Michael J. Morell Center for Intelligence and Security Studies
Michael J. Morell Center for Intelligence and Security Studies
The Morell Center for Intelligence and Security Studies was named to honor Akron alumnus Michael Morell. He had a 33-year career at the CIA in positions included Acting Director and Deputy Director. He has dedicated his career to safeguarding our nation and the Center embodies his unwavering commitment by forging where future guardians of national security are shaped.
What is the Morell Center?
We prepare the security professionals of tomorrow by bringing together security practitioners for internships, training, research, and education in the areas of intelligence, national security, and cybersecurity. Through hands-on experiential learning to a rotating pool of professional guest lecturers, the Morell Center is preparing students for the future.
Degrees and Pathways
Whether you are an undergraduate student looking to add a minor or a graduate student pursuing advanced education in the area of intelligence and security studies, the Morell Center, in conjunction with the Department of Political Science, has the degrees and minors to help you pursue your future.
BA 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.
Security Studies Minor
This minor will introduce students to the field of homeland and national security studies and will help prepare students for a career in intelligence, the military, homeland security, national security, international diplomacy, private intelligence, private security, and others.
MA 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.
Juris Doctor/Master of Political Science - Intelligence and National Security Studies
The national security sector needs practitioners who are both experts in the national security challenges the country faces and well-versed in the international, national, and state legal regimes that shape the field.
This joint degree combines the two degrees while allowing students to complete requirements with 12 fewer credits than taking the degrees separately. To pursue this degree program, students must be admitted to the School of Law and the Graduate School for the Department of Political Science.
What Our Students Say
In conjunction with the Department of Political Science, the Morell Center fosters the education of both undergraduate and graduate students. Two programs are offered at the undergraduate level and graduate level, as well as a minor for undergraduate students. From career readiness, to confidence in their own abilities, the Morell Center helps prepare students for careers in intelligence and national security.
As a grad student in the Michael J. Morell Center for Intelligence and Security Studies I've learned in great depth theories on terrorism, war, and comparative politics, as well as the methodologies to prepare intelligence products and journal entries to engage with those topics. With the skills and knowledge I've gained from Dr. Kaltenthaler's program, I hope to work within the intelligence community, a career I feel well prepared for.
Dr. Kaltenthaler’s National Security program at the University of Akron has given me a strong foundation in policy, risk analysis, and briefing preparation, while exploring international security and ongoing risks to the U.S. and other countries.
