LSC offers two M.S. degree options, the thesis-track M.S. and the professional studies track M.S. Both tracks provide students with a foundation in communication theory and research methods in addition to the flexibility to create a customized curriculum based on the student’s interests and career goals. Students in LSC take courses within our department and select elective courses from across campus based on their academic and career goals such as environmental studies, statistics, political science, educational psychology, etc.
The thesis-based Master’s degree requires 24 course credits plus a thesis based on original research (6 credits). The professional studies M.S. is a course-based master’s degree (30 credits total) 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 (including LSC) do not accept a non-thesis master’s as a criterion for admission to their Ph.D. program.
Contact Us:
Interested students are encouraged to contact Academic Advising Manager, Lynn Bartholomew, or the Director of Graduate Studies, Nan Li for more information.
Admissions requirements:
The Graduate School establishes minimum admission criteria for all students who enter the University of Wisconsin–Madison. International applicants should refer to the Graduate School’s website for information on English proficiency requirements and financial resource information.
Application deadlines:
Fall admission: May 15
Spring admission: October 15
Please note that we encourage early applications to allow more time to secure financial support.
Application requirements:
- Online application
- Personal statement
- Three letters of recommendation
- Transcripts
- CV/Resume
- The GRE is optional
The online application is available here.
Fee Waivers
The UW-Madison Graduate School offers a limited number of application fee waivers for eligible students. Please visit the Graduate School website to see if you qualify and to apply. If you are from an Graduate Research Scholars-eligible group and do not already qualify for a waiver from the Graduate School, please contact our academic advising manager Lynn Bartholomew at lbartholome2@wisc.edu at least one week prior to the application deadline to inquire about a fee waiver. Unfortunately, LSC is not able to provide fee waivers to international students or other domestic students who are not GRS-eligible.
Thesis Track:
Students are required to take a communication theory course, a research methodology course, a graduate level statistics course, and the LSC colloquium in life sciences communication. The degree also requires a thesis based on original research.
The student meets with their advisor during the first semester of the program to outline a course trajectory for the next two years. In consultation with their advisor, the student assembles a committee of three faculty members. The student defends their master’s thesis in front of the committee at the end of their program.
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 complete program must have coherence and focus, and students should discuss all courses with their advisor prior to enrollment.
Professional Studies:
The Professional Studies M.S. is a course-based master’s degree (30 credits total) 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. Many graduate programs (including LSC) do not accept a non-thesis master’s as a criterion for admission to their Ph.D. program.
The student meets with their advisor during the first semester of the program to outline a course trajectory for the next two years. In consultation with their advisor, the student assembles a committee of three faculty members. The student present a course narrative to the committee and the end of their program, and the committee meets to approve the completed coursework.
Professional track master’s students must take a communication theory course, a research methodology course, a graduate level statistics course, and the LSC colloquium in life sciences communication. Students fill their remaining credits with courses of interest after consulting with their advisor.
Funding for Master’s Students in LSC
Financial support is available for admitted Life Science Communication MS students. Students in LSC receive financial support through assistantships, fellowships, financial aid, hourly employment and professional development grants.
Assistantships
Most graduate students who receive support serve as teaching, research, or project assistants. Assistantships are typically part-time positions that pay a monthly stipend. Additionally, positions that are 33.33% or more (based on a 40-hour work week) provide tuition remission for the student and make the student eligible for comprehensive health insurance coverage.
If you are admitted to the program, the Academic Advising Manager will provide you with detailed information about how to apply for departmental assistantships. Please note that funding is not guaranteed at the master’s level. Admitted students are strongly encouraged to apply for consideration.
Fellowships
The department nominates its most competitive grad applicants for fellowship awards. University Fellowships are awarded through the Graduate School.
These fellowship nominations include:
If you are admitted and believe you are a strong candidate for one of these fellowships, we encourage you to reach out to us directly via the CALS Life Sciences Communication email at lifescicomm@cals.wisc.edu.
Financial Aid
Students who are U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents can apply for Federal Stafford Loans (subsidized and unsubsidized) and for Federal Work-Study through the Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA). Eligibility is based on financial need. OSFA also offers information on the cost of attendance.
Short-term loans are available on a limited basis. They are given only to assist in unanticipated emergency situations and must be repaid within the semester in which they are borrowed.
The Basic Needs Fund connects students with essential resources such as food, healthcare, housing, clothing, internet access, and technology, etc. You can find more information about the fund here.
Hourly Employment
Other employment opportunities are available both on campus and in the community. Openings for full and part-time jobs for students and spouses are listed on the Student Job Center website.
Travel and Professional Development Grants
Every student is encouraged to apply for the Graduate School’s Student Research Grants Competition (formerly known as the Vilas Travel Grants) each year. These grants are intended to support both Conference Presentation Funds and Research Travel Awards. It’s critical that students plan to apply early and follow campus travel policies for transportation and travel.
Also, graduate students in LSC are eligible to apply for departmental funding to support travel to academic conferences. Students can apply for up to $1,500 for international travel and up to $700 for domestic travel. To be considered for these awards, students must meet all eligibility criteria. Detailed information, including application instructions and deadlines, will be shared via your student email.
LSC Resources
LSC MS Handbook for students who joined LSC Fall 2022 and later
LSC Leave of Absence Policy
Academic Resources
Deadlines for graduate students
Enrollment information (deadlines, procedures, FAQs, etc.)
Academic Policies and Procedures
Graduate School Resources
Graduate School Home
Graduate School Contacts
Graduate student family and parent resources
Guide to student life
Professional development
Other Resources
Assistantship appointment rates
CALS Career Services
Commencement
McBurney Disability Resources Center
Scholarship application and information
Student Privacy Rights (FERPA)
Study Abroad
Tuition
UW-Madison emergency procedures
University Health Services
UW-Madison Grants Database
What is the difference between the professional and thesis tracks?
Both tracks require a total of 30 credits. Professional track students complete 30 credits of coursework and the program concludes with a written course narrative and oral presentation to the student’s advisory committee. Thesis track students complete 24 credits of coursework and 6 credits for research and concludes with a written thesis based on original research and an oral defense to their advisory committee.
Do I need to secure an advisor prior to applying to the program?
No. When a student is admitted to our program, they are assigned an orientation advisor who will help them prepare for their first year in the program. In many cases, students work with this advisor throughout their time in the program. We also have a process for switching advisors if a student later decides that a different faculty advisor would be a more appropriate fit.
What can I do with this degree?
Students with a master’s degree in LSC go on to a variety of careers in industry and others continue their education and pursue a doctorate. Check out this page for a list of first jobs secured after graduation by our master’s degree students.
Is the program offered in an online modality?
No, we do not offer an online M.S. in LSC.
Plan a Visit to the Department of Life Sciences Communication
We encourage all potential graduate student applicants to visit the Department of Life Sciences Communication (LSC) at Hiram Smith Hall. The best time to visit is when most faculty and students are on campus, September through May.
We encourage applicants to contact specific faculty members to explore mutual interests.
Before scheduling a visit, please contact our Academic Advising Manager, Lynn Bartholomew, or the Director of Graduate Studies, Nan Li.
While visiting LSC, sit in on a class or a SCIMEP research group meeting, or tour campus facilities and attractions, such as the student unions, or the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery.
Finding LSC
LSC is located in Hiram Smith Hall, 1545 Observatory Drive. Use the campus map to find us.
Getting Around Campus
The University of Wisconsin-Madison campus is located in downtown Madison. Public transportation is an easy way to travel on campus and buses frequently stop close to Hiram Smith Hall. Information about bus routes can be found on the Madison Metro website and also at the bus stops themselves.
- Madison Metro Route 80 is a free campus shuttle that covers most of campus with a stop close to Hiram Smith Hall.
- All City/UW bus routes can be found at Madison Metro
- For more information about getting around campus, use the Transportation Services link and the official map of UW-Madison Campus
Parking
The closest public parking ramp to Hiram Smith Hall is Lot 36. There is also free after hours and weekend parking on campus. View the online campus maps with parking locations.
More Information
UW Visitor & Information Programs has information about the entire campus as well as the beautiful city of Madison.