Political Science Education (POSC) - Ferris Course Catalog

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Political Science Education POSC

College(s): Education and Human Services

Required Courses		Credit Hours
Policital Science Major (33 credit hours)
PLSC 121	Amer Gov 1-People and Politics	3
PLSC 122	Amer Gov 2-Policy Making	3
PLSC 221	American Political Parties	3
PLSC 251	Public Administration	3
PLSC 311	American State-Local Govt	3
GEOG 311	Social Aspects of GIS	3
PLSC 323	International Organizations	3
or
PLSC 331	Comparative World Governments	3
PLSC 341	International Politics	3
PLSC 410	Politics and Media	3
PLSC 411	Urban-Regional Planning	3
PLSC 425		3
Professional Education Sequence
Level I
Note: Students seeking admission to teacher education candidacy must meet all university requirements for admission to the specific program they wish to enter.
EDUC 101	Intro to the Professn of Teach	1
EDUC 251	Life Span Human Growth - Devel	3
EDUC 289	Principles Teaching - Learning	3
Level II
Note: Prior to admission to Teacher Education Program and Level II courses, students must pass all sections of the Basic Skills Test, complete all Professional Education prerequisite courses with a minimum of 2.5 GPA, with no grade lower than a "c" (2.0), have a 2.5 cumulative GPA, and meet all other program requirements. Students may have no more than two repeats in Level I coursework.
EDUC 303	School and Work and Society	3
EDUC 415	Teaching Special Needs	3
EDUC 339		2
EDUC 430		4
EDUC 439		2
EDUC 443	Tchg Reading-Secondary Areas	3
LEVEL III
Note: Prior to studente teaching and professional seminar (Level III courses), students must obtain the appropriate GPA for their major/minor as established by each department, earn an overall GPA of 2.75 in the professional education courses, have a 2.5 cumulative GPA, and meet all other program requirements.
EDUC 491	Secondary Directed Teaching	6-12
EDUC 499	Student Teaching	2
Total		40
NOTE: STUDENTS MUST OBTAIN THE APPROPRIATE GPA FOR THEIR MAJOR/MINOR AS ESTABLISHED BY EACH DEPARTMENT. A 2.75 GPA IS REQUIRED IN THE PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION COURSE SEQUENCE. A 2.50 GPA IS ALSO REQUIRED BEFORE STUDENT TEACHING. ALL STUDENTS MUST HAVE 40 CREDITS AT THE 300/400 LEVEL.
NOTE: Though faculty advisors are responsible for advising students regarding degree requirements, it is the student who is ultimately responsible for choosing the correct courses and for following the correct program.

Why Choose Political Science Education?

The Political Science Education program prepares prospective teachers for the challenges of teaching students from a broad range of cultural backgrounds in such diverse educational settings as traditional high and middle schools, vocational-technical centers, alternative and magnet schools and tech-prep programs.

Current vocational studies predict growing opportunities for teachers at all levels, both to replace retiring teachers and to provide lower student-teacher ratios in classrooms.

High school graduates, whether they plan to attend college or not, need to be contributing members of society. Understanding their role in the political systems of the world is necessary in order to help them meet the demands of their future careers. The FSU program prepares prospective teachers with the knowledge and skills essential to provide effective Political Science instruction for students in Michigan and throughout the nation.

Professional Opportunities

The Political Science education program prepares students to teach in high school, as well as in vocational-technical centers, alternative and magnet schools, tech-prep programs and other non-traditional educational settings. With additional study, students may also teach in post-secondary schools. The program focuses on preparing prospective teachers for the challenges of teaching students from a broad range of educational and cultural backgrounds. Political Science teachers are in high demand and the employment outlook is excellent. A teaching minor is required. You cannot have a Political Science teaching minor with this teaching major.

Admission Requirements

High school students and transfer students with 29 credit hours or less must possess a high school grade point average of 2.25 (on a 4.0 scale) or an ACT composite score of 15. Transfer students with 30 credit hours or more must possess a 2.0 cumulative GPA. Students transferring into the program with completed majors or minors must have the appropriate GPA as established by each department. Consult individual program description for other admission requirements.

Teacher Certification Requirements

As required by the State of Michigan to receive teacher certification, all teacher candidates must: (1) pass the Michigan Basic Skills Test, (2) pass the pedagogy tests in their subject area majors and minors, and (3) have a 2.50 minimum GPA to receive teacher certification in Michigan. These state requirements are in addition to the FSU graduation requirements of your individual program.

Graduation Requirements

The Political Science education program leads to a Bachelor of Science degree through the School of Education, College of Education & Human Services. Graduates must complete all of FSU�s general education, Political Science, and education requirements. Professional education requirements include a semester of directed student teaching. Consult individual program description for other graduation requirements.

A 2.75 GPA must be obtained in all required courses of the Political Science teaching major, and a minimum of C in any individual course (or transfer equivalent) within the major.

More Information

College of Education & Human Services
Bishop Hall Room 421
Ferris State University
1349 Cramer Circle
Big Rapids, MI 49307-2737
Phone: 231-591-5361