Undergraduate Studies
Good communication skills are not enough if you want a job that involves reporting and writing about science, agriculture, natural resources, business, health or other specialized subjects. You also need a working understanding of science and technology.
But good communication skills are essential. Undergraduate courses in the Department of Life Sciences Communication focus not only on writing, editing and producing messages, but also the planning, designing and evaluation of effective communication programs. Students can emphasize print, broadcast, marketing communication, or take a broader scientific and technical communication perspective.
Our students acquire both communication training and specialized knowledge. Many students pursue a double major, combining their interest in communication with another discipline, such as animal science, forest and wildlife ecology, or entomology. These students have been particularly attractive to prospective employers.
Our graduates get jobs as reporters, editors, advertising and marketing professionals, technical writers, broadcast producers, and public information staff at universities and in many science-related industries. Some work for specialized publications. Others work for newspapers or broadcast media reporting on science, health, agriculture or the environment. Many have careers with advertising agencies and public relations firms handling accounts for food, biotechnology or related industries. Others work with companies, cooperatives, government agencies and universities as information managers.
Learning outside of class is a big part of undergraduate education here at UW-Madison. Internships are strongly recommended. We help place our students in a wide range of industries, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Students can hone their communication skills with a broad range of campus media organizations and special interest groups. Many of our marketing students are active in the student chapter of the National Agricultural Marketing Association (NAMA), a consistent finalist in national competitions.
Students can complete an undergraduate major in LSC under four Bachelor of Science degree programs: a B.S. in Natural Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Natural Resources, or International Agriculture and Natural Resources. Additionally, the B.S. in Ag Sciences offers a choice of three different concentrations, including production systems, business, and social sciences.
For more information regarding the Life Sciences Communication undergraduate program, please contact Larry Meiller, emeritus professor and director of undergraduate studies, at meiller@wisc.edu or 608.262.0122 or Brenda Klusmeyer, LSC’s student services coordinator, at bkklusmeyer@wisc.edu or 608.262-1241.
