Mission Statement

The Institute for Science Education and Science Communication ("Science Institute") of Columbia College Chicago sees as its mission the science education of the general public through the education of Columbia College students, the majority of whom major in mass media communications fields, and many who study to pursue teaching careers. It is a tenet of the college that students who enter careers which involve communicating with millions of citizens should have a solid background in the sciences. The benefits of this curriculum to the general public are enormous, especially as science and technology become an increasingly important part of national and international news and information. By providing a strong science background to future teachers and communicators, the Institute for Science Education and Science Communication is positively influencing the science education, attitudes, and opinions of millions of people.

To support the educational goals and mission of Columbia College Chicago.
To design and implement new initiatives in science and public policy, science communication, and science education.
To explore and develop associations with the national and world scientific communities.
To develop creative, engaging, and rigorous science, technology and mathematics curricula for undergraduate students.
To promote innovative methods of teaching, learning, and assessing science, mathematics, and technology by engaging students' creativity, personal interests, and cultural heritage with the subject matter.
To elevate the scientific literacy of a diverse multicultural community, not only of students but also of science teachers and the general citizenry.
To elevate the scientific literacy of a diverse multicultural community, not only of students but also of science teachers and the general citizenry. To elevate the standards of science education at the local, national, and international level.
To encourage and stimulate interest in science by providing formal and informal educational environments that promote learning for those who would otherwise not be inclined to study the subject.
To prepare teachers to become certified in science at the secondary level.