LSC Doctoral Program

The Ph.D. in mass communications 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.

Doctoral study within LSC allows for focused research within the areas of:

Science and risk communication
Environmental communication
Health communication
Agriculture and land sovereignty
New communication technologies
Public opinion
Mass Communication

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 also offers a Ph.D. minor that enables doctoral students in the biological and physical sciences to complement their main degree with a minor in Life Sciences Communication. A Ph.D. minor in Life Sciences Communication is particularly valuable for graduate students in the natural and physical sciences who are interested in the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of emerging technologies, or who want to build an intellectual foundation for a future career in policy or various mission agencies (e.g., AAAS policy fellowships) dealing with public understanding and communication of science. The minor requires ten credits. For more information on the curriculum and the minor form, click here.

The department has a limited number of project, teaching and research assistantships available. Assistantships 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. For more information regarding funding, click here.

Prospective students can contact Kristin Haakenson, Student Services Coordinator, for more information.

To apply to the LSC Ph.D. program, click here. Note that you will have to choose the appropriate link on the application form from the two Mass Communications options offered.

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