoming a science writer may be a good choice for those with an interest in professional writing as well as varied interests across scientific fields — from environmental science to genetics to astrophysics. Science writing is a way of combining those different interests into one career path. A passion for education may also be helpful, as science writers effectively educate the public about science topics, making scientific writing more accessible and understandable to a lay audience.

The goal of science journalism is to keep the general public informed of new discoveries and emerging research in the scientific community. Their main priority is to analyze the scientific data and then translate these concepts into simple, easy-to-understand language that a lay audience can understand, making it easier for readers to learn about the world around them. Clear communication is essential for success in this role.

A science writer may specialize in a specific branch of science, such as environmental science or soil science or they might cover a wide range of topics in areas such as physics, chemistry, engineering, computer science, medicine and nursing.

So, what is a science journalism job like? Some of the responsibilities of a science writer may include:

• Staying on top of emerging research, trends and recent findings in the scientific community
• Identifying story ideas
• Researching stories, including stories on recently published research and other current events in the science world
• Conducting interviews of experts in the field, including scientists involved in a research study, and those not involved in the research study (to include objective opinions)
• Writing an article about the story, including context wherever possible (such as by explaining why a particular research finding matters to the public)

A science writer might attend scientific conferences and similar events to stay on top of the recent goings-on in the field.

Science journalism is important both for the general public and for the scientific fields, as science journalists help the public stay informed about the world around them while also bringing visibility to scientific research, potentially enhancing scientists’ funding capabilities. Science journalism can also hold scientists accountable by exploring ethics issues and ferreting out potential conflicts of interest in scientific funding.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

Science matters to everyone, not just scientists. Science writers make scientific findings more accessible to the general public, and the more the public knows about the world around them, the better they can make informed decisions about their own lives. For example, a science writer might explain the effects of meat consumption on the climate or how to make one’s own organic fertilizer using weeds. Science readers can then apply that information in their everyday lives.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

The scientific fields and scientists themselves also benefit from science journalism. Scientists are supposed to ensure that their studies are free of potential biases and that any variables that may affect the results are accounted for. They are also expected to disclose whether they have any potential conflicts of interest. For example, a scientist who conducts a study on the effectiveness of a new drug must reveal if they received funding for the study from the company that manufactures that drug. Science writers can explore these potential conflicts of interest, increasing transparency in the scientific community and encouraging ethical adherence.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

Science writers need a diverse skill set to do their jobs effectively. Some of the most important skills and competencies include:

Scientific Knowledge and Research Skills

Science journalism professionals do not need to be scientists themselves, but they do need a basic understanding of scientific fundamentals. They need to know common scientific principles, terms and research methodologies, for example.^{(See disclaimer 2)} Some science writers may specialize in a particular area according to their scientific competencies, such as epidemiology or biotechnology.

Research skills are also essential for science writers. Science writers need to know how to find the data they need, analyze it and interpret it for a lay audience. They also need to verify their sources to ensure accuracy.^{(See disclaimer 2)}

Writing and Storytelling Skills

Science writers need to have strong storytelling and writing skills.^{(See disclaimer 2)} Clarity is critical, but presentation is also important. They may need to adjust the tone of an article to suit a specific audience.

Communication and Interviewing Skills

Science writers use verbal communication skills when interviewing scientists and other subject matter experts. They need to ask clear questions and use active listening skills. Conducting interviews is an essential component of this career.^{(See disclaimer 2)}

Science writers may publish their work in a variety of media outlets. Their articles may appear in online or print newspapers and magazines. Science writers might also host or do a guest appearance on podcasts, and they might even shoot a video. Radio and TV are other mediums that may highlight the work of science writers.^{(See disclaimer 3)}

There is a decades-old and ongoing debate in the science journalism community: Should science writers have a degree in science or in a writing-intensive field like professional writing or English? There are no universal requirements for this career path, and either type of degree can be useful for writing about science.^{(See disclaimer 4)}

A science degree can be helpful as it teaches the fundamentals of scientific concepts, principles, methodologies and terminology. It can be useful, for example, for a science writer to understand the meaning of “statistical significance.” Basic science literacy can aid science writers when interviewing scientists, as well as when reviewing scientific studies.^{(See disclaimer 4)}

On the other hand, a liberal arts major can also be a good starting point, as it can enable writers to more effectively use language that their lay audience can easily digest. A liberal arts major may also help science writers convey important information about the topic in a compelling and engaging way, such as by using storytelling techniques.^{(See disclaimer 4)}

A science journalist's salary expectations can vary based on many factors, including years of experience, geographic location and employer. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not track salary information for different specializations within journalism. However, the BLS reports that the median annual salary for journalists, reporters and news analysts combined was $60,280 as of May 2024.^{(See disclaimer 5)}

If you’re passionate about both science and writing, you can study both at Grand Canyon University. Apply for enrollment in the Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing for New Media degree program, which examines professional writing skills in areas such as journalism, scientific communications and grant writing. 

Alternatively, you could focus more strongly on science competencies with the Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology degree or the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science program.

No matter which degree program you choose, you’ll receive an education fully integrated with our Christian worldview and values.