The areas we focus on as we train leaders and conduct research to inspire evidence-based policymaking and advance the public good.
Social Policy
How does poverty shape life chances? What explains the rise in income inequality in recent decades? How do government policies and programs shape individual and family well-being?
Health and aging
Our faculty members conduct research on key issues in health policy and health services, including the relationship between social factors – such as poverty, education, and housing – and health.
Public Management
Effective public management is essential in a democratic form of governance. Our faculty members conduct research on how programs are designed and implemented as well as the consequences of public policies for citizens.
Energy and the environment
Our faculty's research informs energy and environmental policymaking. Other areas of focus include environmental justice and water policy.
International policy and economics
The La Follette School provides students with tools to understand the economic factors that underpin international trade, immigration, and foreign direct investment, as well as the theories of how economies develop.
Student research
Teams of our graduate students produce research-based reports for clients in the public, non-governmental, and private sectors as part of their capstone and cost benefit-analysis courses.
Cost-benefit analysis
Faculty awards
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The Herb Kohl Public Service Research Competition
The Herb Kohl Public Service Research Competition supports nonpartisan research by our faculty members that informs critical public policy and governance debates and advances evidence-based decision-making.
The Jerry and Mary Cotter Faculty Fellow
The Jerry and Mary Cotter Faculty Fellow award supports a faculty member who is contributing to research and/or policy development that would improve the legislative branches of government. Preference is given to La Follette School faculty members and faculty affiliates; however, other University of Wisconsin–Madison faculty members may apply. Funding may be used for research support activities, course design, or summer research salary support, or to organize or attend a conference.
The Daniel Louis and Genevieve Rustvold Goldy Faculty Fellow
The Daniel Louis and Genevieve Rustvold Goldy Faculty Fellow award provides funding for research activities, for summer research salary support, or to organize or attend a conference. Preference is given to La Follette School faculty members conducting interdisciplinary research on emerging policy issues; however, faculty affiliates at the University of Wisconsin–Madison may receive the award if no La Follette School faculty member is deemed appropriate.
Faculty working papers
These pre-publication versions of academic articles, book chapters, and other works are in various stages of completion, offering insight into our current research before it is published in peer-reviewed outlets.
News
Tim Smeeding reflects on his career upon retirement
September 18, 2023
Roger Ervin elected chair of Board of Visitors
September 18, 2023
Spring 2023 faculty awards
July 14, 2023- More news
Events
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Sep30
McNair and Student Support Services Graduate School Fair @ 9:30 am - 2:30 pm Chula Vista Resort, 1000 Chula Vista Parkway Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965 View map
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Oct02
La Follette School at UW-Milwaukee @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Student Union, 1st Floor, Booth 5, 2200 East Kenwood Blvd. Milwaukee WI 53211 View Map
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Oct03
Graduate School Micro Fair @ 11:00 am - 1:30 pm 850 Pleasant Street, Beloit, WI 53511 View map
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Oct04
Improving lives through tax credits? @ 11:00 am - 1:30 pm Pyle Center, Alumni Lounge View map