We will help you understand the world while preparing you to change it.

Department of History & Political Science

The Department of History and Political Science gives students a solid grounding in the academic study of history, politics, law, cultures, and global relations. The department is committed to promoting student understanding of the richness and diversity of human experience across time and across the globe. We emphasize the development of critical thinking, writing, and communication skills to prepare students for a wide variety of careers, graduate and law school, and lifelong learning.​

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Student, Faculty, & Alumni Spotlights

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

“My study abroad program, facilitated by the Spanish department, was absolutely life-changing. I’ve always had a strong desire to travel and work with international people and it was very valuable to work in Costa Rica.”

Olivia Culp ’24

Political Science and Spanish & Latin American Studies Double Major

Learn more about Olivia’s story >

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

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“I have always been fascinated by history, but I also profoundly appreciate learning and teaching. Becoming a social studies teacher was almost a no-brainer once I realized I could make a more significant impact on society by teaching instead of pursuing politics.”

Jade Smith ’23

History
As a first-generation student, Jade says she feels supported at Otterbein with the kind of feedback and skills that will help her accomplish her goals.

Learn more about Jade’s story >

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Paige’s research paper on U.S. government-led forced sterilization in Puerto Rico was selected for presentation at the 2021 Latin American and Latinx Studies Symposium and for publication by The Johns Hopkins Journal of Latin American Studies.

Paige Skaff ’22

Sociology and Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies with minors in Political Science and Race & Ethnic Studies

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Our students have opportunities for immersive overseas learning, including longer-term study abroad. We also offer short-term travel experiences – you can travel with us to Vietnam, Cambodia, Japan, and more as part of our travel courses or for independent research.​

History students who would like to teach middle school and high school may apply to the Education Department’s Integrated Social Studies Program. This program allows you to earn teaching licensure in four years along with your History BA.​

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Adolescent To Young Adult

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

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“The faculty really helped me become a better historian and someone who was capable of going to graduate school and pursuing graduate studies. They helped me along every step of the way and prepared me for the next step in my path.”

Raven Manygoats ’19

Raven graduated from Otterbein with a B.A. in History. She is currently a doctoral History student at Rutgers University, Raven says interviewing Winona LaDuke during a campus visit was an academic highlight.

Learn more about Raven’s story >

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

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“Choosing Otterbein was the best decision I ever made. The best part of Otterbein is the community. I met so many people who were endlessly supportive in my four years. The faculty and staff were always there to push me to be the best student and person I could be. It’s because of their care and support that I was able to graduate with a double major and a minor. I will be forever grateful for the experiences I had and the people that I met at Otterbein.”

Casey Rife ’20

Casey graduated from Otterbein with a B.A. in Global Studies and a B.S. in Environmental Science with a minor in Sustainability Studies. After earning a Master of Public Administration from OSU, she is now Deputy Communications Director for the Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus.

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“Students love the global focus at the heart of our department’s​ academic programs. Our two discipline-specific majors, History and ​Political Science, along with our interdisciplinary programs in Global Studies, Spanish and Latin American Studies, and Legal Studies, let you follow an academic path that’s just right for you.”

Dr. Deborah Solomon

Associate Professor & Chair, History & Political Science Department

Our expansive curriculum and immersive classes promote full engagement, inside the classroom and beyond. You can conduct historical research; add a teaching licensure to your History BA; strengthen your Spanish proficiency through our partnership with Modern Languages; study abroad; intern with political campaigns, with local non-profit organizations or in the Statehouse; prepare for graduate studies or law school—the choice is yours.​

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

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Rather than being separate and isolated from the ‘real world,’ the classroom is a place to problematize and explore solutions that can lead to a more just world.

Dr. Nicholas Robinson

Assistant Professor of Political Science

Learn more about Dr. Robinson >

Department Features & Student Opportunities

History And Political Science Minor

Scholarships and Student Awards

Generous alumni contributions fund departmental scholarships and awards that support classroom learning, student research, extracurricular activities, and off-campus learning opportunities.

Tiffany Leung Internship Ohio Department Of Public Safety

Internships

Our students complete internships at historical societies, museums, archives, political campaigns, non-profit organizations, the Statehouse, law offices, and more. Pre-license students teach in local schools.

Aegis

Publishing Opportunities

Students in our department can cultivate intellectual life in the humanities on the editorial staff of our journal, Aegis. Shape rich conversations about art, culture, history, and justice for a 21st-century public.

Photograph of Towers Hall at Otterbein University.

National Media Recognize Otterbein University for Programs and Values


News - September 18, 2023
Otterbein University has been collecting honors this fall, as it is recognized in national publications for its programs and values, including U.S. News & World Report, Colleges of Distinction, and Washington Monthly. US News & World Report Otterbein University has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report for its academic excellence, commitment to undergraduate teaching, and focus on affordability, student success outcomes, and experiential learning. In the 2024 Best Colleges rankings by U.S. News & World Report, Otterbein has…

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Otterbein Marching Band

Fast Track Innovation Fund Lets Community Shape Otterbein’s Growth


News - July 31, 2023
Otterbein University is using an innovative approach to grow enrollment and revenue by “crowd sourcing” ideas from its own community and investing in the best ideas with $1 million approved by the Board of Trustees. Under the Fast Track Innovation Fund initiative, seven projects proposed by Otterbein faculty and staff in May have been funded and are already being implemented on campus. “This investment in Otterbein’s future demonstrates our trustees’ commitment to allowing every member of our community to be heard…

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Students become Blacksmiths

Students Become Blacksmiths for Labor and Working-Class History Course


News - March 2, 2023
While students can learn a lot about history by reading about it, they can also learn a great deal by experiencing it. That’s why Associate Professor of History Anthony DeStefanis is always thinking of creative ways to put his students in the shoes of figures from the past.  Recently, DeStefanis took his HIST 4400: Riots, Reds, & Riffraff: The History of the Working Class in America class to The Point at Otterbein to learn about what the production of goods…

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Programs of Study in History & Political Science

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B.A.

Global Studies

Detroit Institute

B.A.

History

Political Science

B.A.

Political Science

History And Political Science Minor

Minor

History

Legal Studies Minor

Minor

Legal Studies/Pre-Law

Debate Watch Party At Otterbein

Minor

Political Science

Our Institutional Partners

Aha
The Ohio History Connection
Apsa
Phi Alpha Theta
Pi Sigma Alpha

Contact Us

Department of History & Political Science
Towers Hall 209
1 South Grove St
Westerville, OH 43081

Administrative Assistant

Patti Welch
614-823-1361
pwelch@otterbein.edu

History and Political Science faculty work closely with faculty in Modern Languages to give students interdisciplinary academic and experiential opportunities in addition to our wide range of majors and minors, including internships, travel courses, study abroad opportunities, and more.