The Department of Life Sciences Communication (LSC) is a world leader in science communication research, education, and practice. The Certificate in Science Communication allows students enrolled in any graduate or professional program at UW-Madison to supplement their existing graduate coursework with a transcriptable certificate in science communication. The certificate is appropriate not only for students in the physical sciences, biological sciences, and engineering fields, but also for students in professional degree programs (law, veterinary medicine, etc.).
Graduate students interested in the ethical, legal, and social implications of emerging technologies, or who want to build an intellectual foundation for a future career in policy or various mission agencies (e.g., AAAS policy fellowships) dealing with public understanding and communication of science will find this certificate particularly valuable.
More information may be found on the department website.
This certificate is open to any UW-Madison student enrolled in a graduate level program outside of LSC (GRAD, LAW, MED, PHARM, VMED). Students can declare their intent to pursue the certificate by completing the Add/Change/Discontinue application process through the Graduate Student Portal (found in MyUW) and selecting the Certificate in Science Communication. Students are strongly encouraged to contact LSC’s academic advising manager or Director of Graduate Studies (see Contact Information box on this page for emails) to discuss course planning.
Students are not allowed to earn both the science communication graduate certificate and doctoral minor in life sciences communication.
Graduate School Resources
Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid. Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and restrictions related to funding.
- Total credits required: 10
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher in all LSC courses
- Courses must be at the 300 level or above and must have the graduate attribute to count toward the minimum graduate coursework (50%) rule.
- Previous coursework from other institutions and undergraduate coursework at UW-Madison cannot be counted toward the certificate.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | 4 | |
| LSC 700 | Colloquium in Life Sciences Communication | 1 |
| LSC 720 | Introduction to Communication Theory and Research | 3 |
| or LSC 625 | Risk Communication | |
| or LSC/ENVIR ST/JOURN 823 | Science and Environment Communication | |
| or LSC 902 | Public Opinion of Life Science Issues | |
| Select two approved electives | 6 | |
| Misinformation, Fake News, and Correcting False Beliefs about Science | ||
| Visualizing Science and Technology | ||
| Communicating Science with Narrative | ||
| Social Media for the Life Sciences | ||
| Brand Strategy for the Sciences | ||
| Digital Media and Science Communication | ||
| Documentary Photography for the Sciences | ||
| Social Media Analytics | ||
| Web Design for the Sciences | ||
| Scientific Writing | ||
| Writing Science for the Public | ||
| Risk Communication | ||
| Data Analysis in Communications Research | ||
| Science and Environment Communication | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Public Opinion of Life Science Issues | ||
| Total Credits | 10 | |
Graduate School Resources
Take advantage of the Graduate School's professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career.
- Communicate complex ideas effectively across different audiences, including underrepresented or particularly vulnerable audiences.
- Select and utilize the most appropriate theories, methodologies, tools, and practices to communicate about science.
- Collect relevant evidence designed to answer questions related to scientific challenges faced by industry, universities, and non-profits.
- Discuss some of the ethical, legal, and social implications of science.
PROFESSORS & INSTRUCTORS
Brossard, Dominique (chair)
Chen, Kaiping
Chinn, Sedona
Fisher, Madeline
Li, Nan
Newman, Todd
Patterson, Dexter
Scheufele, Dietram (director of graduate studies)
Shaw, Bret
Stanley, Don
Xenos, Michael