Academic Programs

Undergraduate Degrees

• B.A. in Political Science:  This 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

Graduate Degrees

• 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 

Minors 

• American Politics Minor
• Criminal Justice Minor
• Comparative Politics Minor
• International Politics Minor
• Pre-Law Minor
• Security Studies Minor

Certificates

• Graduate Certificate in Applied Politics
• Graduate Certificate in Applied Political Communication 
• Undergraduate Certificate in Applied Politics 
• Undergraduate Certificate in Applied Political Communication
• Certificate in Conflict Transformational & Social Entrepreneurship

Student Spotlight

Brianna Rummer
Internship with Policy Matters Ohio - Columbus

The opportunity of working with the staff at Policy Matters Ohio was one of my favorite experiences while at The University of Akron. I was introduced to many of the hardships that Ohioans face that I had never thought to explore. I worked with the different members on staff at Policy Matters Ohio to research policy issues such as the rising infant mortality rate, Social Impact Bonds, and the degrading water infrastructure throughout the state. Along with assisting staff with research, I was also given the opportunity to draft blogs on many of these topics.

Prior to this internship I had not heard of Policy Matters Ohio but now I continually see the research and work that they do and the impact it has on both state policy and the lawmakers themselves. I want to thank the staff at the Bliss Institute and the professors within the Political Science department that helped me find an internship that fit my interests and career goals.