Bachelor of Arts in Political Science - Intelligence and National Security Studies

This Political Science degree track will prepare students for the study and practice of intelligence and national security. Thus, the degree track will help educate students for a career in the Intelligence Community, the military, private intelligence (both international and domestic), international diplomacy, national security contractors, law enforcement, business, as well as other career options. You know that global and domestic threats to the United States can take many forms and vary in their impact. Critical thinking skills, advanced problem-solving techniques and the ability to anticipate and plan for all hazards are crucial to your success. The University of Akron program is designed to help you meet such challenges head-on. Our program offers a unique blend of academic training and practical application, equipping you with the skills to tackle complex real-world challenges. Students learn the fundamentals of the intelligence process (collection, analysis, and communication) and the social scientific skills necessary to ensure rigor and validity in the production of knowledge. Learn to be both scholar and practitioner; we believe the best practical decision-making requires keen scholarly analysis. his track focuses on the fundamentals of intelligence and national security from both a theoretical and practical perspective. It is designed to be helpful to those students who wish to pursue careers in national security and the intelligence community. The required courses in the track constitute a coherent sequence that will give students a familiarity with the functions of the intelligence community and the practice of intelligence collection and analysis. 

Career Path 

Graduate career path includes Intelligence Analyst, National Security Policy Analyst, Homeland Security Officer, Counterterrorism Specialist, Cybersecurity Intelligence Analyst, Defense Policy Researcher,Border Security Intelligence Officer, Diplomatic Security Specialist, Foreign Service Officer, Military Intelligence Officer (Army, Navy, Air Force), Strategic Intelligence Analyst (Long-term Threats), Tactical Intelligence Analyst (Operational Support), Risk & Threat Assessment Specialist (Government/Private Sector), Political Risk Analyst (Corporate/Finance Sector), Immigration & Customs Enforcement Analyst, Civil Defense & Disaster Preparedness Officer, Security Operations Manager, International Security Consultant.