Department of Political Science
College of Letters and Science

Political Science Major

Majors in political science obtain a broader understanding of the world, but also develop important skills in critical thinking and analysis. Students who major in political science will emerge better prepared to make professional choices. These skills are indispensable in any career path you decide to pursue.
The Political Science major is concerned with exploring the exercise of power in its myriad forms and consequences. Students in the major are encouraged to explore such central issues as the ethical problems attendant to the exercise of power; the impact of historic, economic, and social forces on the operation of politics; the functioning and distinctive features of the US political system; the diversity of political systems found among nations of the world and the significance of these differences; the interaction among international actors and the causes of war and peace. When you study political science you gain practical knowledge, intellectual depth, and conceptual tools to pursue careers in law, business, journalism, public service, and education.

Advising

Your college years are an exciting time in your life — a time to figure out who you are, what you want to do, and how to get there. You’ll be making a lot of important decisions at UW-Madison that will shape your future. These may be difficult choices, but you are not alone! Your advisors are here to help you learn the skills you need to tackle the big questions.

Our Department has professionals to advise you on: program planning, internship opportunities, study abroad programs, student research interests, transfer and study abroad credits, and more.

Cassie Chulick

Position title: Undergraduate Advisor

Email: cassie.chulick@wisc.edu

Phone: (608) 263-2396

Address:
110 C North Hall

Rachel Margolies

Position title: Academic Program Manager

Email: rachel.margolies@wisc.edu

Phone: (608) 262-5639

Address:
110 G North Hall

Peer Mentors

Our PS Peer Advisors are available to discuss internship resources, PS classes, future semesters, Wisconsin in Washington,

double majors, certificates, and anything else that might be on your mind.

You can schedule a peer advising appointment through Starfish or reach out via email to peeradvisor@polisci.wisc.edu

Hannah Angsten

Schedule with Hannah on Starfish

My name is Hannah Angsten, and I am a senior majoring in Political Science with certificates in Public Policy, Business, and Environmental Studies. I am from San Francisco, CA, and outside of class I enjoy reading, playing volleyball, and writing for the Daily Cardinal. I have previously interned for a local political campaign in San Francisco and worked for the La Follette School in communications. Last summer, I participated in the Wisconsin in Washington program, where I interned with ROKK Solutions, a bipartisan public affairs firm. I’m planning on moving back to DC after graduation to hopefully work with environmental or energy policy. During the Spring 2025 semester, I studied abroad in Barcelona, where I focused on international relations and Spanish politics. I’m looking forward to helping you all this year! 

Madeline Pluckhahn

Schedule with Maddie on Starfish

Hi all! My name is Maddie, and I am a fourth-year student pursuing BAs in Political Science and Environmental Studies, as well as certificates in French and Art History. After graduation, I plan to move to Chicago to work and apply for law school. In my time as a student at UW, I have volunteered as a clerk at a local law firm, worked with the Marquette Law School’s expungement clinic, and interned at the Wisconsin State Capitol. I can advise students on finding internships & Political Science related volunteer opportunities, course selection (especially if you have multiple majors/certificates!), and any other questions about the department that you may have. Schedule a meeting with me on Starfish– looking forward to seeing you in North Hall!

Charlie Woller

Schedule with Charlie on Starfish

My name is Charlie Woller, and I’m a senior majoring in Political Science and Philosophy with a certificate in Classical Studies from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In this position, I’m looking forward to being able to meet new people and help out people with similar challenges in my major. My favorite course is PS 340: The European Union, Politics and Political Economy

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Schedule an Appointment

PS academic advising will be held in-person in our North Hall offices unless otherwise noted as a “Remote Advising Appointment” in the appointment type when you search for appointments in Starfish. We have designated options available for both appointment types, though the majority of which take place in-person.

The Political Science Department is located in North Hall, the oldest building on campus. Due to its age, this building is not accessible to individuals with mobility disabilities and does not have an elevator or accessible restroom. Faculty, instructors, and staff will accommodate those for whom North Hall presents a disability-related barrier to ensure equal opportunity for all students to attend office hours, advising, and other department-related events.

Scheduling

All currently declared students and current UW-Madison undergraduate students interested in the Political Science major are welcome to schedule an appointment. Advising appointments can be made through Starfish. You can access Starfish from your MyUW dashboard.

To add the Starfish app:

  1. Login to MyUW
  2. Search for Starfish
  3. Click Add to home for easy access
  4. Launch the app

Please click this link for instructions on how to use Starfish.

Advising Resources

Advisor Tips:

Helpful Links: 

Career and Internship Resources

Additional Resources