Career Opportunities in Political Science

What can I do with a major in Political Science?

Graduate/Professional School Opportunities

Many of our majors pursue graduate programs in political science, public administration or public policy at institutions such as Ohio University, the University of Connecticut, Kent State University, the University of Akron, the Monterey Institute of International Studies (Monterey, CA) and the University of Pittsburgh. Graduates also pursue law degrees at schools such as the University of Toledo, The Ohio State University, the University of Michigan and Pennsylvania State University.

Employment Opportunities

Our present graduates have entered public service in a variety of employments, as policy analysts, industry liaisons with government, congressional aides, judges, private consultants for government affairs, office holders, lawyers and administrators. Many other graduates teach, manage their own businesses, work in sales and management and perform a variety of specialties in the broadcasting industry. There are really no limits in today’s market for graduates who have learned to speak, write, think and act with competence and passion.

Alumna Profile

Jenny Coletta, ‘06

While at Heidelberg, Jenny was named the Outstanding Political Science Major for her freshman, junior and senior years; she was an Academic All-American as a four-year member of the women’s softball team; and she was the president of both Young Republicans and the Newman Club (a Catholic student organization). As a senior, she was also a Rhodes Scholar nominee. Jenny is in her final year of law school at the University of Toledo and has done summer work for a personal injury law firm. She shared the following about her experiences as a Political Science major at Heidelberg:

Heidelberg's political science program created many opportunities for networking and helped each of us develop important skills for any career. The professors emphasized the importance of learning to find information we needed to solve problems. Those skills also applied in law school and made the transition to graduate-level work much easier.
 
The political science students have the opportunity to learn from an outstanding team of faculty in the classroom. Even more importantly, Heidelberg's professors take time to meet with students individually to discuss current issues and make sure no one leaves the political science program without the writing skills necessary to have a successful career. Students leave Heidelberg with an understanding of different cultures and political climates. As well as completing a well-rounded education in the classroom, they have the chance to travel abroad and experience life in other countries firsthand. Political science majors benefit from their time at Heidelberg for more than just four years. The lessons they learn go beyond the classroom and extend into everyday life.

Heidelberg allowed me to get involved in a number of different activities that I wanted to continue after high school. Because of the small size of the campus, students can participate in athletics, as well as musical groups, religious organizations, leadership activities and internships. If I had attended a larger school, I would not have had the opportunity to participate in such a great variety of activities. I will never forget the community atmosphere of the campus and the friendships that resulted from my Heidelberg experience.