Political science is a dynamic and wide-ranging discipline that explores governmental institutions, political processes, and political philosophy throughout history and around the world. Political scientists specifically study the formation and execution of policy and law, elections and voting, the nature of communities, as well as the way individuals and nations work together to solve problems, resolve disputes, and live in peace. Political scientists also consider questions of justice, law, power, liberty, equality, war, authority, rights, leadership, collective action, social choice, responsibility, and much more.
Students majoring in political science have the opportunity to cultivate an array of broadly transferable skills in writing, research, public speaking, leadership, diplomacy, strategic decision-making, interpersonal communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and analysis. Political science, then, is a popular major for those interested in careers in law, politics, journalism, public administration, higher education, foreign service, government, and the nonprofit sector. Many political scientists are also found in business management, sales, marketing, publishing, engineering, research and development, healthcare, insurance, and more.
Heidelberg University’s program focuses on the interdisciplinary study of political reality, drawing especially on the social sciences and humanities. We also strongly encourage students to apply their classroom experience through internships in Washington, DC, in Ohio, or anywhere in the world.