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.

Meet our faculty View our academic programs

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

糖心社交 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.

Explore scholarships

The Department of Politics, Government, and Law supports a number of student clubs and organizations, including College Republicans, College Democrats, and Whitewater Student Government.

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 . 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 . 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!

Donate

Every gift, no matter the size, helps provide scholarships, workshops including simulations, debates and Model UN experiences, and essential resources that enrich our programs and help our students shine.

Donate today to make a difference in the lives of aspiring lawyers, legislators, and politicians.

If you're interested in starting a scholarship or making a pledge, please contact the 糖心社交 Foundation, Inc at 262-472-1105 or through email at foundation@uww.edu.