Learn to analyze complex public problems. Use research evidence to inform public policy solutions. Make a difference.
At a glance
- 12 credits
- Four 3-credit courses, including a workshop course or internship
Information session
- Sign up to join us on Zoom to hear about the certificate, requirements, and internship on April 11 from 3 – 4 p.m. or April 25 from 1 – 2 p.m.
Why complete a certificate in public policy?
What you’ll learn
- Analyze policy issues and think critically
- Evaluate research evidence and identify tradeoffs
- Communicate strategically with diverse audiences
- Practice skills in an applied setting
Student experiences and news
Student updates – spring 2025
March 13, 2025- More undergraduate news
Program overview
UW–Madison’s undergraduate certificate in public policy complements existing majors across campus. Learn how to apply a policy perspective to issues you learn about in your major course of study. Apply a “policy lens” to work in a wide range of careers, or use your training in graduate studies or a professional degree program. As you move toward a career in government, nonprofit work, or the private sector, you’ll find the policy coursework useful in a variety of ways.
Introductory course | 3 credits
Public Affairs 200 | Issues in Contemporary Public Policy
Required courses can be completed in any order. Students report, however, that by taking Public Affairs 200 first, they build a base of understanding helpful for other courses.
Analytical skills course | 3 credits
Choose one:
- Public Affairs 240 | Evidence-based Policymaking
(introductory level) - Public Affairs 380 | Analytical Tools for Public Policy
(intermediate level)
Policy specialization course | 3 credits
This course allows you to choose a course focused on policy-related issues in your major or area of policy interest (e.g., science & technology, education, health, climate, or social policy).
Internship or workshop course | 3 credits
During one semester or over a summer, you can complete a professional policy experience and a companion course. Or you can complete a workshop course in public policy.
Review internship experiences from past students
Program details
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When courses are offered
Certificate courses may not be offered every semester. Consult UW Search & Enroll to explore La Follette School courses that will be offered during the upcoming semester.
Online courses
We currently offer one fully remote/asynchronous course, Public Affairs 327: Administrative Internship.
Other departments may offer online courses that meet the specialization course requirement.
Certificate courses and degree requirements
Courses completed for the certificate in public policy can count toward degree requirements. Please speak with your assigned undergraduate academic advisor in your major to learn if they can count toward major requirements.
Course substitutions
We try to minimize course substitutions, although we do understand that each student faces specific circumstances that may warrant one. If you would like us to consider a course substitution, please complete our Course Substitution Request and include a course syllabus. We will get back to you as soon as we can.
Study abroad
When considering a study abroad program, talk with your study abroad advisor about programs that offer a public policy emphasis. Note that the Wisconsin in Washington Program automatically fulfills the internship requirement for the public policy certificate program. Deadlines typically occur very early, so be sure to plan ahead.
Also check early to see if you qualify for study abroad scholarships. Many students are surprised to have part of their expenses covered by study abroad financial support.
Study abroad courses may qualify for course equivalencies in our certificate, including internships overseas. Feel free to send courses you are considering to your assigned La Follette certificate advisor before you register. We will get back to you as quickly as we can.
Learn more about graduate studies at the La Follette School of Public Affairs
Undergraduates can apply in the Fall of their junior year to our accelerated MPA or MIPA program.
Our two-year Master in Public Affairs or Master in International Public Affairs programs might be a great next step to consider in your education.
Contact Jennifer Unitan, Graduate admissions program coordinator, with questions.
Applied experiences
Through an internship or fieldwork experience, you will gain valuable applied public policy experience. You’ll apply concepts and practice problem-solving skills from coursework, improve your understanding of public policy debates, and learn to approach questions using a public policy lens.
- Consult the Guide to see available options to fulfill this requirement.
- Learn how to complete an internship and enroll in Public Affairs 327: Administrative Internship.
- Learn more about other courses that satisfy the requirement for an applied experience, including Political Science 315: Legislative Internship, and the Wisconsin in Washington Program.
- Check out Public Affairs 369: Workshop in Public Policy if you’re graduating in the next year.
Internship information
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Internship requirements
- After you secure an internship, you must enroll in one of the 3-credit courses listed under “field experience/internship” in the Guide.
- The internship course must be taken for a letter grade. It cannot be taken pass/fail.
- Internships can be paid or unpaid.
- Each summer, the La Follette School awards tuition support to a select number of certificate students.
Finding an internship
If you have already declared the certificate in public policy, Marie Koko, director of career & employer services, (marie.koko@wisc.edu) can offer insights on how to find an internship or career in public policy. You can also consult the internship listings Marie shares with certificate students.
If you are a student in the College of Letters and Science and have not yet been accepted into the certificate in public policy, SuccessWorks is a valuable resource to help you find an internship. Inter-LS 210 and Inter-LS 215 are sophomore career courses that provide you with the skills to find an internship. Inter-LS 210 is offered for 1 credit, while Inter-LS 215 is offered for 3 credits and also satisfies your Comm B requirement. Note that neither course satisfies requirements for the certificate in public policy.
Substituting internships
Unless you have enrolled in a 3-credit course alongside your internship, we cannot count it as fulfilling the requirement. Although we do not encourage substituting internships for courses officially listed in the Guide, we understand there may be exceptions. If you wish to substitute an internship course, please complete the Request for Course Substitution, and include a course syllabus and a brief summary of your internship responsibilities, clearly addressing the above criteria.
We ask the following questions when considering whether an internship will fulfill the requirement.
Did you enroll in and complete a comparable 3-credit course that is transferrable to UW-Madison? Did your internship include tasks and content relevant to building your skills or understanding of public policy? Did you contact us to review your plan before enrolling to check into whether the internship would qualify for a substitution?
Keep in mind that retrospective requests–requesting a substitution after completing an internship–may be more challenging for us to approve.
If you have questions, please reach out to Marie Koko (marie.koko@wisc.edu).
Read about student internships
Benefits for certificate students
Access to a national policy network
You can join the Next Gen Service Corps, which offers professional development and internship funding opportunities.
Help launching your dream career
Learn more about the skills you'll gain, and explore potential career options relevant to public policy.
Classes taught by policy experts
Our multidisciplinary faculty are nationally recognized experts in public policy analysis, public management and administration, and specialized policy fields.
Questions before declaring the certificate
Spring 2025 information sessions (via Zoom)
- April 11 | 3 – 4 p.m.
- April 25 | 1 – 2 p.m.
In-person drop-in advising for prospective students (2408 Sterling Hall)
- April 16 | 2 – 4 p.m.
- April 23 | 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. & 2 – 4 p.m.
- April 30 | 1 – 3 p.m.
Advisors
Prospective certificate students
- Email certificate@lafollette.wisc.edu if you have not declared the certificate yet
Current certificate students
- Check Academic Navigator and email your assigned advisor
- Contact Marie Koko for help finding a job or internship
Guadalupe (Lupe) Granados
Credentials: Undergraduate Academic Advisor
Email:
granados
