Michael Barbaro
On Covering Today’s America
Host of The New York Times’ The Daily podcast
Oct. 20, 7 p.m., Shannon Hall
Make a positive impact through policy
At the University of Wisconsin–Madison, the Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs is leading in improving the design, implementation, and evaluation of public policy and the practice of governance. Students work with policymakers on problems facing Wisconsin and the nation, improving lives while they train to be the next leaders.
Academics and expertise
Undergraduate programs
Introducing UW’s first major in public policy in fall ’26. Plus two certificate programs to complement your degree.
Graduate programs
Small school with a big impact. A nationally ranked program that gives you support, flexibility, and community.
Impactful research
Our award-winning faculty research policy solutions that address family finance, public health, global economics, and much more.
La Follette by the numbers
1st
of its kind undergraduate major in public policy at UW-Madison
100%
of 2025 graduates found employment within 6 months
3,492
alumni impacting policymaking across the nation
40+
years of excellence in policy education
Why choose La Follette?
Hands-on experience
Students take on real-world challenges across our impact areas, from social policy and health to energy and the environment.
Extensive alumni network
Access alumni making an impact in every sector through career events, employer visits, and much more.
Address political polarization
Curriculum and programming focused on civil dialogue, working across differences, and finding common ground.
Prepare to make an impact
I am already seeing the payoff of building these quantitative foundations which provide me with a stronger analytical skillset when evaluating policy.
I’ve been fortunate to work with several outstanding La Follette alumni who have played important roles in my personal and professional development.
I took PA 200 as a freshman and enjoyed learning about the different policy spheres. From there, I decided to add the public policy certificate.
Serving the Wisconsin Idea
The Wisconsin Idea means our work should improve lives around the state and beyond. We bring people together across divides, from the classroom to community conversations throughout Wisconsin, to create policy that works.
Convening events
We host public events and community conversations, like the Main Street Agenda, that bring people together across the political spectrum.
Supporting policymakers
We connect state legislators and policymakers with La Follette research and resources.
Partnering with communities
Students and faculty partner with public, nonprofit, and private organizations to tackle real-world challenges.
News and events
Featured
With a gift honoring Sen. Herb Kohl’s legacy, Music Hall to be renamed and serve as future home of La Follette School
The gift from Herb Kohl Philanthropies, totaling $30 million, dedicates $10 million to support ongoing programming and $20 million for building renovations.
News
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Support La Follette School
Your gift helps La Follette students afford an education that prepares them to solve the toughest policy problems facing Wisconsin and the country.