Political Science at Heidelberg College

Degree Requirements

Faculty & Staff

International Programs

Learning Beyond The Classroom

 

Why be a political scientist?

The study of political science at Heidelberg College prepares students to participate fully in the life of their community, to share in making the decisions that will affect the well-being of people and to understand the ideas that are shaping our futures.

Courses in political science describe and explain government institutions and political actions. Political science at Heidelberg is an interdisciplinary program where students are encouraged to use the knowledge and skills of history, psychology, sociology and mathematics to explore public life in local communities, nation-states and world forums.

Learning opportunities

We emphasize a "hands-on" approach to learning: internships, visits with public officials, simulated legislative sessions, and guided research. We are a long-standing member institution of the Washington Semester program and encourage our students to consider a semester of course work and internships in Washington as well as study-abroad opportunities.

Our students regularly present their own research at local and national conferences. As interns, our students have worked as election campaign staffers, assistants to prosecutors and defense attorneys and environmental and human rights activists.

Our successful alumni

Many of our former students hold important positions in government and society. They administer government programs, they serve as officers in the armed forces, they advise elected officials, they represent the political interests of major industries, they hold judicial positions and they teach at the secondary and college level. They are judges, lawyers, public administrators, teachers, mayors, journalists, lobbyists, policy analysts, election consultants and informed citizens.

And, either as a result of adding a second major in business or communications or by utilizing the general skills of rational thought and careful decision making that they gained in their political science courses, our majors have gone on to many successful careers in business.

Requirements

A major in political science requires 30 semester hours of course work. Students can choose from a set of courses that emphasize common themes of political life and common skills of political analysis whether studying American or international political realities. We offer courses in North American, Latin American, Asian and African politics. We teach both qualitative (historical) and quantitative (using statistical analysis and game theory) research techniques. We attend national simulations of regional and international organizations and we explore issues of war and peace and human rights in two junior-level seminars.

Engaged faculty

The Political Science Department believes in the importance and value of active citizenship. Our faculty is engaged in the political life of their own communities.

Dr. John Bing has served for more than 20 years as president of Tiffin's Park and Recreation Board and has been recognized by the Ohio Park and Recreation Association as Citizen of the Year. He spent three years in East Africa in the 1960s and has visited China three times in the last 20 years, as well as Malaysia and Japan.

Professor Rita Barga , also the Heidelberg Pre-law advisor, is a former Tiffin City prosecutor, practiced law in Tiffin for more than 10 years and is involved in civic activities.

Dr. Marc O'Reilly's published writings on U.S. foreign policy are highly regarded. He regularly leads student groups for summer study in Europe as well as conducts seminars that involve travel and study in his native Canada.

Is Heidelberg right for me?

From its first graduating class of five students in 1854 to its current enrollment of more than 1,600 students in all programs, Heidelberg has always emphasized the individual student as a person of value and potential. Our mission statement makes clear what we seek for you:  

" ... a life of purpose with distinction."

If this sounds like your destination, the 'Berg can get you there.

Sometimes, smaller is better. Because our student-faculty ratio is about 13:1, you will receive more individualized attention in the classroom. It's not unusual for you to get to know your professors - and for them to get to know you - through your involvement in extracurricular activities they may advise. At Heidelberg, you'll discover a sense of family and of finding your place. Smaller is better, yes, but that doesn't limit your potential. We offer the academic education to serve as a strong foundation for achieving your dreams and a full palette of college experiences - men's and women's sports, theater, music ... a full and active life.

For more information

Dr. David Bush
Department of Political Science
Phone: (419) 448-2219
Email: dbush@heidelberg.edu