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 decisions may be challenging, but you are not alone! Your advisers 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.
Advisors
Cassie Chulick
Position title: Undergraduate Advisor
Email: cassie.chulick@wisc.edu
Phone: (608) 263-2396
Address:
303 North Hall
Amy Gangl
Position title: Director of Undergraduate Studies
Email: agangl@wisc.edu
Phone: (608) 263-2028
Address:
302 North Hall
Rachel Margolies
Position title: Undergraduate Coordinator
Email: rachel.margolies@wisc.edu
Phone: (608) 262-5639
Address:
301 North Hall
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 for appointments in Starfish. We have designated options available for both appointment types, with the majority taking place in-person.
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.
Our PS Peer Advisors are available to discuss internship resources, PS classes and future semesters, Wisconsin in Washington, double majors, certificates, and anything else that might be on your mind.
Shreya Bandyopadhyay: Hello! My name is Shreya Bandyopadhyay, and I am a Senior studying political science, legal studies, and gender and women’s studies. I am originally from St. Louis Missouri. While at UW, I have interned for a number of organizations starting with Senator Lena C. Taylor in the Wisconsin legislature to working at Vital Voices, a women’s nonprofit based in D.C. After completing the Wisconsin in Washington program, I switched from a pre-law track to a political communications track and one day hope to work in consulting. My interests include women’s rights and nonprofit advocacy. I am looking forward to getting to know all of you more this year!
Shreya’s Advising Hours
Mondays Online: 10am-12pm | Sign-Up here.
Tuesdays in 305 North Hall: 10:30am-12:30pm | Drop-In
Ben Keeler: My name is Ben Keeler, and I am excited to be a Political Science Peer Advisor this school year! A little bit about myself, I am a senior from Chicago majoring in political science and history, with a certificate in public policy. My studies focus on the intersection of defense and foreign policy. Currently, I am an intern at Daniel K. Inouye Center for Asia-Pacific Security Studies. In the spring, I will commission as an officer in the US Army through the ROTC program here at UW-Madison. I eventually hope to earn an MA in international relations and pursue a career in foreign policy. In my free time, I love to watch football, spend time outdoors, and read.
Ben’s Advising Hours
Mondays in 305 North Hall: 12pm-3pm | Drop-In
Wednesdays in 305 North Hall: 12:30pm-1:30pm | Drop-In
Fridays Online 10am-12pm | Sign Up here.
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.
