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.
Rachel Margolies
Position title: Academic Program Manager
Email:
rachel.margolies
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
Tony Jing
Schedule with Tony on Starfish
Brody Seaton
Hello! My name is Brody Seaton and I am a senior majoring in Political Science and Economics. On campus, I have worked as a peer advisor for the L&S Honors Program, tutored economics, and am currently a supervisor at RecWell. Within the realm of political science, I have done research in the political science major and have worked in public policy through the Dane County Board of Supervisors. This summer, I will be both continuing my work as a peer advisor for the L&S Honors Program and will also be interning for a law firm focused on educational law. After graduation, I am planning on attending law school and hope to work in government. My academic interests focus on the intersection of democracy, the economy, and social identities, and I will be exploring this further in my senior honors thesis. I can advise students about requirements for political science, finding internships and research opportunities, and career exploration. I am looking forward to meeting everyone!
Ava Singh
Hi! My name is Ava Singh, and I’m majoring in Political Science and Information Science with a certificate in Educational Policy. On campus, I have worked as a Research Assistant and previously as a student worker within the Political Science department. I have also gained experience in local policy research through an internship with the Dane County Board of Supervisors. This summer, I will be interning at a public affairs firm in Washington, D.C. through the Wisconsin in Washington program, where I hope to return after graduation to pursue a career in public policy and government affairs. My academic interests center around public policy, technology governance, and political communication, which I hope to further explore through my senior honors thesis. I’m excited to chat about navigating the Political Science major, Wisconsin in Washington, internships, research, or anything else!
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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:
- Login to MyUW
- Search for Starfish
- Click Add to home for easy access
- Launch the app
Please click this link for instructions on how to use Starfish.
Advising Resources
Career and Internship Resources
- What Can You Do With Your Political Science Major?
- SuccessWorks at the College of Letters and Science
- Department of Political Science Internship Webpage
- POLI SCI 315
- Video Recording of “Demystifying Graduate School” Panel Discussion
- Have a career conversation with a Political Science alum! Look for the SuccessWorks “Career Conversations” course on your Canvas dashboard.