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
Phone: (608) 263-2396
Address:
303 North Hall
Rachel Margolies
Position title: Academic Program Manager
Email:
rachel.margolies
Phone: (608) 262-5639
Address:
301 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
Alice Hill
Pronouns: she/her
My name is Alice Hill and I am a senior double majoring in Political Science and English with a certificate in Public Policy. I am from the Bay Area, California, but attended high school on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada! At UW, I am on the executive board of UW’s chapter of the National Political Science Honors Society, Pi Sigma Alpha, and spend much of my free time playing rugby on the UW Women’s Rugby Team. I recently interned in San Francisco’s City Hall for Supervisor Rafael Mandelman and worked for the UW Election Research Center on a project about the 2020 and 2024 Democratic and Republican National Conventions and state delegations. My academic interests include campaigns, elections, and local government, and I hope to return home following graduation to work in San Francisco or Sacramento politics.
Sadie Rosenthal
Pronouns: she/her
My name is Sadie Rosenthal, and I am a senior double majoring in Political Science and Legal Studies with certificates in Public Policy and Science Communications. I am originally from Bethesda, MD, outside Washington, D.C. I am the President of Pi Sigma Alpha, the Political Science Honors Society on campus. I served as an intern with Governor Evers’ re-election Campaign in 2022, in State Assembly Representative Shelia Stubbs’ Office, at a Public Relations Firm, Rational 360, and at the White House. I have also worked as an Advance Associate for the Harris-Walz campaign. I studied abroad this past spring in Florence, Italy. I’m specifically interested in American campaigns and elections, and I hope to pursue a career in politics after graduation. I look forward to working with you all this year!
John Schwartz
Pronouns: he/him
I’m John, a senior double majoring in Political Science and Landscape & Urban Studies. I plan on working in city design and community development after graduation, so I am currently interning as a planner for a private engineering firm. I’ve worked for the Wisconsin State Senate, interned for campaigns, and interned for a food shelf. Last summer I was hired to work as a camp counselor at an American school in Lugano, Switzerland and really enjoyed the experience. If you have a question or just want to recommend a good social sciences book, feel free to reach out!
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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.