2020-2021 Catalog (Current)

Political Science Education

Degree Type: Bachelor of Science
College(s): College of Arts and Sciences
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Program Requirements

Political Science Education, BS Program Checksheet

Includes:

  • Major Courses and General Education Courses
  • Admission and Transfer Requirements
  • Graduation Requirements

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.

Career Opportunities

The Political Science education program prepares students to teach in middle or 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.

Teacher Certification Requirements

As required by the State of Michigan to receive teacher certification, all teacher candidates must: (1) meet the MDE (CAEP) cohort requirements, (2) pass the pedagogy tests in their subject area majors, and (3) have a 2.75 minimum GPA to receive teacher certification in Michigan. These state requirements are in addition to the FSU graduation requirements of your individual program.

More Information

School of Education
Bishop Hall Room 421
Ferris State University
1349 Cramer Circle
Big Rapids, MI 49307-2737
Telephone: (231) 591-5361

Required Courses
Credit Hours

Directed Electives (pre or cor-requisites)

ECON 221
Principles of Macroeconomics
3
HIST 121
US History to 1877
3
HIST 122
US History - 1877 to Present
3
GEOG 100
Geography of World Regions
3
GEOG 201
Geography of US and Canada
3
Array

Political 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
SSCI 425
3

Professional Education Sequence

Level 1
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
Note: Prior to admission to Teacher Education Program and Level II courses, students must pass all sections of the Professional Readiness Exam, 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.
Level II
EDUC 303
School and Work and Society
3
EDUC 338
Secondary General Methods I
4
EDUC 415
Teaching Special Needs
3
EDUC 438
Secondary General Methods II
5
EDUC 443
Tchg Reading-Secondary Areas
3
Note: Prior to student 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, pass all requiered MTTC Exams, and meet all other program requirements.
Level III
EDUC 499
Student Teaching
12
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.