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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 


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@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

Our faculty in the news media

Ohio's 2024 U.S. Senate showdown takes off

Dr. David B. Cohen, professor of political science, believes that Bernie Moreno will be at a slight disadvantage in the upcoming Senate election. Cohen is also director of UA’s Applied Politics program and a fellow of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics.

Former CIA Director Honored With Naming of UA's Center for Intelligence and Security Studies

At its March meeting, The University of Akron Board of Trustees approved the renaming of the University's Center for Intelligence and Security Studies to recognize UA alumnus Michael J. Morell, the distinguished former acting director of the CIA and a media commentator on U.S. intelligence and national security issues.

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.

How will Trump's grip on the GOP impact elections?

In this interview on WFMJ, Dr. David B. Cohen, professor of political science, discusses candidates in the upcoming 2024 election. Cohen is also director of UA’s Applied Politics program and a fellow of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics.

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

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.

Donald Trump - And Democrats - Should Be Pleased With Ohio's Senate Primary

Dr. David B. Cohen, professor of political science, comments in this article about Ohio’s primary Senate election. Cohen is also director of UA’s Applied Politics program and a fellow of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics.

Dr. David Cohen stops by the Ray Horner Show

As a guest on the Ray Horner Show, Dr. David B. Cohen, professor of political science, discusses the 2024 primary and general elections. 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


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.