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@manufacturedconsensus.net

Pi Sigma Alpha: The National Political Science Honor Society

Congratulations to our students who were inducted into Pi Sigma Alpha!

Ayssa Bissell
Evan Lifke

For more information, visit the Pi Sigma Alpha website.

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

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@manufacturedconsensus.net

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@manufacturedconsensus.net

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@manufacturedconsensus.net

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@manufacturedconsensus.net

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@manufacturedconsensus.net

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@manufacturedconsensus.net

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@manufacturedconsensus.net

Our faculty in the news media

Brown and Moreno move into attach mode in consequential Senate race

Republican businessman Bernie Moreno will face off against incumbent Democrat Sen. Sherrod Brown in an election that could determine control of the U.S. Senate. Moreno has said he is counting on the support of Trump voters to coast through the general election. Dr. David B. Cohen, professor of political science, provides commentary on what Moreno will need to do in order to make that happen. Cohen is also director of UA’s Applied Politics program and a fellow of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics.

2024 U.S. Election Webinr Series: Preparing Students for the 2024 Elections Campus Engagement and Civic Education

Dr. J. Cherie Strachan, professor of political science and director, Ray. C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics, is scheduled to moderate the upcoming webinar “Preparing Students for the 2024 Election: Campus Engagement and Civic Education.”

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.

Former Democrat Dennis Kucinich running for Congress as an independent

Dr. David B. Cohen, professor of political science, discusses former democrat Dennis Kucinich’s decision to run for Congress as an independent. Cohen is also director of UA’s Applied Politics program and a fellow of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics.

Researchers say women remain underrepresented in political office at all levels

Dr. J. Cherie Strachan, professor of political science and director, Ray. C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics, was a guest on “The Sound of Ideas.” On the podcast, she discusses why women remain underrepresented in political office.

The Ray Horner Show interviews Dr. Karl C. Kaltenthaler

As a guest on the Ray Horner Show, Dr. Karl C. Kaltenthaler, director of the Center for Intelligence and Security Studies and professor in the Department of Political Science, discusses the deadly attack on a Moscow concert hall by the Russian branch of ISIS.

A clean sweep: How Bernie Moreno became Ohio's Republican U.S. Senate nominee

In continuing coverage, Dr. David B. Cohen, professor of political science, discusses Bernie Moreno’s clean sweep in Ohio’s Senate primary election. 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

Summer 2024

Undergraduate and Graduate Classes

Fall 2024

Student organizations

College Democrats
Information
Contact: Dr. David Cohen

College Republicans
Information
Contact: Dr. Matt Akers

IGNITE
Information
Contact: ignite@manufacturedconsensus.net

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@manufacturedconsensus.net

Undergraduate Advisor:
Dr. Phil Marcin
pjm@manufacturedconsensus.net

Graduate Advisors:

Security Studies
Dr. Karl Kaltenthaler
kck@manufacturedconsensus.net

Master of Applied Politics
Dr. David Cohen
dbcohen@manufacturedconsensus.net

Pre-Law
Dr. Phil Marcin
pjm@manufacturedconsensus.net

and

Dr. James McHugh
mchugh@manufacturedconsensus.net

Olin Hall houses the Department of Political Science, the Center for Intelligence and Security Studies and the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics.