At the University of Wisconsin–Madison, students majoring in Public Policy study how governments, institutions, and communities identify problems, weigh evidence, and make decisions that affect lives. They ask questions like: What makes a policy effective? Who benefits—and who doesn’t? How can we use data, dialogue, and diverse perspectives to build better solutions? Through interdisciplinary coursework and hands-on learning, students develop skills in policy analysis, strategic communication, civil discourse, and evidence-based decision-making.

Whether you're passionate about climate justice, education reform, health equity, or economic development, Public Policy’s courses give you a framework to understand complex systems and a pathway to lead within them. Students often find the work exciting and transformative—connecting classroom learning to real-world impact through internships, case studies, and collaborative projects.

Studying public policy at UW–Madison means going beyond headlines and soundbites. You’ll engage deeply with data, theory, and lived experience. You’ll learn to analyze tradeoffs, anticipate unintended consequences, and communicate across differences. You’ll be challenged to think critically, act ethically, and lead thoughtfully.

Graduates can pursue careers in government, nonprofits, consulting, advocacy, and business—and many will go on to graduate programs in public affairs or international public affairs, law school, or leadership roles in public service. The Public Policy major’s emphasis on analytical rigor and civic engagement prepares students to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

How to Get in

​Students declared in the Public Policy certificate or the Health Policy certificate may not be declared in the Public Policy major at the same time. Students who do wish to declare this major must first cancel their declaration in the certificate.

University General Education Requirements

All undergraduate students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison are required to fulfill a minimum set of common university general education requirements to ensure that every graduate acquires the essential core of an undergraduate education. This core establishes a foundation for living a productive life, being a citizen of the world, appreciating aesthetic values, and engaging in lifelong learning in a continually changing world. Various schools and colleges will have requirements in addition to the requirements listed below. Consult your advisor for assistance, as needed. For additional information, see the university Undergraduate General Education Requirements section of the Guide.

College of Letters & Science Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Science (BS)

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in the College of Letters & Science must complete all of the requirements below. The College of Letters & Science allows this major to be paired with either the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science degree requirements.

Bachelor of Science Degree Requirements

Non–L&S students pursuing an L&S major

Non–L&S students who have permission from their school/college to pursue an additional major within L&S only need to fulfill the major requirements. They do not need to complete the L&S Degree Requirements above.

Requirements for the Major

Students must complete 30 credits from the list below:

Residence & Quality of Work

• Minimum 2.000 GPA in all PUB AFFR and major courses 
• Minimum 2.000 GPA on at least 15 credits of upper-level work in the major, in residence*
• Minimum 15 credits in PUB AFFR courses taken on the UW-Madison campus

*Upper-level course work is defined as all Intermediate and Advanced courses in the major and electives

University Degree Requirements

Learning Outcomes

1. Apply theoretical and empirical frameworks from economics, political science, sociology, public administration, public management, and organizational behavior to analyze public policy issues, using evidence to inform recommendations and policy decisions.
2. Identify interests and roles of governmental and non-governmental institutions and other actors in the policy making process.
3. Practice key principles of policy analysis, public administration, public management, and organizational behavior in addressing complex problems in the public interest.
4. Critically evaluate quantitative and qualitative research, identify its strengths and limitations, and highlight its implications for public policy.
5. Write and communicate clearly and effectively about public policy problems and solutions, using evidence-based strategies to address diverse sets of stakeholders.
6. Work and learn collaboratively across disciplines, effectively anticipating, learning from, and navigating issues where opinions, values, and perspectives often differ or conflict.
7. Serve as skilled leaders across sectors, focused on improving and infusing evidence into decisions regarding public policy.

Four-Year Plan

Four-Year Plan

This Four-Year Plan is only one way a student may complete an L&S degree with this major. Many factors can affect student degree planning, including placement scores, credit for transferred courses, credits earned by examination, and individual scholarly interests. In addition, many students have commitments (e.g., athletics, honors, research, student organizations, study abroad, work and volunteer experiences) that necessitate they adjust their plans accordingly. Informed students engage in their own unique Wisconsin Experience by consulting their academic advisors, Guide, DARS, and Course Search & Enroll for assistance making and adjusting their plan.

Advising and Careers

Study Abroad

Learning in Letters & Science emphasizes discovery, growth, understanding different perspectives, and challenging yourself, which makes studying abroad an excellent fit for many L&S students: studyabroad.wisc.edu

As a university with global influence, we have more than 300 study abroad programs in over 80 countries. These vary in length, academic focus, teaching format, language requirements, cost, and level of independence. There are many programs to complement every major and any year of college (including the final semester)—and all meet UW–Madison’s high academic standards. Students admitted into Letters & Science can even choose a short program in the summer before they start college or their whole first year: studyabroad.wisc.edu/launch. Talk with your academic advisor about how studying abroad might fit with your academic plan.

SuccessWorks

SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science helps you turn the academic skills learned in your classes into a fulfilling life, guiding you every step of the way to securing jobs, internships, or admission to graduate school.

Through one-on-one career advising, events, and resources, you can explore career options, build valuable internship and research experience, and connect with supportive alumni and employers who open doors of opportunity.

• What you can do with your major  (Major Skills & Outcomes Sheets)
• Make a career advising appointment
• Learn about internships and internship funding
• Try “Jobs, Internships, & How to Get Them,” an interactive guide in Canvas for enrolled UW–Madison students

Resources and Scholarships