What you'll learn as a political science major at UW-Platteville

The Political Science program at UW-Platteville enables you to improve substantially your understanding of yourselves and the world, while educating you to understand and appreciate politics, political thought and governance, and gain essential knowledge of your chosen fields. We aim to prepare you for employment or advanced study, and to stimulate you in anticipating your future roles as professionals and citizens.

With a bachelor's in political science from the Department of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences, you will be prepared for a career of your choice in fields that can include public service, public policy, administration, law, and business.

Through immersive field trips to major American cities such as Washington DC, New York City, or New Orleans, you can explore politics in action and put the theories you’ve learned in your political science courses into practice. Plus, students enrolled in UW-Platteville’s Political Science programs can gain real-life skills through internships with elected state and national representatives, political campaigns, law firms, nonprofit organizations, or governmental agencies. This is complemented by numerous student clubs and organizations on campus that let you apply your skills while meeting new friends and making professional connections. When comparing UW-Platteville to other political science colleges, you will find this range of hands-on experiences combined with approachable, knowledgeable professors will give you a competitive edge as you enter the job market or pursue further education.

Career Opportunities

Students who major in political science move into a variety of professional careers upon graduation. Some seek a career in the public sector by becoming administrators of city, state, or federal governments and their affiliated agencies. Some go on to graduate school for a master's degree program in public policy and administration, which practically assures challenging and rewarding positions in management. Others go to law school or develop their careers in the business sector. Foreign service and working for international organizations are other potential career options for political science majors.

Listed below are just a few examples of career possibilities for political science majors:

  • State/Federal representative
  • Attorney
  • Intelligence operations
  • Foreign service officer
  • Press office personnel, U.S. Embassy
  • State governor's office, State Operations
  • Political commentator
  • Chief of staff, committee, U.S. House Of Representatives
  • Public affairs research analyst educator (K-12/College level)

Discover by doing

Political science at UW-Platteville is focused on experiential learning that connects your education to your future career.


Learn More
Mitchell Cotter

Legislative internship creates new opportunities

Mitchell Cotter, a junior political science major, spent his summer gaining firsthand experience working with the Wisconsin State Legislature. Interning for a state representative, he contributed to research related to legislative proposals, attended assembly committee meetings, and more. 
student senate

Political Science Student Organizations

Join one of the organizations for students interested in political science such as College Democrats, College Republicans, Pre-Law Society, and more.
graduate

SCHOLARSHIPS

The James C. Klein Memorial Scholarship is awarded every year to a talented pre-law student. Political science majors and minors are also eligible for a variety of university-wide scholarships, as well as scholarships offered through the College of Liberal Arts and Education.