MAP program gives students hands-on experience with the mechanisms of American politics

As Grace Edwards ’24 was getting ready to graduate from The University of Akron (UA) in spring 2024, she was unsure of her next steps. Edwards had been a political science major and a Drs. Gary B. and Pamela S. Williams Honors College Scholar. She completed a minor in history and a certificate in museums and archives, competed as a student-athlete on the Zips women’s track and field team, and founded the UA chapter of IGNITE, a nonpartisan group that empowers women in politics.

Law school was a possibility. So was joining a political campaign. She also considered a gap year to gain life experience.

Edwards decided on a different option that will help her stand out for whatever comes next. She opted to pursue a master’s degree in applied politics, known as the MAP program, through the University’s Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics and the Department of Political Science.

“I had plans, but I was tempted by the MAP program,” Edwards said. “I had previous relationships with professors who I knew were good, it’s affordable and there is a strong connection to the community. It made sense to take advantage of a great opportunity in my backyard.

”The program is one of four in the country and the only one at a university not located on the east coast, according to Bliss Institute Director J. Cherie Strachan, a professor of political science and MAP alumna.

Applied political science is a comprehensive study of American politics that focuses on tangible, practical skills gained through hands-on experiences. Students learn skills that are applicable to political and campaign communications, digital strategy, community organizing, government relations and lobbying, party or group leadership, policy analysis and political consulting, nonprofit management and fundraising.

“Our students are interested in public service careers that keep the mechanisms of democracy functioning,” Strachan said.

Bipartisanship is a hallmark of both the MAP program and the Institute. Strachan noted that the executive directors of both the Democratic and Republican party offices in Summit County are MAP graduates.

Edwards, who is a first-generation college graduate from Garrettsville, Ohio, decided on the MAP degree program because she
felt it best matched her political interests. While working on her Honors College project, Edwards researched the potential of higher education to build civic skills. She was also interested in reaching young people who do not go on to higher education and therefore miss out on opportunities to learn those skills.

As a graduate student, Edwards is now creating civic education programs that align with state standards for high school
students, with the goal of building more informed and involved communities.

Whatever path she chooses, Edwards knows her time as an undergraduate and in the MAP program have been incredibly influential

“The support and resources are the best,” she said. “I feel so fortunate that we have a strong political science department and the Bliss Institute, which is a gem on this campus.” 

By Jessica Whitehill