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.
Our faculty in the news media
Dr. David Cohen visits the Ray Horner Show
Ending Iran's Regime: Prospects & Challenges | The Cipher Brief
Yost's exit from governor's race still leaves potential wild cards
Dr. David Cohen visits the Ray Horner Show
Class schedule
Summer 2025
Fall 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
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.