DEPARTMENT OF POLITICS, GOVERNMENT, AND LAW
The mission of the Department of Politics, Government, and Law is to promote the systematic and critical study of political cultures, processes, and institutions, and the ways that they inform and shape the political debates, governmental structures, public policies, and legal systems that characterize our world. Our programs are designed to develop skills in critical thinking, analysis, writing, and civic engagement through rigorous coursework and experiential learning opportunities, such as internships, community-based learning, and travel study. Beyond providing graduates with the skills necessary for meaningful careers both in and outside of the fields of politics, government, and law, we seek to prepare students for the demands of engaged citizenship in Wisconsin, the United States, and the world. We have a thriving internship program that provides students with a unique opportunity to blend theory with practice. Internship possibilities include work with a legislator, on the campaign staff of a candidate for public office, in a law office or a court, or in a governmental agency. While most students intern in Wisconsin, there is also a program based in Washington, D.C. through the Washington Center to provide students with opportunities to view the national political process in action. Students should also be aware of the intimate relationship between the political process and the world of business.
The Politics, Government, and Law department is home to three majors: Political Science, Legal Studies, and Public Policy and Administration. It should be noted that Legal Studies and Public Policy and Administration are interdisciplinary majors where students take courses in other colleges and departments as well as courses from our department. The Politics, Government, and Law department also offers minors in Political Science, Public Administration, and Legal Studies, as well as Paralegal and Lobbying Certificates.
Contact us
Edward Gimbel
Department Chair and Associate Professor
262-472-1532
Laurentide Hall 5130
Amy Lindenbaum
Department Assistant
262-472-1120
Laurentide Hall 5128
UW-Whitewater offers students a wide variety of scholarships, both through the university, individual colleges, and departments. The Department of Politics, Government, and Law has a number of scholarships and awards geared specifically toward our students, including:
- Dr. John Kozlowicz Scholarship
- Daniele D. DiPiazza Political Science Scholarship
- The Paul A. Miller Family Endowed Scholarship in Political Science
- Johnson-Richter Political Science Scholarship
- John C. Oh Political Science Scholarship
- Rollins Political Science and Public Service Scholarship
- Institute for Democracy and Civic Engagement
- Politics, Government, and Law Department Writing Award
More information about these and other scholarships is available through the scholarship portal.
The Department of Politics, Government, and Law supports a number of student clubs and organizations, including College Republicans, College Democrats, and Whitewater Student Government.
Politics, Government, and Law graduates are prepared to enter graduate and professional schools as well as a wide range of career options, including:
- Business
- State, local, and national government
- International employment
- Journalism
- Law
- Law enforcement and criminal justice
- Lobbying
- Teaching
- Paralegal certificate
International Studies
The interdisciplinary liberal arts curriculum strengthens written and oral skills and thereby prepares students for the widest variety of career opportunities. The primary career goal of the international studies major is to provide students interested in either international careers or graduate/ professional training in international affairs with the proper foundation. The globalization of the world economy and the dominance of multinational corporations make the program especially attractive. Students who major in international studies often go into:
- Law, especially international law and international business law
- The Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State
- International business
- Journalism in international politics or current affairs
- Foreign language instruction or translation
Paralegal
Career opportunities include attending law school, legal research activities in a law firm or working in a law-related field such as criminal justice or social work. Since it is quite common for many students to work a few years between obtaining their undergraduate degree and attending law school, the legal studies minor and the paralegal certificate provide employment entry into law firms for a variety of legal responsibilities such as legal research, legal writing, document and other preparation for court cases, and assisting the resolution of legal problems.
Public Policy
Depending on the concentration students choose, the public policy and administration major prepares them for careers in the administrative, legislative or judicial branches of local, state and national governments; business organizations, such as public utilities or defense contractors, which work closely with government; hospitals, charitable organizations and other non-profit organizations; and for law school or graduate school admission.
What is undergraduate research in political science?
Undergraduate research involves a non-classroom, in-depth research project, conducted by an undergraduate student, done with the supervision of a faculty mentor.
There are numerous opportunities within the department of political science to conduct undergraduate research. This provides an opportunity to work on an issue, question, country, or case in a great deal of detail. In addition, conducting undergraduate research allows a student to work more closely in a collaborative and mentoring context with a professor. It is an opportunity that provides skills that a student can use regardless of their future career or educational path.
On top of the academic and collaborative benefits that come from undergraduate research there are tangible benefits, as well. The university can provide grants that support the research, stipends to support students over the summer, and numerous opportunities to present the results of the research. The department provides willing mentors who can ably guide students in their undergraduate research experience. In addition, the department is working on developing a scholarship geared toward participants in undergraduate research.
What sorts of undergraduate research projects have political science students completed?
Lots! Here's a short list of some of the topics that have been covered:
- The Electoral College
- Interest groups in state politics
- Comparative State Budget Crises
- Women in the West Wing
- The Role of Ideology in Foreign Policy
- Media Coverage of Politicians
Where can I learn more about undergraduate research?
Start at UW-Whitewater's Undergraduate Research program homepage. Here, you will find a great deal of information on deadlines, grants, and other opportunities related to undergraduate research.
In addition, you also might have a look at the homepage of the National Conferences of Undergraduate Research (NCUR). NCUR holds an annual undergraduate research conference at which UWW students are well represented.
Finally, have a look at a list of the faculty on the political science website. Perhaps one of them shares a research interest with you. Or you might simply talk to a professor with whom you share a research interest. You might learn something, develop skills that you can use in the future, or decide that you, too, would like to be a political scientist!
Explore our academic programs
Advocacy and Lobbying
Certificate (Undergraduate)The Lobbying and Advocacy Certificate is designed for students who are interested in careers in a wide variety of fields, such as working with government and elected officials on policymaking and matters of public concern.
Legal Studies
Major/Emphasis, Minor, Online Bachelor'sDo you see law school in your future? Do you want a pre-law degree that will prepare you for the journey? With a degree in legal studies, students will delve into coursework on public law, business law, political Institutions, ethics, public policy, and research, and gain valuable information about our country's legal system, as well as international legal policies.
Middle Eastern Studies
MinorAnalyze and examine the environment of the peoples, cultures, societies, literature, and the history and conflicts of the Middle East, through a minor in Middle Eastern studies.
Paralegal
Certificate (Undergraduate)The Paralegal Certificate is designed for students who are interested in careers as paralegals or legal assistants and includes courses in case law, legal research and writing, and a legal internship.
Political Science
Major/Emphasis, Minor, Online Bachelor's, Online Graduate CertificateBe part of the next generation of citizens equipped with knowledge of the law, politics and current affairs in world events. Gain understanding of political ideas, ideologies, institutions, policies, and processes. A background in political science can lead to careers in government, law, public service, or business.
Public Administration
MinorLearn to help shape political agendas and drive positive change in multiple areas of life. If you’re interested in public service or careers in government or affiliated organizations, a minor in public administration might be the right step for you.
Public Policy and Administration
Major/EmphasisAnalyze community problems and influence lawmaking at the local, state and federal levels. Students in this major will gain a foundation in business, economics and political science, and be able to specialize in concentrations of: criminal justice and legal affairs, management and personnel, public policy and community development.
What does my contribution directly support?
Student research in public policy, government, and law
Simulations, debates, and Model UN experiences
Scholarships for students in political science and legal studies
Lectures by political analysts, judges, and activists
How much money can make an impact?
Donate now to support the Department of Politics, Government, and Law at UW-Whitewater
If you're interested in starting a scholarship or making a pledge, please contact the UW-Whitewater Foundation, Inc at 262-472-1105 or through email at foundation@uww.edu.