University of Wisconsin Campus
Bachelor of Science
On Campus
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University of Wisconsin
Madison
United States

Life Sciences Communication

About

The Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences Communication at the University of Wisconsin prepares students to communicate complex scientific concepts effectively to a broad range of audiences, including the public, policymakers, and scientific communities. This four-year, full-time program combines a strong foundation in communication theory, media production, and science writing with specialized courses in life sciences, environmental communication, and health communication. Students will develop the ability to translate scientific information into clear, accessible language and use various media platforms—such as digital, print, and broadcast—to communicate science effectively.

The program emphasizes research, critical thinking, and strategic communication skills, while offering students the opportunity to work with real-world case studies and participate in internships with organizations in healthcare, public relations, environmental advocacy, and government agencies. Students will also have access to cutting-edge tools for creating multimedia content and will develop strong writing and presentation skills to engage audiences in a variety of contexts. Graduates of the program will be well-prepared for careers in science journalism, public relations, health communication, corporate communication, or environmental advocacy, or for further study in graduate programs in communication, public health, or science policy.

Key information

Duration
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Tuition fee
$44,210.00/year
Start dates & application deadlines
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More details
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Key Facts

  • Program Title: Life Sciences Communication
  • Degree Type: Bachelor of Science
  • Duration: 4 years
  • Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
  • Application Deadline: 15 January 2026
  • Location: University of Wisconsin, United States
  • Field of Study: Communication Studies
  • Language of Instruction: English

Program Structure

Year 1 – Foundations in Communication and Life Sciences

  • Introduction to Life Sciences Communication
  • Principles of Communication and Media Studies
  • Introduction to Biology and Environmental Science
  • Writing for Media: News and Feature Writing
  • Public Speaking and Presentation Skills

Year 2 – Intermediate Communication Skills and Science

  • Health Communication and Public Health
  • Environmental Communication and Advocacy
  • Communication Research Methods and Data Analysis
  • Visual Communication: Graphics and Video Production
  • Science Writing: Translating Complex Topics for General Audiences

Year 3 – Advanced Communication Strategies

  • Advanced Science Journalism: Investigative Reporting
  • Digital Media and Social Media in Communication
  • Crisis Communication in Public Health and Environmental Issues
  • Strategic Communication and Public Relations for Life Sciences
  • Ethical Issues in Science and Health Communication

Year 4 – Capstone Project, Internship, and Career Development

  • Capstone Project in Life Sciences Communication
  • Internship in Science Communication, Health Communication, or PR
  • Seminar in Advanced Communication Strategy and Media Relations
  • Professional Development: Career Networking and Interview Preparation
  • Graduate School Preparation in Communication, Public Health, or Policy

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences Communication from the University of Wisconsin are well-equipped to pursue a wide variety of careers in science communication, public relations, and media. Many graduates work as science journalists, writing for newspapers, magazines, or digital platforms, where they report on developments in fields like healthcare, environmental science, or technology. Others pursue careers in public relations or corporate communication, where they help companies, government agencies, and nonprofits communicate scientific information to the public, stakeholders, and policymakers. Graduates can also work in health communication, focusing on issues like public health campaigns, health promotion, and patient advocacy. Many graduates choose to continue their education in graduate programs in communication, public health, or environmental policy to further specialize in areas such as science policy, health communication, or environmental advocacy.

Why Choose This Program

The Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences Communication at the University of Wisconsin offers a unique interdisciplinary approach to science communication, combining a deep understanding of life sciences with advanced communication techniques. The program’s emphasis on media production, writing, and strategic communication prepares students to translate complex scientific topics into engaging and accessible content for a wide range of audiences. With opportunities for internships, hands-on projects, and real-world case studies, students gain practical experience and build a portfolio of work that will help them stand out in the job market. Whether you are interested in health communication, environmental advocacy, or media relations, the University of Wisconsin’s Life Sciences Communication program provides the tools and skills to succeed in this rapidly growing field.

Contact Information

For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 608-262-2433
Email: admissions@grad.wisc.edu
Address: 217 Bascom Hall, 500 Lincoln Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA