There are many definitions of political science. But whether a definition focuses on the analysis of governmental structures, or influences on voter choice, or the relationship between national governments, or the best form of government, at base, political science is about 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. Students who pursue a certificate in political science obtain not only an understanding of the workings of government, but they also develop 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) | ||
| Introduction to American Politics | ||
| Reading and Writing in Political Science (complete one) | 3-4 | |
| Introduction to Political Psychology | ||
| Elections and Voting Behavior | ||
| American Political Parties | ||
| Chinese Politics | ||
| Indian Politics in Comparative Perspective | ||
| 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 | ||
| History of American Political Thought | ||
| Christian Political Thought | ||
| Nuclear Weapons and World Politics | ||
| The American Presidency | ||
| The Supreme Court as a Political Institution | ||
| Administrative Law | ||
| 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 | ||
| The Political Economy of Race 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 | ||
| Theories of International Security | ||
| China in World Politics | ||
| Global Access to Justice | ||
| International Political Economy | ||
| Principles of International Law | ||
| Contemporary American Political Thought | ||
| Athenian Democracy | ||
| Literature and Politics | ||
| Islam and Politics | ||
| Study Abroad Topics in Political Science: International Relations | ||
| Topics in Political Science | ||
| Selected Topics in Political Science | ||
| Wisconsin in Washington Internship Course | ||
| 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 | ||
| Politics and Society: Contemporary Eastern Europe | ||
| 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 political 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 non-profit, 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 Poli Sci 315.
Alumni Mentoring
Like internships, networking can be a valuable tool in opening professional doors and learning more about the professional value of the political certificate. The department often matches students with alumni mentors drawn from our Board of Visitors and other graduates who can help them get started building a professional network, answer questions about a specific field, provide guidance in applying for jobs or preparing for interviews, and provide general career advice.
People
Prof. Jon Pevehouse, Chair of the Department of Political Science
jcpevehouse@wisc.edu
Amy Gangl, Director of Undergraduate Studies
agangl@wisc.edu
Cassie Chulick, Academic Advisor
cassie.chulick@wisc.edu
Rachel Margolies, Undergraduate Advisor, Undergraduate Coordinator
rachel.margolies@wisc.edu