American Politics and Government

American Politics and Government

Program Number: 908094CERT

Your Degree: Certificate

Estimated Time to Complete: 9 Credits | Finish in 1 semester

Delivery Method: 100% In Person, 100% Online, Some Online/Some In Person

Area of Study: Education and Social Sciences

Estimated Program Cost: $1,846.77

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Program Overview
The American Politics and Government Certificate (APGC) is available to all students seeking knowledge, skills, and abilities relating to American politics, government, and administration. Acquisition of this certificate confirms completion of foundational courses in American government institutions, political theory, and public policy. This certificate supports the College’s mission of promoting academic excellence, professional advancement, and initiatives relating to justice (i.e., equity and inclusion). Completion of the certificate prepares students for (a) post-secondary academic achievement, (b) technical / vocational success, and (c) public sector careers in local, state, and national government.
Transfer
All certificate courses transfer one-to-one to University of Wisconsin schools and other post-secondary institutions. Direct transferability varies according to major and college of choice. Check with your advisor and transfer school for verification of qualified courses. There are currently no Transfer Partnerships for this program. Review our Transfer Opportunities for information on all Madison College transfer options.
Program Details
Students earning the American Politics and Government Certificate can attend full or part time.
University Transfer classes may be offered at these Madison College campuses:
Madison - Truax
Madison - Goodman South Campus
For more information email Maurice Sheppard at mcsheppard@madisoncollege.edu.
Program Courses

Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester.
Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.
Complete the following:
10-809-122
Introduction to American Government
This course introduces American political processes and institutions, focusing on rights and responsibilities of citizens and the process of participatory democracy. Learners explore the following: the complexity of the separation of powers, checks, and balances; the role of the media, interest groups, political parties, and public opinion in the political process; and the role of state and national government in our federal system.
3 credits
20-809-222
State and Local Government
State and Local Government examines American state and local government institutions, politics, and policies. Students (a) summarize state and local government history, (b) analyze state and local government institutions, and (c) evaluate state and local government public policies. Students will complete exams and written assignments.
3 credits
Choose one of the following:
20-809-227
Political Theory
Political Theory examines foundational Western political thinkers and ideas. Students (a) summarize political theory history and thinkers, (b) analyze assumptions of human nature and social solidarity, and (c) evaluate theories of political authority and institutions. Students will complete exams and written assignments.
3 credits
20-809-242
Public Policy
Public Policy examines the purpose, history, and development of public policy in the United States. Students (a) summarize public policy significance and history, (b) analyze public policy institutions and processes, and (c) evaluate public policies using cost-benefit analysis methods. Students will complete exams and written assignments.
3 credits
20-809-218
Law and Society
Law and Society examines the relationship between the law and civil society in the United States. Students (a) summarize common law system and American history, (b) analyze formal legal and social institutions, and (c) evaluate the relationship between law and society. Students will complete exams and written assignments.
3 credits
20-809-223
International Relations
International Relations examines nation-states and non-governmental organizations interactions within the global political system. Students (a) summarize international political history, (b) analyze international political institutions, and (c) evaluate international political and economic issues. Students will complete exams and written assignments.
3 credits
20-809-245
Gender and Politics
Gender and Politics covers topics such as feminism, intersectionality, political participation and representation, and social movements. Students in this course will analyze, evaluate, and compare the effects of strategies to enhance gender equality, and women's political participation and representation, across state, national, and international institutions.
3 credits
How to Apply
Earning a certificate is a great way to expand your skill set and add professionalism to your resume. Applications are always open, so apply today!
International students who wish to apply for, maintain, or transfer their F-1 student visa status to Madison College are required to complete the International Admission Process.
There are no admission requirements for this certificate. Simply submit your application by the deadline for each term.
Application Dates
Fall 2026
Application open
Application completion deadline is November 15, 2026
Spring 2027
Application open
Application completion deadline is April 15, 2027
Fall 2027
Application available on October 15, 2026
Application completion deadline is August 31, 2027
Additional Notes
Certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid.
Individual courses may have prerequisites to enroll. Admission into a certificate does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses. See the Curriculum section for the list of courses for the certificate.
Questions?
Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your American Politics and Government career.
It's Free to Apply
Career Outcomes

Transfer Pathways
This certificate serves as a gateway to the University Transfer – Social Sciences Pre-major. Students should consult their Academic Advisor or Social Science pre-major Advisor for more information.
Critical Job Skills
Students completing this certificate gain knowledge of the public-sector knowledge, develop written communication skills, and improvement problem-solving abilities that employees seek and are critical to success in the modern American workplace. This certificate enhances a student’s probability of career success in the public sector or private sector.
Academic and Professional Development
This certificate contributes to student success in all of the University Transfer Pre-Majors and Interdisciplinary Global Studies. Pre-Majors of specific relevance include Social Science, Education, Arts and Humanities, Economics and Business, and Science, Math, and Technology. Students should consult their Academic Advisor or Program Coordinator for more information.
Earn Credits toward an Associate Degree
All American Politics and Government Certificate courses may be used as electives for a University Transfer Arts associate degree. Students should consult their Academic Advisor or Program Coordinator for more information.
Address six of the eight Madison College Core Abilities
Core abilities identified by Madison College are critical skills graduates gain during progression of their studies and use as lifelong learners at home, work, or in the community. American Politics and Government Certificate curriculum contributes to the following core abilities: communication, critical thinking, ethics, global and cultural perspectives, self-management, and social interaction.