The Medical and Science Journalism Program at UNC-Chapel Hill is one of the nation's first master's programs of its kind.

The Medical and Science Journalism Program teaches the skills needed to work as a practicing medical and science journalist in print and electronic media. Students also gain the knowledge and background necessary to pursue further research in the field. Students have the option of pursuing either a print or electronic journalism concentration.

Application deadline is Jan. 1 for admission the following fall.

The overall mission of the program is to educate journalists so that they can communicate the wonders and complexities of science and medicine in ways that capture the imaginations of viewers, listeners and readers. Competent medical journalists provide a bridge between the scientist and the consumer.

Students from the Medical and Science Journalism Program have distinguished themselves by winning two regional Emmys and several prizes from the Society of Professional Journalists Region 2. Students in the program's Science Documentary Television course have recently completed a half-hour program, Environmental Heroes, that was a finalist in the 2008 Carrboro Film Festival and will be shown in the "North Carolina Visions" film festival on North Carolina Public Television in July 2009. Students also have published recent articles in The Scientist and Endeavors magazines.

Tom Linden, M.D., is director of the Medical and Science Journalism Program and Glaxo Wellcome Distinguished Professor of Medical Journalism in the School. Read biographies of professors, guest lecturers, current students and alumni from the Medical and Science Journalism Program.