B.A. in Political Science - National Security Track

This degree prepares students for national security occupations, such as the FBI, the intelligence community, or other national security careers.

The University of Akron B.A. in Political Science/Juris Doctorate (3+3)

In collaboration with the School of Law, this joint degree allows fourth-year undergraduate students to take courses in the Law School and receive both degrees in 6 years

M.A. in Political Science - Security Studies

This advanced degree program is designed for individuals in careers in national security, intelligence, diplomacy, or other security related areas.

Department of Political Science

Challenge yourself with a degree in political science

Welcome to the Political Science Department website! Here you will find information on the wide variety of courses and degrees we offer that will both challenge you and let you explore different topics in Political Science. Our diverse faculty conduct groundbreaking research in multiple fields and are national experts who are eager to work with all students. You will also find information on various career opportunities that will open to you upon graduation with a degree in Political Science. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us!

Nancy E. Marion, Ph.D., J.D.
Chair, Political Science
nmarion@uakron.edu

Why Study Political Science?

We believe that a degree in Political Science is one of the best tools for a student seeking a comprehensive liberal arts education. Critical thinking, argumentative writing, analysis, persuasion, and social research are some of the foundational skills our students will have after completing a Political Science major. Additionally, our students are well prepared to compete in a competitive, global market requiring ethical and practical problem solving skills.

Whether you want to pursue a BA in Political Science, a master’s in Political Science or a doctorate, you can hone practical political skills and knowledge at The University of Akron. Explore our seven Political Science degrees now.

B.A. in Political Science

This degree is the study of human behavior as it relates to governments, public policy and campaigns and elections.
Contact: Dr. Nancy Marion, nmarion@uakron.edu

B.A. in Political Science - Intelligence and National Security Studies

This degree prepares students for national security occupations, such as the FBI, the intelligence community, or other national security careers.
Contact: Dr. Karl Kaltenthaler, kck@uakron.edu

B.A. in Political Science/Juris Doctorate (3+3)

In collaboration with the School of Law, this joint degree allows fourth-year undergraduate students to take courses in the Law School and receive both degrees in 6 years.
Contact: Dr. Philip Marcin, pjm@uakron.edu

B.A. in Political Science, Philosophy and Economics (PPE)

This unique, interdisciplinary degree provides students with a broad social science background that introduces them to concepts and ideas of the individual areas and how they interrelate with one another.
Contact: Dr. Jim McHugh, mchugh@uakron.edu

M.A. in Political Science - Intelligence and National Security Studies

This advanced degree program is designed for individuals in careers in national security, intelligence, diplomacy, or other security related areas.
Contact: Dr. Karl Kaltenthaler, kck@uakron.edu

Master of Applied Politics (MAP)

In collaboration with the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics, the MAP is one of only a handful of graduate programs in the United States focusing on practical politics and experiential learning. The degree is designed for students interested in election campaigns, managing organizations, and other political activities.
Contact: Dr. David Cohen, dbcohen@uakron.edu

Juris Doctor/Master of Applied Politics

In collaboration with the School of Law and Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics, this joint degree allows students to receive both degrees with 18 fewer credits than if they took the program consecutively.
Contact: Dr. David Cohen, dbcohen@uakron.edu

Michael J. Morell Center for Intelligence and Security Studies

A resource to prepare the security professionals of tomorrow by bringing together students, faculty, and security practitioners for training, research, and education in the areas of national security, cybersecurity, community security and law enforcement, as well as intelligence analysis and operations.

Learn more

Our faculty in the news media

What the heck is going on? Hudson votes blue, Mogadore goes red and deep-blue Akron is fading

In this interview, Dr. J. Cherie Strachan, professor of political science and director of the Ray. C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics, discussed the recent presidential election results.

Susie Wiles, future Trump chief of staff | A key position for a shadow strategist

In this article, Dr. David B. Cohen, professor of political science, discusses President-elect Donald Trump’s past chiefs of staff. Cohen is also director of UA’s Applied Politics program and a fellow of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics.

Trump endorses Bernie Moreno in competitive three-way Ohio Senate primary race

Dr. David B. Cohen, professor of political science, comments on Donald Trump’s decision to endorse Bernie Moreno in the Ohio Senate primary race. Cohen is also director of UA’s Applied Politics program and a fellow of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics.

Looking at the sunny side: How Akron Optimists approach results of contentious 2024 presidential election

Dr. J. Cherie Strachan, professor of political science and director of the Ray. C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics, speaks with members of the Akron Optimist Club about the challenges of political pooling and the outcome of the recent election.

Do Democrats Have a Working Class Problem?

In this article, Dr. David B. Cohen, professor of political science, discusses voter perception of the current economy. Cohen is also director of UA’s Applied Politics program and a fellow of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics.

Explaining the choices made by Akron-area voters, from the U.S. Congress to the APS school levy

In this interview, Dr. J. Cherie Strachan, professor of political science and director of the Ray. C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics, discussed what voters’ choices meant locally and statewide

'I See a Lot of Red': Takeaways from Ohio's 2024 Election

In this article, Dr. David B. Cohen, professor of political science, discusses President-elect Donald Trump’s victory and Sen. Sherrod Brown’s loss of the Senate seat in Ohio. Cohen is also director of UA’s Applied Politics program and a fellow of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics.

More News

Class schedule

Spring 2025

Student organizations

College Democrats
Information
Contact: Dr. David Cohen

College Republicans
Information
Contact: Dr. Matt Akers

IGNITE
Information
Contact: ignite@uakron.edu

National Security Club
Information
Contact: Dr. Karl Kaltenthaler

Pre-Law Society
Information
Contacts: Dr. Phil Marcin; Dr. Jim McHugh

Pi Sigma Alpha
Information
Contact: Dr. Nancy Marion

Speaker's Bureau

Our faculty experts are available to come to your high school or community organization to discuss current events and other relevant topics.

Professor Kimberly Hufgard
Fingerprinting, Human Trafficking, Store Security, Careers in the Criminal Justice Field

Dr. Karl Kaltenthaler
National Security, Intelligence, Counterterrorism, Related Careers in Security and Intelligency

Dr. David Cohen
Campaigns, Congress, Presidency, White House, Careers in Politics

Dr. Ron Gelleny
Human Rights, Comparative Politics, Related Careers

Dr. James McHugh
Comparative Constitutions, Polarization of American Society

Dr. Phil Marcin
Supreme Court, Organization of the Courts, Supreme Court Decisions, Careers in the Legal Field

Contact Us

Department of Political Science
The University of Akron
Olin Hall 201 (see campus map)
Akron, OH 44325-1904

Office: 330-972-7406
Fax: 330-972-8841

marion

Department Chair:
Dr. Nancy Marion
nmarion@uakron.edu

Undergraduate Advisor:
Dr. Phil Marcin
pjm@uakron.edu

Graduate Advisors:

Security Studies
Dr. Karl Kaltenthaler
kck@uakron.edu

Master of Applied Politics
Dr. David Cohen
dbcohen@uakron.edu

Pre-Law
Dr. Phil Marcin
pjm@uakron.edu

and

Dr. James McHugh
mchugh@uakron.edu

Olin Hall houses the Department of Political Science, the Center for Intelligence and Security Studies and the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics.