This May, 138 students who received undergraduate degrees from UW–Madison also earned certificates from the La Follette School of Public Affairs. This spring’s graduates represent a variety of majors, including global health, biology, political science, nursing, and economics.
La Follette’s undergraduate certificate programs, which have grown rapidly in the past two years, allow students to develop skills in critical thinking, analysis, and communication while focusing on real-world problems. These skills complement a student’s major course of study, helping 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.
Dana Craig (BA ’22), one of 20 students who graduated in December with a certificate in public policy, joined the La Follette School staff in early 2023, where she facilitates projects supporting students, faculty, and outreach efforts as the director’s assistant to Professor Susan Webb Yackee. Craig also earned bachelor’s degrees in English and political science. “I’m excited to use my background in communications to bolster La Follette’s growth as more people connect with the school’s fantastic resources,” said Craig. Before joining La Follette, she interned in a variety of legal and political offices, helping people navigate complex systems. Craig supported constituent communications and outreach for Senator Tammy Baldwin, Governor Tony Evers, and Wisconsin State Senator Melissa Agard.
The undergraduate programs are one of the cornerstones of the La Follette School’s Kohl Initiative, created in May 2019 with a $10 million gift from former U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl. This May, 109 students earned certificates in public policy, 27 students graduated with certificates in health policy, and two students graduated with both certificates. The certificates in public policy and health policy were launched in 2019 and 2021 respectively. The La Follette School accepts applications for both certificate programs each November and May.