Enrollment in the La Follette School’s certificate in public policy and certificate in health policy programs has grown dramatically since the launch of the programs in 2019 and 2021, respectively. During the November 2023 application period, 147 new students joined the certificate programs, bringing the total number of undergraduate students enrolled in La Follette’s undergraduate certificate programs to 470. This represents a 40% increase in public policy students and a 60% increase in health policy students over just the last few months.
In December, twelve undergraduate students graduated with public policy certificates from the La Follette School, along with five students who earned health policy certificates. December’s graduates represented a variety of majors and interests, reflecting the interdisciplinary perspectives of students who take courses in the La Follette School.
The undergraduate certificate programs allow students to develop skills in critical thinking, analysis, and communication while focusing on real-world problems. La Follette’s public policy certificate allows students to apply a policy perspective to their major, building a strong foundation for careers in government, nonprofit organizations, or the private sector, while the health policy certificate prepares students to understand and shape health policy in Wisconsin and in the U.S. These skills complement a student’s major course of study, helping to build a strong foundation for a wide range of careers in government, nonprofit organizations, or the private sector. Many students also go on to graduate programs in a range of disciplines.
The undergraduate certificates were made possible by the La Follette School’s Kohl Initiative, created in May 2019 with a $10 million gift from former U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl. Over 450 students have completed certificates from the La Follette School since the launch of the Undergraduate Certificate in Public Policy program.