The Life Sciences Communication BS is being renamed Science Communication BS. Students will be able to earn a Life Sciences Communication BS through the end of Summer 2027. Beginning in Fall 2027, the program awarded will be the Bachelor of Science in Science Communication.
The Department of Life Sciences Communication (LSC) is one of the world’s leading science communication programs, working at the intersection of science, media, and society. The LSC major teaches students how to understand the way we all make sense of increasingly complex scientific breakthroughs. This theoretical background is a foundation to effectively communicate about controversial science topics in areas such as the environment and natural resources, health, agriculture, and new science technologies like gene editing and artificial intelligence.
Students receive instruction across multimedia platforms such as print, audio, video, and web. They are taught how to target and create communications for both news and marketing. Most important, they learn how to plan strategically and implement the most effective communications for diverse audiences.
Many courses in LSC have a strong professional focus, combining classroom instruction with projects that have real-world clients from industry and non-profit. Our faculty and instructors work with clients from a variety of industries and the policy world and bring those experiences into the classroom. These collaborations and projects prepare LSC students for careers in a wide variety of fields, including healthcare, digital marketing, education, media, agriculture, information technology, consumer goods, life sciences, and consulting. LSC students also pursue graduate and professional school after graduation in the health, biological, social, and physical sciences.
Students can also participate in an honors in major program in LSC.
Learn through hands-on, real-world experiences
State-of-the-art computer labs, radio labs, and video production equipment support student learning and preparation for careers.
Capstone courses provide students with an opportunity to put their LSC education into practice. Students apply their skills in the real world through these capstones, working with a real-life client on a social marketing campaign to influence behavioral change or participate in a science communication internship.
Students interested in science communication research can participate in research projects with professors leading the field of science communication.
Build community and networks
LSC instructors are world-class researchers and real-world practitioners. Many courses enroll between 15-50 students, allowing students to get to know award-winning faculty and instructors personally throughout their time in the major.
Customize a path of study
LSC is an attractive major and double major for students interested in a variety of fields including genetics, global health, environmental science, physics, legal studies, psychology, and more. The LSC major is highly customizable both in terms of course selection in the major and in the ability to add majors and certificates to the LSC bachelor’s degree based on each student’s interests and career goals.
Make a strong start
LSC introduces students to the field of science communication, the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, and the university by offering a first-year seminar course in science communication.
Gain global perspective
LSC students often participate in study abroad opportunities around the world including places like Spain, Uganda, Denmark, England, and Ecuador. Programs range from two weeks in duration to an entire year. Learn more about studying abroad as an LSC major by checking out the LSC Major Advising Page. Students work with their advisor and the CALS study abroad office to identify appropriate programs.
How to Get in
| Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| How to get in | No application required. All students who meet the requirements listed below are eligible to declare. For information on how to declare, visit Advising & Careers. |
| Courses required to get in | None |
| GPA requirements to get in | None |
| Credits required to get in | Must have fewer than 86 credits. |
| Other | Students who do not meet the requirements above or are not in good academic standing should schedule a meeting with CALS Dean on Call (https://go.wisc.edu/g85h79) to discuss exceptions. |
Prospective UW-Madison Students
All prospective UW–Madison students must apply through the Office of Admissions and Recruitment.
Students interested in this major should select it as the first choice major on their UW–Madison application. Admitted students who enroll at UW-Madison and attend Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR) with the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences have the option to declare this major at SOAR.
Students are not allowed to earn both the Science Communication Certificate and the Life Sciences Communication BS.
University Requirements
All undergraduate students must complete both the following Core General Education (Core GenEd) and University Degree and Quality of Work requirements. The requirements below apply to students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution is Summer 2026 or later.
Students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution occurred before Summer 2026 should refer to the archived Guide for the requirements that apply to them.
Core General Education (Core GenEd) Requirements
| Civics & Perspectives | 3 credits of Civics & Perspectives coursework. |
| Communication & Literacy | 6 credits of Communication & Literacy coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. For more information see this tiny url: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingenglishplacement |
| Humanities & Arts | 6 credits of Humanities & Arts coursework. |
| Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning | 6 credits of Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. For more information see this tiny url: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingmathplacement |
| Natural Science & Wellness | Complete both:
|
| Social & Behavioral Science | 3 credits of Social & Behavioral Science coursework. |
| Total Credits | 30 credits. |
For more information see the policy.
University Degree and Quality of Work Requirements
All undergraduate degree recipients must complete the following minimum requirements. Requirements for some programs will exceed these requirements; see program requirements for additional information.
| Total Degree | 120 degree credits. |
| Residency | Complete 30 credits in residence. A course is considered “in residence” if it is taken when in undergraduate degree-seeking status and:
|
| Quality of Work | Achieve at least the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, and/or academic program. |
| Math | Demonstrate minimal mathematics competence by: |
| English Language | If required to take the UW-Madison English as a Second Language Assessment Test (MSN-ESLAT), demonstrate minimal English language competence by:
|
| Language | Complete one:
|
| Major Declaration | Declare and complete the requirements for at least one major. |
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Requirements
CALS Graduation Requirements
| Cumulative Credits |
|
| Quality of Work | Students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.000 to remain in good standing and be eligible for graduation. |
| Residency | Students must complete 30 degree credits in residence at UW–Madison after earning 86 credits toward their undergraduate degree. |
In addition to the university's general requirements, all undergraduate students in CALS must satisfy a set of college and major requirements. Courses may not double count within university requirements, CALS college requirements, or major requirements. A course may count toward university requirements and a college and/or a major requirement; similarly, a course counted toward college requirements may also be used to satisfy a university and/or a major requirement.
CALS College Requirements
| CALS First-Year Seminar | 1 credit. See the full list of eligible courses below or use this link: https://go.wisc.edu/calsfirstyearseminars |
| Ethnic Studies | 3 credits with the Ethnic Studies designation. |
| Communication A | Complete either:
|
| Quantitative Reasoning A | Complete either:
|
| Introductory Chemistry | Complete one: |
| CALS International Comparisons | 3 credits. See the full list of eligible courses below or use this link: https://go.wisc.edu/calsinternationalcomparisons |
| Communication B | 1 course with the Communication B designation. |
| Quantitative Reasoning B | 1 course with the Quantitative Reasoning B designation. |
| Biological Science | 5 credits with the Biological Science designation. |
| Additional Science | 3 credits with the Biological, Physical, or Natural Science designations. |
| Science Breadth | 3 credits with the Biological, Physical, Natural, or Social Science designations. |
| Humanities | 6 credits with the Humanities or Literature designation. |
| Social Sciences | 3 credits with the Social Sciences designation. |
| Capstone Learning Experience | Each major articulates the required capstone learning experience. |
CALS First-Year Seminars
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AN SCI 135 | Grand Challenges and Career Opportunities in Animal and Dairy Sciences | 1 |
| BIOCHEM 100 | Biochemistry First-Year Seminar | 1 |
| COUN PSY 125 | The Wisconsin Experience Seminar | 1 |
| F&W ECOL 101 | Orientation to Wildlife Ecology | 1 |
| F&W ECOL 105 | Environment, Pollutants, and You | 3 |
| GENETICS 155 | Freshman Seminar in Genetics | 1 |
| INTEGSCI 100 | Exploring Biology | 2 |
| INTEGSCI 140 | Exploring Service in STEM | 1 |
| INTER-AG 155 | Issues in Agriculture, Environment, and Life Sciences | 1 |
| LSC 155 | First-Year Seminar in Science Communication | 1 |
| MICROBIO 150 | Microbiomes and Microbiology - First-Year Seminar | 1 |
| PLANTSCI/AGROECOL 100 | First-Year Seminar in Agroecology and Plant Science | 1 |
| PL PATH 155 | Food Frontlines: Security, Sustainability, and Survival | 1 |
| SOIL SCI 155 | First-year Seminar in Soil and Environmental Sciences | 1 |
| Learning Community/Student Group Courses | ||
| The following learning community/student group courses are approved as CALS First-Year Seminars. | ||
| COUN PSY 117 | PEOPLE First Year Seminar | 1 |
| INTEGSCI 110 | BioHouse Seminar: Biology for the 21st Century | 1 |
| INTER-AG 117 | GreenHouse Roots Seminar | 1 |
| INTER-AG 140 | CALS QuickStart: Foundations | 1 |
| INTER-AG 175 | WISE Seminar | 1 |
CALS International Comparisons
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| The 3 credit requirement may be fulfilled as either a stand-alone 3 credit course or as a set of courses as listed below. | ||
| A A E/ENVIR ST 244 | The Environment and the Global Economy | 4 |
| A A E 319 | The International Agricultural Economy | 3 |
| A A E/NUTR SCI 350 | World Hunger and Malnutrition | 3 |
| A A E 352 | Global Health: Economics, Natural Systems, and Policy (approved for enrollments Summer 2021 and later) | 4 |
| A A E/INTL ST 373 | Globalization, Poverty and Development | 3 |
| A A E/INTL ST 374 | The Growth and Development of Nations in the Global Economy | 3 |
| A A E/ECON 473 | Economic Growth and Development in Southeast Asia | 3 |
| A A E/ECON 474 | Economic Problems of Developing Areas | 3 |
| A A E/ECON/INTL BUS 462 | Latin American Economic Development | 3 |
| A A E/ECON 477 | Agricultural and Economic Development in Africa | 3 |
| AGROECOL 377 | Global Food Production and Health | 3 |
| AN SCI/DY SCI 370 | Livestock Production and Health in Agricultural Development | 3 |
| ASIAN/HISTORY/POLI SCI 255 | Introduction to East Asian Civilizations (approved for enrollments Summer 2021 and later) | 3-4 |
| C&E SOC/SOC 341 | Labor in Global Food Systems (approved for enrollments Summer 2020 and later) | 3 |
| C&E SOC/ENVIR ST/SOC 540 | Sociology of International Development, Environment, and Sustainability | 3 |
| CSCS 500 | Global Health and Communities: From Research to Praxis | 3 |
| DY SCI 471 | Food Production Systems and Sustainability | 3 |
| ENTOM/ENVIR ST 201 | Insects and Human Culture-a Survey Course in Entomology | 3 |
| ENTOM/ENVIR ST 205 | Our Planet, Our Health (approved for enrollments Fall 2026 and later) | 3 |
| ENTOM/ZOOLOGY 371 | Medical Entomology: Biology of Vector and Vector-borne Diseases | 3 |
| F&W ECOL/ENVIR ST 100 | Forests of the World (approved for enrollments Summer 2020 and later) | 3 |
| F&W ECOL/ENVIR ST/ZOOLOGY 360 | Extinction of Species | 3 |
| LSC 251 | Science, Media and Society (approved for enrollments Summer 2020 and later) | 3 |
| PL PATH/BOTANY 123 | Plants, Parasites, and People | 3 |
| PL PATH 311 | Global Food Security | 3 |
| PLANTSCI 370 | World Vegetable Crops | 3 |
| The following study abroad courses fulfill the CALS International Comparisons requirement. Only the specific course numbers and titles listed, including Topics titles (in parentheses), are approved to meet the CALS International Comparisons requirement. | ||
| BIOCHEM 307 | Study Abroad: Introduction to Biological Sciences Research in Japan (approved for enrollments Fall 2026 and later) | 3 |
| NUTR SCI/INTER-AG 421 | Global Health Field Experience (UW Mobile Clinics and Health Care in Uganda) | 3 |
| INTER-AG 321 & INTER-AG/NUTR SCI 421 | Study Abroad Pre-Departure Seminar and Global Health Field Experience (UW Global Health Community Health and Asset-Based Community Development in Sri Lanka) | 3 |
| INTER-AG 321 & INTER-AG/NUTR SCI 421 | Study Abroad Pre-Departure Seminar and Global Health Field Experience (UW Agriculture, Health and Nutrition in Uganda) | 3 |
| INTER-AG/NUTR SCI 421 | Global Health Field Experience (UW Health, Education and Tanzanian Culture) | 3 |
Major Requirements
Courses may not double count within the major (unless specifically noted otherwise), but courses counted toward the major requirements may also be used to satisfy a university requirement and/or a college requirement. Students must have a minimum of 15 credits within the Life Sciences Communication major that do not double count toward CALS or university general education requirements.
Math and Statistics Foundation
We strongly recommend that all students complete MATH 112 College Algebra or MATH 114 Precalculus to complete the university quantitative reasoning A requirement and either STAT 301 Introduction to Statistical Methods, STAT 371 Introductory Applied Statistics for the Life Sciences or SOC/C&E SOC 360 Statistics for Sociologists I to complete the university quantitative reasoning B requirement.
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Course | ||
| LSC 212 | Introduction to Scientific Communication | 3 |
| Core | ||
| LSC 250 | Research Methods in the Communication Industry | 3 |
| LSC 251 | Science, Media and Society | 3 |
| Complete two of the following: | 6 | |
| Marketing Communication for the Sciences | ||
| Introduction to Digital Video Production | ||
| Digital and Print Media Design | ||
| Misinformation, Fake News, and Correcting False Beliefs about Science | ||
| Visualizing Science and Technology | ||
| Science Podcasting & Radio | ||
| Depth within the Major | ||
| Complete 6 credits from one of the following depth categories (see course lists below): | 6 | |
Communication Strategy Depth | ||
Communication Skills and Technologies Depth | ||
| Capstone | ||
| LSC 515 | Social Marketing Campaigns in Science, Health and the Environment | 3 |
| or LSC 640 | Case Studies in the Communication of Science and Technology | |
| Total Credits | 24 | |
Depth within the Major
Communication Strategy Depth
This depth category focuses on the skills and theory necessary to effectively communicate with audiences in the life sciences context, while satisfying the long terms strategic goals of an organization. The depth category includes courses in marketing, strategic and risk communication, and data analysis.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Complete two of the following: | 6 | |
| Brand Strategy for the Sciences | ||
| Digital Media and Science Communication | ||
| Culturally Responsive Science Communication | ||
| Health Communication in the Information Age | ||
| Risk Communication | ||
| Data Analysis in Communications Research | ||
Communication Skills and Technologies Depth
This depth category focuses on the skills required to translate organized information into informative and persuasive messages for a variety of media, such as writing, documentary photography, social media, web design and video production.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Complete two of the following: | 6 | |
| Communicating Science with Narrative | ||
| Social Media for the Sciences | ||
| Documentary Photography for the Sciences | ||
| Social Media Analytics | ||
| Culturally Responsive Science Communication | ||
| Web Design for the Sciences | ||
| Advanced Video Production | ||
Honors in the Major
Admissions Criteria
Students admitted to the university and to the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences are invited to apply to be considered for admission to the CALS Honors Program.
New First-Year Students
- Complete program application including essay questions
Transfer and Continuing UW-Madison Students
- UW-Madison cumulative GPA of at least 3.25
- Complete program application including essay questions
How to Apply
The application is available on the CALS Honors Program website. Applications are accepted at any time.
New first-year students with accepted applications will automatically be enrolled in Honors in Research. It is possible to switch to Honors in the Major in the student’s first semester on campus after receiving approval from the advisor for that major. Transfer and continuing students may apply directly to Honors in Research or Honors in the Major (after approval from the major advisor).
Requirements
All CALS Honors programs have the following requirements:
- Earn at least a cumulative 3.25 GPA at UW-Madison (some programs have higher requirements)
- Complete the program-specific requirements listed below
- Submit completed thesis documentation to CALS Academic Affairs
Life Sciences Communication Honors in the Major Requirements
Students may apply for admission to honors in the major in Life Sciences Communication at any time but are strongly advised to apply before their junior year. Interested students are encouraged to meet with the Life Sciences Communication advisor with any questions about honors in the major.
- 24-28 credits of coursework, as outlined in the chart below.
- For the 15 credits of LSC coursework taken for honors credit:
- Students must earn at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA in this coursework.
- It is the student's responsibility to enroll in honors sections or to select honors optional in order for courses to count toward honors in the major.
- Thesis and independent study credits do not count toward the required 15 credits of LSC honors coursework.
- Complete a senior honors thesis and present the thesis at the CALS Undergraduate Research Symposium or another public venue.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Coursework | ||
| STAT 301 | Introduction to Statistical Methods | 3 |
| or STAT 371 | Introductory Applied Statistics for the Life Sciences | |
| or C&E SOC/SOC 360 | Statistics for Sociologists I | |
| LSC 289 | Honors Independent Study | 2 |
| or LSC 299 | Independent Study | |
| or LSC 699 | Special Problems | |
| LSC 681 & LSC 682 | Senior Honors Thesis and Senior Honors Thesis | 4-8 |
| 15 credits of LSC coursework taken for honors credit | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 24-28 | |
Learning Outcomes
- Specialized knowledge in theoretical and applied communication of science and technology, along with an education broad enough to meet the challenges of changing careers and opportunities.
- The ability to think critically and creatively: to synthesize, analyze, and integrate ideas for decision making and problem solving.
- The ability to communicate effectively across media and a broad range of audiences.
- A global perspective; an appreciation for the interdependencies among individuals and their workplaces, communities, environments, and world; and an understanding of the interrelationships between science and society.
- The ability to work with others in small or large groups, to recognize civic and social responsibilities, and to appreciate the uses of public policy in a democracy.
- A respect for truth, a tolerance for diverse views, and a strong sense of personal and professional ethics.
Four-Year Plan
Sample Life Sciences Communication Four-Year Plan
Students must complete at least 120 total credits to be eligible for graduation.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| LSC 100 | 3 | LSC 212 | 3 |
| MATH 112 or 114 | 3-5 | LSC 250 | 3 |
| CALS First Year Seminar | 1 | CHEM 103, 108, or 109 | 4-5 |
| General Education | 3 | General Education | 3 |
| Electives | 4-5 | Elective | 3 |
| 14-17 | 16-17 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| LSC 251 | 3 | LSC Core Elective | 3 |
| STAT 301, 371, or C&E SOC 360 | 3-4 | CALS International Comparisons | 3 |
| General Education | 6 | General Education | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Electives | 7 |
| 15-16 | 16 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| LSC Core Elective | 3 | LSC Concentration | 3 |
| General Education | 3 | General Education | 3 |
| Electives | 9 | Electives | 9 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| LSC Concentration | 3 | LSC 515 or 640 | 3 |
| Additional Science Elective | 3 | Electives | 12 |
| Electives | 9 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 121-126 | |||
Advising and Careers
Advising
Each LSC student is assigned to both an academic advisor and a faculty mentor in LSC. The academic advisor is a professional advisor who works with students on planning their coursework, as well as navigating and getting involved on campus. Current and prospective students should contact the advisor with questions.
The faculty mentors are LSC faculty and instructors who provide students with another direct contact and resource in the department specifically focusing on career conversations as well as how to get involved in research as a student.
Career Opportunities
LSC alumni hold professional positions in communications, digital marketing, environmental advocacy, and research or consulting in a variety of industries including health care, media, education, agriculture, information technology and life sciences. Many pursue advanced degrees in graduate and professional programs in the health, biological, social and physical sciences.
Graduates are recognized for their skills in social media, event management, marketing, leadership, public speaking, customer service, public relations, strategic planning, research, data analysis, writing and digital video production.
LSC has a large alumni network across many industries and fields. To connect students to these networks, LSC hosts career panels during the academic year, posts alumni profiles on its website, and manages a LinkedIn group to share job opportunities and facilitate connections between alumni and students.
Wisconsin Experience
Internships
Most LSC students participate in internships during their time as undergraduates. LSC staff notify students of opportunities to apply for summer and academic year internships related to science communication and students are encouraged to discuss their goals with their career mentor. Students intern with marketing agencies, environmental and sustainability organizations, and healthcare and agricultural agencies. Read about student internship experiences.
Student Organizations
LSC is home to both the Science Communication Club, Journal of Undergraduate Science and Technology, and the National Agri-Marketing Association UW–Madison chapter, and there are many additional opportunities for students to get involved with other student organizations on campus.
Global Engagement
LSC students are encouraged to gain global perspective by participating in study abroad opportunities all over the world including places like Spain, Uganda, Denmark, England, and Ecuador. Students choose programs ranging anywhere from two weeks in duration to an entire year. Learn more about studying abroad as an LSC major.
LSC offers a course introducing students to communication at the intersection of science, politics, and society to provide students with an international perspective on science communication. Taught by faculty from around the world, LSC courses provide an overview of the theoretical foundations of science communication and their relevance for societal debates about science and emerging technologies across different parts of the world.
Community Engagement and Volunteering
LSC students often volunteer in healthcare, non-profits, advocacy agencies, and more. The Morgridge Center for Public Service provides resources to help students connect with volunteer opportunities based on their interests and goals.
Resources and Scholarships
Students in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences receive more than $1.25 million in scholarships annually. LSC awards over $42,000 in scholarships each year to students in the department. Students apply for CALS and LSC scholarships through a single application in the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH). Learn more about college scholarships.