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

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

Pi Sigma Alpha: The National Political Science Honor Society

Congratulations to our students who were inducted into Pi Sigma Alpha!

Ayssa Bissell
Evan Lifke

For more information, visit the Pi Sigma Alpha website.

The 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.

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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 - National Security Track

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 - 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

Our faculty in the news media

Big Ohio redistricting changes before 2024? Don't count on it, experts say

According to Dr. David B. Cohen, professor of political science at The University of Akron, the way to eliminate the partisanship of the Ohio Redistricting Commission is by putting map drawing in the hands of less biased individuals such as academics and true experts. Cohen is director of the Applied Politics program and a fellow with the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics.

Dr. David B. Cohen discusses Biden documents with Ray Horner

Dr. David B. Cohen, professor of political science at The University of Akron, was a guest on the Ray Horner Morning Show, discussing the Biden documents. Cohen is also director of the Applied Politics program and a fellow with the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics.

Sherrod Brown's Senate reelection bid a test of Ohio's swing state status

Discussing the upcoming U.S. Senate race in Ohio, Dr. David B. Cohen, a political science professor and director of The University of Akron’s Applied Politics program, said this election cycle will be very competitive. Cohen is also a fellow with the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics.

Analysis: How Democrats put the brakes on the culture wars in the Ohio House

Dr. David B. Cohen, professor of political science at The University of Akron, commented in this article on a deal cut by Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo to elect a speaker for the 135th Ohio General Assembly. Cohen is also director of the Applied Politics program and a fellow with the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics.

Stark County congressional members expected to collaborate

Dr. J. Cherie Strachan, political science professor and director of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics at The University of Akron, commented on Stark County’s two new members of Congress. She noted that despite being on the opposite sides of the political divide, each will find it in their interest to work together to advocate for Stark County in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Politics in 2023: Dr. Cherie Strachan shares predictions

Dr. J. Cherie Strachan, political science professor and director of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics at The University of Akron, shared her predictions for 2023’s political picture on the Ray Horner Morning Show.

2023 Predictions: Internal politics in Iran

Dr. Karl Kaltenthaler, director of the Center for Intelligence and Security Studies and professor of political science at UA, was interviewed by Jeanne Destro of WAKR. The interview focused on Kaltenthaler’s predictions for the coming year regarding internal politics in Iran and how that may affect U.S.-Iranian relations.

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Schedule of Classes

Spring 2023

Join a Student Organization

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

College Democrats
Information
Contact: Dr. David Cohen

College Republicans
Information
Contact: Dr. Matt Akers

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.