Political science is the systematic study of power. Whether power is exercised formally, as is the case between government and the individual, or informally, as is the case between individuals, it is the systematic study of power relationships that provides the subject matter for the discipline.
There are many approaches to political science: the analysis of governmental structures, influences on voter choice, the relationship between national governments, or the best form of government. Students studying political science develop an understanding of the workings of government and also important skills in critical thinking and analysis. These skills make them ideal candidates for careers in law; in government at the state, national, and international levels; in business; in journalism; and in politics.
How to Get in
Declaring the Certificate
There are no pre-requisites for declaring the Political Science certificate. Students can declare at any time on the our website. Political science majors are not eligible to declare the Political Science certificate.
Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory Course (complete one) | 3-4 | |
| Introduction to American Politics and Government | ||
| Introduction to Comparative Politics | ||
| Introduction to International Relations | ||
| Introduction to Political Theory | ||
| Introduction to Comparative Politics (Honors) | ||
| Reading and Writing in Political Science (complete one) | 3-4 | |
| Introduction to Political Psychology | ||
| Elections and Voting Behavior | ||
| American Political Parties | ||
| Chinese Politics | ||
| Political Economy of Development | ||
| Israeli Politics and Society | ||
| The Russian War on Ukraine: Causes and Consequences | ||
| Conflict Resolution | ||
| Terrorism | ||
| International Institutions and World Order | ||
| American Foreign Policy | ||
| The Foundations of American Liberal Democracy | ||
| Christian Political Thought | ||
| Nuclear Weapons and World Politics | ||
| The American Presidency | ||
| The Supreme Court as a Political Institution | ||
| Administrative Law | ||
| The Political Psychology of Polarization | ||
| Legal Writing, from Counselor to Advocate | ||
| Topics in Political Philosophy | ||
| The First Amendment | ||
| Honors Seminar on Race and Politics in the United States | ||
| Arab-Israeli Conflict | ||
| Proseminar: Topics in Political Science | ||
| Electives | 8-10 | |
| Any additional "Reading and Writing in Political Science" course from the list above, or any of the following courses: | ||
| Introduction to State Government | ||
| Politics in Multi-Cultural Societies | ||
| Introduction to Public Policy | ||
| Mexican-American Politics | ||
| Race and Ethnic Politics in the United States | ||
| United States Congress | ||
| Criminal Law and Justice | ||
| Legislative Internship | ||
| Governments and Politics of the Middle East and North Africa | ||
| Social Movements and Revolutions in Latin America | ||
| Politics of East and Southeast Asia | ||
| African Politics | ||
| German Politics | ||
| Russian Politics | ||
| Social Identities | ||
| Democracy (and Its Uncertain Future) | ||
| The Civil-Military Paradox in U.S. Politics and Society | ||
| Non-Democracies | ||
| The European Union: Politics and Political Economy | ||
| State-Building: How States Are Formed, Function, and Influence Society | ||
| Theories of International Security | ||
POLI SCI 346 | ||
| Global Access to Justice | ||
| International Political Economy | ||
| Transitional Justice in World Politics | ||
| Principles of International Law | ||
| States in the World: Comparative Foreign Policy | ||
| Contemporary American Political Thought | ||
| Athenian Democracy | ||
| Literature and Politics | ||
| Continental Political Thought | ||
| Islam and Politics | ||
| Study Abroad Topics in Political Science: International Relations | ||
| Topics in Political Science | ||
| Selected Topics in Political Science | ||
POLI SCI 402 | ||
| State Government and Public Policy | ||
| The American Constitution : Powers and Structures of Government | ||
| The American Constitution: Rights and Civil Liberties | ||
| Community Power and Grass Roots Politics | ||
| The American Judicial System | ||
| Gender and Politics in Comparative Perspective | ||
| Contentious Politics | ||
| The Politics of Human Rights | ||
| Politics of Gender and Women's Rights in the Middle East | ||
| The Comparative Study of Genocide | ||
| Deception and Politics | ||
| Women and Politics | ||
| Study Abroad Topics in Political Science: American Government | ||
| Campaign Finance | ||
| Public Opinion | ||
| African American Political Theory | ||
| Study Abroad Topics in Political Science: Political Theory | ||
POLI SCI 602 | ||
POLI SCI 659 | ||
| Study Abroad Topics in Political Science: Comparative Politics | ||
| Total Credits | 16 | |
Residence and Quality of Work
- Minimum 2.000 GPA in all certificate courses
- At least 12 certificate credits must be completed on campus
Certificate Completion Requirement
This undergraduate certificate must be completed concurrently with the student’s undergraduate degree. Students cannot delay degree completion to complete the certificate.
Learning Outcomes
- Develop an understanding of and appreciation for the methods and approaches in Political Science and their relevance to important theoretical and pragmatic questions.
- Analyze different forms and practices of governance both democratic and non‐democratic.
- Argue effectively and defend propositions with intellectual integrity, while considering a range of alternative points of view and evidence.
- Analyze relations among individuals, civil society, political institutions, and states.
- Analyze the motivations and consequences of political decision‐making and activities.
Advising and Careers
Advising
Students who are declared or interested in the Political Science certificate have numerous advising resources available to them. The Political Science advising team is composed of professional and peer advisors who are excited to talk with students about everything from academic planning to professional development for future careers. Information on the advising team, how to contact an advisor, and how to schedule an appointment hours can be found on this website.
Internships
The Department of Political Science recognizes the importance of internships in helping students develop professional skills and explore potential career paths. Positions can vary depending on availability and students’ interests, but recent sponsors have included the Wisconsin State Legislature, the Office of the Governor, Sierra Club, and numerous nonprofit, media, lobbyist, and policy organizations in Wisconsin and throughout the country. Please see our internship board for examples of the wide array of opportunities. Political Science certificate students can also get academic credit in conjunction with an internship by taking Legislative Internship (POLI SCI 315).
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