Life Sciences Communication

Thesis Master’s Degree

The Thesis Master’s degree requires 24 credits. Study programs match the interests and needs of individual students. However, all students must take a communication theory course, a research methodology course and a statistics course. The degree also requires a thesis based on original research.

Course work can include classes in substantive areas other than communication. For example, a student wishing to become an environmental reporter might take courses in environmental studies. A student interested in health communication might take a nutrition or preventive medicine course. However, the total program must have coherence and focus.

The department has a limited number of project, teaching and research assistantships available. Assistantship support of one-third time or more also provides a full tuition remission. The department nominates students with outstanding records for fellowships provided by the Graduate School. Prospective students should contact Al Gunther, Professor and Graduate Studies Chair, for more information.

Master’s of Professional Studies

The Master’s of Professional Studies is a course-based Masters degree (30 credits total) that is designed to prepare students for professional careers in life sciences communication and related fields. Students in this track will usually not pursue a Ph.D. program in the future. In fact, many graduate programs do not accept a non-thesis Masters as a criterion for admission to their Ph.D. program.

In consultation with his/her advisor, the student assembles a committee of three faculty members. The committee meets with the student during the first semester of his/her program to outline a course proposal for the next two years. The committee meets again at the end of the student’s program to approve the completed coursework and sign the warrant.

Students following this track are strongly encouraged to take at least one three-credit course that provides some form of practical or real-world experience. This could include Tom Still’s LSC 375: “Issues in Science and Technology Communication,” or an independent study focused on practical applications relevant to the student’s overall program. Prospective students should contact Al Gunther, Professor and Graduate Studies Chair for more information.

LSC Doctoral Program

The Ph.D. in mass communication is a theory and research degree, jointly administered with the School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

Students should apply for doctoral study in mass communication through the Department of Life Sciences Communication if their interests lie in the areas of the department’s research and teaching expertise. A student’s advisor and academic home will be in the unit to which he or she applied.

Research and teaching in the department focus on both applied and theoretical problems related on mass communication and science communication. This includes research on basic and applied science communication, its uses and impact upon scientific and technical communities, the uses of such information by the public, and its effects on public perceptions and understanding. Our work is also concerned with the dissemination of information aimed at social change and development, individual processing of science communication, and international development communication — over half the faculty have taught or studied communication overseas for a year or more.

After a year of course work, the student makes formal application to the joint committee on the Ph.D. in mass communication. If the student has a 3.5 grade point average at UW-Madison and presents a coherent and focused selection of courses, the student is formally admitted to the program.

The Ph.D. in mass communication is an interdisciplinary degree; students do not have to fill the requirements of a minor. This provides considerable flexibility in the program. However, it does not diminish its rigor.

The department has a limited number of project, teaching and research assistantships available. Assistantship support of one-third time or more also provides a full tuition remission. The department nominates students with outstanding records for fellowships provided by the Graduate School.

Prospective students should contact Al Gunther, Professor and Graduate Studies Chair, for more information. For a graduate school application and other questions about formal admissions procedures, please email the Graduate Studies Administrative Assistant.