Science Writing

Science
Writing
There is one main field
of professional science
writing that exists,
namely science
journalism.

Science journalists
write science-based
material for news
media outlets think
newspaper articles,
magazines, and
newsletters or freelance jobs such as
blogs and books
publications.

The writing of a
science journalist is
centered on the lay
audience, meaning the
common public.

College of Letters, Arts, & Social Sciences

Phone: 208-884-6426
Fax: 208-885-8964
Admin. Bldg. 112
Moscow, Idaho 83843

Department of English
Professional Writing Program

Career Requirements

The job of a science

journalist is to inform the
public audience of
scientific news, using an
assortment of professional
writing outlets.

Forms of Science Writing

What do they do?

Professional

Science journalists inform the public on

scientific news, using multiple platforms.
Press-releases, newspapers, and
magazines are the most common
platforms of writing used by journalists,
mostly in article form. Free-lance science
writers commonly use blogs and books to
write extensively on chosen topic.

Types of writing styles and formats used

There is a plethora of forms and styles
used by science journalists to convey
their assorted messages, all depending on
the platform chosen by the journalist, as
well as the type of news being written
about.

Journalistic Subject depends on

employer/cause
Hard News Release Discover
published in scientific
journal/conference
Feature Release Scientific work in
progress
Backgrounder Nuts and bolts of the
research
Personal Profile Bio information on
scientist
Q&A Writing in scientists own words
and opinions
Media Alert, Grant/Award
Announcements

Free-Lance

Blogs
Books

Bachelor or higher in either

science or journalism
Complimentary classes or
minor in other degree (Ex:
Bachelors in Biology with
minor or emphasis on
Journalism or Professional
Writing)
Clear communication skills in
writing, with ability to
interestingly and accurately
present the information
Capability to work with and
create text, graphics, video,
and audio
Capacity to constantly learn in
field of science, as well as
adequate knowledge to
present correct data.

The field of professional writing

extends
deeply
into
science
writing. The nuances for each job
vary, but a solid foundation in the
basics of professional writing is
standard protocol for hiring. If
interests in both literature and
science are possessed, a career as
a science writer would be an
appropriate fit.