These days, people who have a science background and an ability to innovate to solve key societal problems are in high demand. At UAB, our Graduate Certificate in Science Policy can prepare you for a career in academia, government, nonprofit, or the private sector.

The focus of this program is to teach you about effective science communication, the impact and process of establishing policies, and the real-time assessment of societal innovations. Why? Because scientific experts rarely have training in public policy or public service and adding those skills to your resume can give your career a tremendous boost. This 15-hour program will cover topics such as understanding the ethical and societal implications of medical and technological advances; communicating to diverse audiences; examining existing policy frameworks to challenge assumptions and expectations; and engaging policymaking processes to balance innovation with progress. By the time you earn your certificate, you should have important tools necessary to identify, analyze, and propose solutions to complex issues at the intersection of sciences, technology, ethics, and policy.