PhD Science Communication at University of Wisconsin-Madison

Programme overview

The Department of Life Sciences Communication (LSC) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison offers a PhD program that 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.

Department: Life Sciences Communication | Study mode: full-time | Intake: Fall (deadline December 15) | Location: Madison, WI, United States

What you will study

Courses listed in the requirements include LSC 700 Colloquium in Life Sciences Communication; LSC 720 Introduction to Communication Theory and Research; COM ARTS 762 Communication Research Methods; ED PSYCH 762 Introduction to the Design of Educational Experiments; ED PSYCH 963 Design & Analysis of Quasi-Experiments for Causal Inference; JOURN 812 Qualitative Communication Research Methods.

Career pathways

LSC offers a wide range of resources to support graduate students’ professional development. Students receive hands-on guidance not only from their advisor but also from other faculty members.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

GRE (Graduate Records Examinations) Not required but may be considered if available; Letters of Recommendation Required 3; The application deadline for the Science Communication PhD program is December 15. LSC will consider late applications on a rolling basis until February 15th. UW–Madison is awaiting approval of this new academic program by the Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) before we are able to accept prospective F-1 students into this program or issue a Form I-20 for this program. International students may apply for this program but will only be considered for admission if or when the program is approved. Successful applicants have a thesis-based master’s degree in communication or related disciplines. However, the admissions committee may admit applicants with a demonstrated interest and background in communication research with evidence of suitable preparation.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Entry terms (spring, summer or fall) vary by programme and are listed on each programme's Graduate Guide admissions tab. An applicant may have active applications in only one entry term at a time.

Application deadlines vary by programme and are listed on the programme's Graduate Guide admissions tab. Applications are submitted through the Graduate School application portal. The application fee is $75 US, non-refundable, payable by credit card (MasterCard or Visa) or debit/ATM; international applicants pay an extra $6 processing fee. Up to three programmes in the same entry term can be applied to for one application fee.

Apply through the official page: https://grad.wisc.edu/apply/requirements/

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