Program Overview

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Life Sciences Communication, MS

The Life Sciences Communication MS is being renamed Science Communication MS. Students will be able to earn a Life Sciences Communication MS through the end of Summer 2027. Beginning in Fall 2027, the program awarded will be the Master of Science in Science Communication.

Program Overview

The Department of Life Sciences Communication is a world leader in science communication research, education, and practice. The department offers a master's degree with the opportunity to pursue either a research/thesis pathway or professional course-based pathway.

Admissions

• Fall Deadline: May 15
• Spring Deadline: October 15
• Summer Deadline: The program does not admit in the summer.
• GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Not required but may be considered if available.
• English Proficiency Test: Refer to the Graduate School's requirements.
• Other Test(s) (e.g., GMAT, MCAT): Not applicable.
• Letters of Recommendation Required: 3

To be eligible for various fellowships and teaching assistantships, early application is recommended. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements for admission set by the Graduate School and submit the following:

• An online application
• GRE scores (if available)
• A statement of purpose
• Unofficial transcripts from all previously attended institutions
• CV/resume
• Three letters of recommendation
• International degree-seeking applicants must prove English proficiency.

Funding

Graduate School Resources

The Bursars Office provides information about tuition and fees associated with being a graduate student. Resources to help afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid.

Program Resources

Financial support is available for graduate students in LSC. Historically, nearly all graduate students have been funded through assistantships.

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 and may include tuition remission and health insurance coverage.

Fellowships

The department nominates its most competitive graduate applicants for fellowship awards, including University Fellowships and Graduate Research Scholars (GRS) Fellowships.

Financial Aid

Students who are U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents can apply for Federal Stafford Loans and Federal Work-Study. Short-term loans are available for unanticipated emergency situations.

Hourly Employment

Other employment opportunities are available both on campus and in the community.

Travel and Professional Development Grants

Students can apply for the Graduate Schools Student Research Grants Competition and departmental support for travel to academic conferences.

Scholarships

LSC encourages students to apply annually for college and departmental scholarships through the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH).

Requirements

Mode of Instruction

The program is offered face-to-face.

Curricular Requirements

• Minimum Credit Requirement: 30 credits
• Minimum Residence Credit Requirement: 30 credits
• Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement: 15 credits must be graduate-level coursework.
• Overall Graduate GPA Requirement: 3.50 GPA required.
• Other Grade Requirements: Students must earn a B or above in all coursework.
• Assessments and Examinations: The research/thesis track requires a formal thesis and oral defense; the professional track requires a comprehensive report or course narrative and presentation.

Required Courses

The MS offers two pathways: a thesis-pathway master's degree and a professional-pathway master's degree.

Thesis-Based Pathway

• Requires 30 credits and a thesis based on original research.
• At least 4 credits must be Life Sciences Communication (LSC) courses.
• Students may apply up to 6 credits of research (LSC 990) towards degree requirements.

Professional Pathway

• Is a course-based masters degree that requires 30 credits and culminates in a course narrative report and presentation.
• Students choose their pathway during the program application process.

Course List:

• LSC 700: Colloquium in Life Sciences Communication (1 credit)
• LSC 720: Introduction to Communication Theory and Research (3 credits)
• Or LSC 902: Public Opinion of Life Science Issues
• Research Methods: Students must complete at least 3 credits of research methods.
• Graduate Level Statistics: Students must complete at least 3 credits of graduate-level statistics.
• Electives Based on Academic & Career Goals: Students must complete 20 credits of electives.

Policies

Prior Coursework

No credits from graduate work from other institutions are allowed to transfer.

Probation

Refer to the Graduate School's probation policy.

Advisor / Committee

Refer to the Graduate School's advisor and committee policies.

Credits Per Term Allowed

15 credit maximum.

Time Limits

Students who pursue a thesis-pathway masters degree will have a limit of four semesters (including summers) during which they can enroll in LSC 990 Research credits.

Grievances and Appeals

Students who feel that they have been treated unfairly have the right to a prompt hearing of their grievance. Procedures for student grievances are outlined, including speaking with the person toward whom the grievance is directed, consulting with the Director of Graduate Studies, and contacting the programs Grievance Advisor.

Professional Development

The Graduate School offers professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch careers.

Learning Outcomes

1. Articulate research problems, potentials, and limits with respect to theory, knowledge, and practice within the field of study.
2. Identify sources and assemble evidence pertaining to questions or challenges in the field of study.
3. Demonstrate understanding of the primary field of study in a historical, social, or global context.
4. Select and/or utilize the most appropriate methodologies, tools, and practices.
5. Evaluate or synthesize information pertaining to questions or challenges in the field of study.
6. Communicate complex ideas effectively across different audiences.
7. Recognize, foster, and apply principles of ethical and professional conduct.