University of Wisconsin–Madison

Communication Science

About Us

The Communication Science program seeks to understand processes of human interactions evident in various face-to-face and mediated contexts as they relate to the cognitive, social, and cultural functions of communication. Using various social scientific methods, teaching and research in Communication Science is organized in three broad topical areas:

  • Social influence (processes of social change and collective decision-making that involve persuasion, deliberation, and information exchange)
  • Communication and social relationships (how relationships among people are initiated and maintained in various contexts)
  • Media effects (processes and effects of various media)

The Program

The graduate program in Communication Science provides students with core knowledge in communication theory and research methodology and the opportunity to develop their research interests in a way that enhances scientific understanding of human communication as well as applications of such knowledge.

For degree requirements and other detailed program information, please consult the graduate handbook.

Opportunities

A weekly graduate student/faculty colloquium gives students the opportunity to present their own work and to hear guest lecturers from a range of disciplinary perspectives, often in cooperation with other departmental areas. We also use this time to present information and facilitate discussions of publishing, conference presentations, and the job search process.

The Center for Communication Research provides facilities, support, and venues for faculty and graduate students to conduct their research.

Offered Courses 

  • Communication and Health Inequalities (L. Williamson)
  • Communication & Interethnic Behavior (M.L. Mares)
  • Problem Solving in Complex Organizations  (L. van Swol)
  • Dynamics of Online Relationships (C. Toma)
  • Interpersonal Health Communication (L. Williamson)
  • Media & Youth (M. L. Mares)
  • Communication Theory (L. van Swol)
  • Communication Research Methods (M. L. Mares)
  • Media, Identity, & Inclusion (M. L. Mares)
  • Practicum in Communication Science (C. Toma)
  • Seminar in Computer-Mediated Communication (C. Toma)
  • Social Media & Well-being (C. Toma)
  • Seminar in AI-Mediated Communication (C. Toma)
  • (Mis)Trust in Health Communication. (L. Williamson)
  • Small Group Communication   (L. van Swol)

 

Recent PhDs Graduates

CS FACULTY

Marie-Louise Mares: Developmental and positive media effects have been my research interests. My studies focus on the ways that children, youth, and parents may influence each other via shared media use and discussion of media content.

Catalina Toma: I study how people understand and relate to one another when interacting via communication technologies (e.g., online dating, social network sites, mobile computing, artificial intelligence).

Lyn van Swol: I research information sharing in groups, utilization of advice, persuasion, language use in groups, chatbot communication, and the role of strategic persuasive messages in environmental communication.

Lillie Williamson: My research broadly examines the ways in which racial experiences and health communication interact to influence racial health inequalities.