La Follette School of Public Affairs

The Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison offers several academic avenues for students seeking to earn a professional Master of Public Affairs or Master of International Public Affairs degree, including dual- and double-degree options.

The Master of Public Affairs (MPA) Program provides education in public management and policy analysis that prepares students for careers in public policy and administration within the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

The Master of International Public Affairs (MIPA) Program provides education in public policy and global governance that prepares students from the United States and around the world to work in government, in businesses engaged with the global economy, for non-governmental organizations, or with consulting firms analyzing international policies.

Some students earn additional credentials while they work toward their public affairs degrees. The following combined degree and certificate programs are available:

·      Law (Juris Doctorate)

·     Master of Public Health

·     Master of Science in Urban and Regional Planning

·      Doctorate in Neuroscience

·      Energy Analysis and Policy Certificate through the Nelson Institute in Environmental Studies

·      Business, Environment, & Social Responsibility; Entrepreneurship; or Strategic Innovation Certificates offered through the Wisconsin School of Business

Students are selected on the basis of their admission requirements which include academic records, letters of recommendation, work experience, and evidence of commitment to a public affairs career. Applicants whose native language is not English must present the equivalent of 92 or greater on the computer-based TOEFL test, an IELTS score of 7 or greater, or a MELAB score of 82 or greater to be considered for admission.

The school admits about 50 total students per year to the MPA Program and the MIPA Programs. The small class size enables the faculty to know, advise, and mentor students.

The award-winning La Follette School faculty includes economists, political scientists, sociologists, and public affairs scholars who teach the skills and tools needed for a career in public affairs. They are experts in social policy, health policy and management, public administration, public policy analysis, environmental policy, poverty, and tax policy and government finance.

Beyond campus, the city of Madison, as the state capital, provides a wealth of opportunities for La Follette School students to participate in outreach and acquire practical experience as professional project assistants or interns with public and private entities. Students benefit from the strong relationships that La Follette School faculty have with various organizations, in keeping with the Wisconsin Idea of public service.