College
College of Arts & Sciences
Degree
Certificate
Program Type
Graduate
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      Program Overview

      Become an expert in the nature, structure, history and philosophy of government in the United States with Ashland's Graduate Certificate in US Government and Politics. The program is designed for secondary school teachers, public policy professionals, legislative and executive staffers and others with a personal or professional interest in government in the United States.

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      Program Structure

      Each course in the program is offered for two semester credit hours. Courses are offered in two formats:

      • As residential weeklong summer courses during June and July at our Ashland, Ohio campus
      • As live online web conference courses offered on various schedules throughout the academic year

      The typical time to complete the certificate program is 12 to 15 months. 

      While offered on a unique intensive schedule, each course is designed to replicate a full semester-long class, including a selection of readings and assignments.  In order to ensure that students are not overwhelmed by the demands of such an intense schedule, you may only  take up to eight credit hours during any semester.

      You may take up to two concurrent fall or spring semester live online courses, and no more than four during any semester. Only one course may be taken at a time during summer semesters. You may not take a Weeklong Summer and a Live Online course concurrently.

      You should consult with your program advisor to discuss your course schedule. All certificate requirements must be completed within ten years from the date of the first course attempted.

       

      Closeup of student taking notes

      Course of Study

      Choose any 9 courses from the following:

      Course Number

      Course Title

      Hrs

      Prerequisites

      POLSC 501

      The American Revolution

      2

      None

      POLSC 502

      The American Founding

      2

      None

      POLSC 503

      Sectionalism and Civil War

      2

      None

      POLSC 505

      The Progressive Era

      2

      None

      POLSC 506

      The Rise of Modern America, 1914-1945

      2

      None

      POLSC 510*

      Great American Texts

      2

      None

      POLSC 630*

      American Statesmen

      2

      None

      POLSC 631

      American Political Rhetoric

      2

      None

      POLSC 632

      The American Presidency I, Washington to Lincoln

      2

      None

      POLSC 633

      The American Presidency II, Johnson to the present

      2

      None

      POLSC 644

      The Congress

      2

      None

      POLSC 641

      The Supreme Court

      2

      None

      POLSC 642

      Political Parties

      2

      None

      POLSC 643*

      Constitutional Rights and Powers

      2

      None

      POLSC 660*

      Topics in American History and Government

      2

      None

       

      * Course may be repeated as long as each instance is on a different topic.

      Improve your Teaching and your Professional Marketability

      With many states and school districts now offering College Credit Plus programs—college-level courses taught on high school campuses—teachers need courses that can prepare you for the challenge of college-level instruction. Whether your state calls it College Credit Plus, Dual Enrollment, Dual Credit, Postsecondary Education Option or by another name, Ashland’s Graduate Certificate in U.S. Government and Politics is suitable for secondary school teachers who already hold a graduate degree in another field, but want to become qualified to teach postsecondary political science courses. 

       

      Adult students in Superintendent Licensure class

      Who Should Apply?

      • Secondary school teachers with a master's degree in another field who seek to become qualified to teach postsecondary courses in U.S. government
      • Those with a master's degree in another field who seek to teach undergraduate courses on an adjunct basis
      • Legislative or other local, state or federal government staffers interested in improving their knowledge of the nature of government in the United States
      • Anyone with a personal or professional interest in American government
      Ashbrook Center Foreign Press Tour attendees talking

      A Note About Teaching at the Postsecondary Level

      In higher education, institutions determine the qualifications required for instructors. Typically this is a master’s degree in the subject area to be taught OR a master’s degree in any field plus 18 hours in the subject area. Consult the institution for their exact requirements. We strongly encourage you to contact your school district's higher education partner or a potential employer for guidance before you begin your studies.

      While the certificate program is open to anyone with a bachelor's degree or higher, it is unlikely that your bachelor's degree plus this certificate will qualify you to teach postsecondary courses. Our Master of Arts program in American History and Government, however, can prepare you for that opportunity.