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.

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

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.

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

AS-0924-1636 election night party digital.jpg

A Guide to Voting

2024 General Election: November 5, 2024

Early Voting:

Oct. 8 - Early voting begins
Summit County Poll Locator

Absentee Voting:

Oct. 8 - Absentee voting by mail begins
Oct. 29 - Absentee ballot applications must be received by your Board of Elections
Nov. 4 - Mailed absentee ballots must be postmarked by
Nov. 5 - Absentee ballots can be returned by hand to your Board of Elections until 7:30 p.m.

Who Represents You:

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.

Learn more

Our faculty in the news media

Election Views From Behind Bars in Ohio: Divided Just Like the Rest of U.S.

Dr. J. Cherie Strachan, professor of political science and director of the Ray. C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics, is quoted in this article about the Marshall Project. The Marshall Project is a survey taken to understand how incarcerated people are thinking about the two presidential election candidates.

Key to Kamala Harris' victory in Republican hands

In this article, Dr. David B. Cohen, professor of political science, comments about Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign blitz that was accompanied by Republican Liz Cheney. Cohen is also director of UA’s Applied Politics program and a fellow of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics.

Trump endorses Bernie Moreno in competitive three-way Ohio Senate primary race

Dr. David B. Cohen, professor of political science, comments on Donald Trump’s decision to endorse Bernie Moreno in the Ohio Senate primary race. Cohen is also director of UA’s Applied Politics program and a fellow of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics.

Dr. John Green visits the Ray Horner Show

As a guest on the Ray Horner Show, Dr. John Green, emeritus director of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics and distinguished professor emeritus of political science, discussed what the latest polls are saying about the upcoming presidential election.

Dr. Karl C. Kaltenthaler visits the Ray Horner Show

As a guest on The Ray Horner Show, Dr. Karl C. Kaltenthaler, director of the Michael J. Morell Center for Intelligence and Security Studies and professor in the Department of Political Science, discussed the assassination of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, and what that might mean for the future of Hamas and the Gaza Strip.

Dr. Dave Cohen on the Ray Horner Show

Dr. David B. Cohen, professor of political science, was a guest on the Ray Horner Show, talking about the role of the Electoral College. Cohen is also director of UA’s Applied Politics program and a fellow of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics.

Hurricane season gets thrown into bitter presidential campaign season

In this story, Dr. David B. Cohen, professor of political science, comments that, in order to dispel rumors, President Biden's administration must continue to "keep referring back to the state leadership and the governors that are saying that the federal government is being extremely responsive and giving them everything that they're asking for" relative to hurricane relief. Cohen is also director of UA’s Applied Politics program and a fellow of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics.

More News

Class schedule

Spring 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

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.