威斯康星大學麥迪遜分校

The department offers a master's degree in life sciences communication, with available research/thesis or available professional course-based tracks. The thesis track requires 30 credits. Study programs match the interests and needs of individual students. However, all students must take a communication theory course, a research methodology course and a statistics course. The program requires a thesis based on original research.

The professional track is a course-based program (30 credits total) that is designed to prepare students for professional careers in life sciences communication and related fields. Students in this track will not usually pursue a Ph.D. program in the future. In fact, many graduate programs (including life sciences communication) do not accept a non-thesis master's as a criterion for admission to their Ph.D. program.

Teaching and research in the department focus on science communication in the areas of emerging technologies, bio energy, environment, agriculture, health, and food. The M.S. in life sciences communication and Ph.D. in mass communications graduate programs provide advanced professional training in communication and preparation for communication research and teaching. Students in the professional track M.S. program are studying for careers in a variety of fields, including consulting, policy, journalism, strategic communication, marketing and market research, particularly in science-related fields.

Learning outcomes

• Articulate research problems, potentials, and limits with respect to theory, knowledge, and practice within the field of study. Demonstrating knowledge of the theories, concepts, frameworks, empirical findings, and controversies in the field
• Identifies sources and assembles evidence pertaining to questions or challenges in the field of study.
• Demonstrates understanding of the primary field of study in a historical, social, or global context
• Selects and/or utilizes the most appropriate methodologies, tools, and practices.
• Evaluates or synthesizes information pertaining to questions or challenges in the field of study.
• Communicates complex ideas effectively across different audiences
• Recognizes, fosters, and applies principles of ethical and professional conduct.