Our 30-credit undergraduate major in public policy will start accepting students in fall 2026. It will be the first of its kind in Wisconsin.
About the major
Studying public policy at UW–Madison means going beyond headlines and soundbites. Through interdisciplinary coursework and hands-on learning, you will develop skills in policy analysis, strategic communication, civil discourse, and evidence-based decision-making. You’ll learn to analyze tradeoffs, anticipate unintended consequences, and communicate across differences.
A Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in public policy will prepare you for a career in government, nonprofits, consulting, advocacy, or business. The 30-credit program will be distinct from other public policy undergraduate programs with courses focused on working across differences.
Course requirements
Take one of the core courses to declare the major. All core courses are required to complete the major.
- Public Affairs 200: Contemporary Public Policy Issues
- Public Affairs 230: Advancing Public Policy in a Divided America
- Public Affairs 335: Policy Actors, Institutions, and the Policy Process
- Choose one:
- Public Affairs 240: Evidence-Based Policymaking
- Public Affairs 340: Intermediate Evidence-Based Policymaking and Communication
- Public Affairs 380: Analytic Tools for Public Policy
Complete at least three credits of internship or workshop courses:
- Public Affairs 327: Administrative Internship
- Public Affairs 369: Workshop in Public Policy
- Public Affairs 360: Workshop in Health Policy
- Interdisciplinary Courses 260: Internship in the Liberal Arts and Sciences
- International Studies 523: International Internship
- Political Science 315: Legislative Internship
- Wisconsin in Washington study abroad
Students will complete 12 credits of intermediate or advanced policy-related coursework as part of the major.
More information about electives coming soon
Advising
General advising, fall 2025
Join an advising session to ask questions about the major.
Coming spring 2026
- What-if DARS (not currently available)
- Info sessions
Promoting civil dialogue
Learn about initiatives we are involved in to help foster civil dialogue.
On campus
The Wisconsin Exchange: Pluralism in Practice aims to help students, faculty, and staff engage, live, and lead in a polarized world and ensure UW–Madison is flourishing, pluralistic campus.
Nationwide
The Volcker Alliance's Constructive Dialogue Curriculum Initiative helps schools implement innovative curricula that prepare the next generation of public service leaders to bridge divides and work collaboratively across differences. La Follette is proud to be one of 14 participating schools.