Our PhD program prepares students to become leaders in the field of science communication. As part of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, our department is at the forefront of both theoretical and applied research, focusing on how to effectively communicate complex scientific topics to diverse audiences. Our doctoral program equips students with cutting-edge knowledge and skills to address communication challenges in areas such as emerging technologies, public health, environment, agriculture, and biological sciences, all within a rapidly evolving media landscape. The program offers a flexible, customizable curriculum along with funded research and teaching opportunities, ensuring graduates are highly competitive in the job market. Our graduates have built successful careers in academia, industry, government, and nonprofit sectors, where they serve as key drivers in advancing the field of science communication and enhancing public engagement with science.
Working closely with their advisor and committee, students draw from courses offered in departments across campus to develop a plan of study in preparation for independent and original research in their area of specialization.
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 deadline:
December 15
Application requirements:
- Online application
- Personal statement
- Three letters of recommendation
- Transcripts
- CV/Resume
- GRE: The GRE is optional for Science Communication PhD applicants for the fall 2025 application cycle.
The online application is available here.
Writing samples are not required for applications to Science Communication PhD.
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 a 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.
LSC Resources
LSC Ph.D. student handbook
LSC funding and financial aid
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)
Tuition
UW-Madison emergency procedures
University Health Services
UW-Madison Grants Database
Do I need to secure an advisor prior to applying to the program?
No, in fact, students are admitted to the program without a formal advisor and will typically pick one during their first year. In order to help students get started in the program, they are assigned an orientation advisor who will help them prepare for and proceed through 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.
Is funding available for students in this program?
Yes. Please refer to our funding page for more information.
What can I do with this degree?
Students with a Ph.D. in Science Communication go on to a variety of careers in academia and industry. Check out this page for a list of first jobs secured after graduation by our doctoral students.
Is the program offered in an online modality?
No, we do not offer an online Ph.D. in Science Communication.
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 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.