Neil deGrasse Tyson’s MasterClass offers a deep dive into scientific thinking, communication, and the art of asking the right questions. Tyson takes you on a journey through the cosmos of knowledge in just over two hours. He urges us to rethink how we approach the universe and share discoveries with others.
This course is a perfect blend of captivating storytelling and practical wisdom. You get insights from one of our most respected science communicators. Whether you’re new to science or looking to refine your communication skills, this MasterClass promises to expand your perspective and sharpen your critical thinking.
About the Class
⭐ 4.7 of 5 Masterclass ranking
The masterclass consists of 13 short video lessons with a total duration of 2 hours and 14 minutes. Neil deGrasse Tyson invites us into his thought process. He highlights the importance of curiosity, asking the right questions, and, perhaps most importantly, learning to clearly share what we discover.
The course is thoughtfully structured into three parts: the first focuses on scientific thinking and how to approach the world like a scientist. The second dives into the cognitive biases we all carry—those subtle filters that shape how we see and interpret information. And the final part is all about communication—tools, techniques, and strategies to make complex ideas accessible and compelling.
Now to the cost. To access the Neil deGrasse Tyson Masterclass, you need to pay an annual subscription fee. It starts with $120 for a single device, $180 for two, and $240 for six devices.
About the Instructor
Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson is an astrophysicist, planetary scientist, author, and science communicator. He serves as the Director of the Hayden Planetarium at the Rose Center for Earth and Space in New York City. Dr. Tyson is also affiliated with the American Museum of Natural History.
Over a career spanning more than three decades, Dr. Tyson has become one of the most recognized public figures in science. He has written several bestselling books on astrophysics and science literacy, including Astrophysics for People in a Hurry. Moreover, Dr. Tyson has hosted numerous programs aimed at making science more accessible, such as the television series Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey and the long-running podcast StarTalk.
His contributions to public science education have earned him numerous accolades, including the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal and the Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication. In recognition of his influence, an asteroid, 13123 Tyson, was named in his honor.
Dr. Tyson is known for his engaging communication style and efforts to promote scientific thinking to broad audiences. He often appears in the media to explain complex scientific ideas in relatable terms.
Lesson Plan
- What You Know Is Not as Important as How You Think
In this lesson, Neil deGrasse Tyson shares how a cosmic perspective can shift the way we see ourselves and our place in the universe. He reflects on how science isn’t just about facts, but about developing a mindset that’s curious, resilient, and grounded in the pursuit of truth.
Through personal insight and practical wisdom, Neil introduces the idea that we are active participants in the unfolding cosmos—and that how we think matters just as much as what we know. It’s a thoughtful, inspiring start to understanding both the universe and our role in communicating it.
- The Frontier of Science
In the second lesson, Neil deGrasse Tyson invites us to the edge of human knowledge. It is the thrilling, messy frontier of science where the most important questions haven’t even been formed yet. He shares how discovery often starts in uncertainty, where you’re not just searching for answers but learning what questions to ask in the first place.
With vivid metaphors and playful curiosity, Neil reminds us that true scientific exploration is about stepping into the unknown and embracing mistakes along the way. It’s an inspiring peek into how the best minds navigate wonder, doubt, and discovery.
- The Scientific Method
Neil deGrasse Tyson unpacks the heart of the scientific method—not as a tidy formula, but as a determined quest to avoid fooling yourself. He emphasizes that science isn’t about knowing answers in advance. It’s about testing, failing, and letting nature speak the truth, no matter how inconvenient.
With the story of Uranus and the discovery of Neptune, he shows how real breakthroughs happen when you trust the process and follow the evidence. It’s a reminder that science is both messy and magnificent, led by curiosity and guided by nature herself.
- Be a Sceptic: Ask Questions
This lesson is about how true scientific thinking means asking questions, not jumping to conclusions. Whether you’re being sold magic crystals or observing strange data from a telescope. Neil deGrasse Tyson explains that both blind belief and outright dismissal are lazy. Real curiosity lies in probing deeper, testing claims, and verifying evidence.
Through a personal story of an earthquake disrupting his research, he shows how easily we could mistake faulty data for discovery unless we stay skeptical and careful.
- Cognitive Bias
This lesson is all about how our brains love to make us feel special, even when what’s happening is just random chance. Neil deGrasse Tyson walks us through how cognitive biases, like thinking you’re uniquely lucky or chosen, can trick us into believing something false. He shares a fun coin-flipping example to show how we often assign meaning to pure probability, just because it feels good.
The big takeaway? Don’t trust your gut too much—trust the math.
- Beware of Cultural Bias
This lesson explores how cultural bias, especially in the social sciences, can deeply influence our understanding of people and history, often without us realizing it. Using examples from colonial-era anthropology, Dr. Tyson shows how dangerous assumptions about superiority shaped laws, wars, and the treatment of others.
He also reminds us that while bias and assumptions are part of being human, science gives us tools to question them and aim for more objective truth.
- Our Systems of Believe
This lesson dives into the difference between cognitive bias and other kinds of bias that come from cultural, religious, or political influences. It explains how personal truths—like deeply held beliefs—can clash with objective truths when tested by science, especially when those truths are tied to identity or group pride.
In the end, Dr. Tyson encourages us to stay open-minded, let go of cherished ideas when evidence demands it. It is possible through recognizing that science aims to uncover what’s true for everyone, not just what feels true to us.
- Scientific Measurement: Calculating the Incalculable
This lesson is all about how measurement—something we use every day—is never truly exact, but rather a close-enough estimate that we’re comfortable with. Neil deGrasse Tyson walks us through common examples, like measuring height, to show that every measurement comes with built-in uncertainty, and that’s totally normal.
He also helps us understand the difference between precision (how detailed your measurement is) and accuracy (whether it’s actually correct). It reminds us that even something as universal as a “second” had to be defined by people who really care about getting it right.
- Communication: It’s Not Enough to Be Right
This lesson dives into the importance of not just being right, but also being effective when communicating knowledge. Neil deGrasse Tyson shares a lesson from his father: wisdom comes from distilling knowledge into a few impactful words. You need a strategy to make your message resonate, especially in today’s polarized world.
He emphasizes how communication, especially in public science education, requires thoughtful preparation and tactical planning, like Batman’s utility belt, to make sure your message truly connects and has an impact.
- Preparing for Your Audience
This lesson highlights the importance of understanding your audience when communicating any message, whether it’s a small group or a large crowd. Neil deGrasse Tyson shares an experience giving a commencement speech at a Brooklyn high school. He explains how he tailors his message based on the students’ demographics, such as gender and socioeconomic background, to make it more impactful.
Dr. Tyson emphasizes that effective communication requires adapting your delivery, using the right tools and tactics to connect with people in a way that resonates with them.
- Communication Tactics
In this lesson, Neil deGrasse Tyson explains the power of humor in communication, sharing how it helps engage the audience and makes complex topics easier to digest. He uses humor as a tool to capture attention. Dr. Tyson notes that a well-timed joke can keep people focused and make learning more enjoyable.
He emphasizes that humor adds entertainment and helps people see familiar things in a new light. It turns everyday observations into impactful learning moments.
- Inspire Curiosity in Your Audience
In this lesson, Neil deGrasse Tyson emphasizes the importance of curiosity. He urges us to explore the things we know and don’t. Dr. Tyson explains that teaching is all about layering information, starting with simple concepts and gradually adding more complexity. He explains the Earth’s shape and then dives into a sphere to an oblate spheroid.
Dr. Tyson encourages learners to ask deeper questions and dive further into topics, showing how every new discovery can lead to even more fascinating insights.
- The Future of Our World
In this lesson, Neil deGrasse Tyson encourages us to consider the profound, often unpredictable benefits of scientific exploration. It is true even if we don’t see an immediate connection to our lives. He shares how quantum physics, initially considered useless, led to the digital revolution and transformed the global economy. It reminds us that science can have far-reaching effects.
Dr. Tyson also highlights the importance of objective truths in science—facts that are universally true, regardless of personal beliefs—while acknowledging that creativity and the arts, though not tied to objective truths, are equally vital parts of the human experience.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Actionable tips for better communication strategies from a renowned public speakerGreat selection of supporting scientific examples, clearly explainedCinematic production valuesStorytelling manner If you cancel within 30 days of purchase, MasterClass will issue you a full refund.24-page Workbook with glossary of terms: All the key topics covered in the course in three sections:Part 1: On Scientific LiteracyPart 2: On Communicating SciencePart 3: Exploring Neil’s Concepts and ConcernsGreat selection of supporting scientific examples, clearly explained: the cosmos and formation of the meteor stormBonus 1-hour MasterClass Live interview with Dr. Tyson that is unlisted on YouTubeEasily understandable elements are used as examples. | Annual payment for a 2-hour masterclass: expensive if you are paying only for this one courseToo short lessonsLack of discussion on science subjects such as relativity, black holes, space travel, and dark matter.Lack of information about specific communication tools and methods. No in-depth information on astrophysicsStatic setting. Tyson never moves from his chair or changes the scenery. While there are some cinematic visuals, there aren’t many.More theoretical than practicalNot suitable for anyone with more than an intermediate understanding of scienceLittle in the way of further learning activities in the workbookLess practical knowledgeNo proper detailing in the provided workbooks. |
User Feedback
It’s always worth reading what other users think about a course or a masterclass. This is what we found on Reddit about the Neil deGrasse Tyson Masterclass. Most of the users agree on the high quality and usefulness of the masterclass.
“His thoughts are certain very relevant for these times. “Just because you think something, doesn’t make it true”. JenntheGreat13
“This was really great, compact but powerful.” spacegeneralx
“I am not into science but this class gave me a perspective about the world in a very different way. I highly recommend it.” rikirat
Final Thoughts
Neil deGrasse Tyson MasterClass is for anyone curious about the world, looking to strengthen their critical thinking skills, or eager to become a more effective communicator. It’s especially valuable if you’re just starting to explore scientific thinking and want to learn from one of the world’s most respected science communicators.
Those with extensive academic backgrounds in the sciences or social sciences, though, even then, Neil’s insights on presenting ideas clearly and persuasively offer plenty of value.
