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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 


A Guide to Voting

Voter Registration Deadline: October 7, 2024
2024 General Election: November 5, 2024

Voter Registration/Absentee Ballot Applications on Campus
Political Science graduate students will be available to assist you from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

Sept. 9 - Student Union 2nd floor        Sept. 23 & 24 - Student Union 2nd floor           
Sept. 5 - Student Union Starbucks door Sept. 26 - Student Union 2nd floor 
Sept. 18 - Student Union 2nd floor  Sept. 30 - Oct. 2 - Student Union 2nd floor
Sept. 19 - Student Union Starbucks door Oct. 3 - Student Union Starbucks door
Sept. 20 - Student Union 2nd floor Oct. 4 - Student Union Starbucks door


Early Voting:

  • Oct. 8 - Early voting begins

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 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. 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  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

    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

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

    Dr. Karl 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, discusses the current angry political arena in the U.S. 

    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. David B. Cohen, professor of political science, co-authored this opinion editorial about the scenario of an Electoral College tie in upcoming elections. Cohen is also director of UA’s Applied Politics program and a fellow of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics.

    Dr. David B. Cohen, professor of political science, participated in a presidential debate preview panel. Cohen is also director of UA’s Applied Politics program and a fellow of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics.

    In this interview, 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 emerging threats of global terrorism and its impact on international security.

    Dr. David Cohen visits the Ray Horner Show

    As a guest on the Ray Horner Show, Dr. David B. Cohen, professor of political science, discusses Tuesday’s presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Cohen is also director of UA’s Applied Politics program and a fellow of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics.


    Class schedule

    Fall 2024 - Coming Soon

    • Undergraduate Classes
    • Graduate Classes

    Student organizations

    College Democrats

    Contact: Dr. David Cohen

    College Republicans

    Contact: Dr. Matt Akers

    IGNITE

    Contact: ignite@uakron.edu 

    National Security Club

    Contact: Dr. Karl Kaltenthaler

    Pre-Law Society

    Contacts: Dr. Phil Marcin; Dr. Jim McHugh

    Pi Sigma Alpha

    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 51³Ô¹ÏÍø
    Olin Hall 201 ()
    51³Ô¹ÏÍø, 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.