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Mission Statement:

The Department regards history and political science as forms of knowledge that are essential to a student’s liberal education, vocational development, and ability to function as a responsible citizen. Coursework in these disciplines serves to train reading, writing, critical thinking and research skills. It also provides the information required for careers in middle and secondary school teaching of social studies and in the world of business, for further education in the professions of history, political science, government service and law, and for thoughtful, critical participation in a democratic society.

Welcome to Bethany College's History-Political Science Department! We think our students are among the finest you'll find at any college or university in the nation. Academically, they are high achievers, but they also distinguish themselves in a wide variety of musical, artistic, and athletic endeavors. We are particularly proud of their record as campus leaders. Our majors have been officers in student government, sororities, fraternities, and their respective classes. They have been editors and staff members for the Bethany Messenger, the College's newspaper, and have served in positions of responsibility in residence halls.

Our faculty members are professionally trained in three areas: Joyce Pigge (DA, Lehigh) is Professor of Political Science and chair of the Department. She has taught at Bethany since 1970. Professor Bruce Kahler (PhD, Purdue) arrived on campus in 1988 and teaches the American history courses.