U.S. Government and Politics Certificate Overview
Become an expert in the nature, structure, history and philosophy of government in the United States with Ashland's Graduate Certificate in U.S. 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.
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.
Curriculum
For additional information about the U.S. Government and Politics Certificate curriculum, view the Academic Catalog.
Choose any 9 courses from the following:
| Course Number | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| POLSC 501 | The American Revolution | 2 |
| POLSC 502 | The American Founding | 2 |
| POLSC 503 | Sectionalism and Civil War | 2 |
| POLSC 505 | The Progressive Era | 2 |
| POLSC 506 | The Rise of Modern America, 1914-1945 | 2 |
| POLSC 510* | Great American Texts | 2 |
| POLSC 630* | American Statesmen | 2 |
| POLSC 631 | American Political Rhetoric | 2 |
| POLSC 632 | The American Presidency I, Washington to Lincoln | 2 |
| POLSC 633 | The American Presidency II, Johnson to the present | 2 |
| POLSC 644 | The Congress | 2 |
| POLSC 641 | The Supreme Court | 2 |
| POLSC 642 | Political Parties | 2 |
| POLSC 643* | Constitutional Rights and Powers | 2 |
| POLSC 660* | Topics in American History and Government | 2 |
* Specific subject matter covered in these courses varies, so each may be taken more than once with the permission of the chair. However, each must include significant attention to U.S. government in order to count toward this certificate.
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.
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.
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.
Getting Started with College Credit Plus
In higher education, hiring institutions determine the qualifications required for potential 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 hiring institution for their exact requirements. We strongly encourage you to contact the community college your school district has partnered with before you begin your studies.
Looking to earn a master’s degree to be qualified to teach College Credit Plus courses?
K-12 teachers who want to be qualified to teach college-level courses on a high school campus or as an adjunct instructor at a community college can choose either the M.A. in American History and Government or the M.A. with a Specialization in Teaching American History and Government. It’s a good idea to contact the hiring institution to determine exactly which Ashland courses will best prepare you to become an adjunct instructor.
Learn more about Ashland's Master of Arts in American History and Government and Master of Arts with a Specialization in Teaching American History and Government degree programs today.
Already have a master’s degree in education or another field?
If you already have a Master of Education or similar degree, you may be able to qualify as a College Credit Plus instructor by taking graduate courses in American history or government. Please contact the hiring institution to determine exactly which Ashland courses will best prepare you to become an adjunct instructor.
Enrolling on a non-degree basis is easy. View the schedule of upcoming courses. When you are ready to enroll, apply online for admission as a College Credit Plus/Dual-Enrollment student.
Planning Your College Credit Plus Curriculum
Your College Credit Plus program should be guided by the college-level subjects you plan to teach. The College Credit Plus pathway for an adjunct history instructor will be a little different from a government instructor. Our faculty advisors are available to work with you, your administration and your district's higher education partner to find the right courses for you.
To help you get started, we've created a list of suggested courses for future history instructors and those suggested for future government instructors. We strongly suggest choosing courses in consultation with the community college where you will work. Have questions about our courses or need sample syllabi? Feel free to contact us at mahg@ashland.edu or 419-289-5411.