Ashland University

What you'll study

The curriculum requires selection of any nine courses from a defined list; each course is worth two credit hours. Available course titles include:

• POLSC 501 The American Revolution
• POLSC 502 The American Founding
• POLSC 503 Sectionalism and Civil War
• POLSC 505 The Progressive Era
• POLSC 506 The Rise of Modern America, 1914–1945
• POLSC 510 Great American Texts*
• POLSC 630 American Statesmen*
• POLSC 631 American Political Rhetoric
• POLSC 632 The American Presidency I, Washington to Lincoln
• POLSC 633 The American Presidency II, Johnson to the present
• POLSC 644 The Congress
• POLSC 641 The Supreme Court
• POLSC 642 Political Parties
• POLSC 643 Constitutional Rights and Powers*
• POLSC 660 Topics in American History and Government*

Courses marked with an asterisk have variable subject matter and may be repeated with chair permission if each instance includes substantial U.S. government content. Although scheduled intensively, each course is constructed to replicate a full semester-length class with readings and assignments.

Entry requirements

The program is open to anyone holding a bachelor's degree or higher. It is especially designed for secondary school teachers who already have a graduate degree in another field and wish to qualify to teach postsecondary political science or College Credit Plus courses. Applicants should consult potential hiring institutions about specific qualification rules: many colleges expect a master's in the subject or a master's in another field plus 18 graduate hours in the discipline.

Career prospects

This certificate best suits:

• Secondary teachers with a master’s in another field seeking qualification to teach college-level U.S. government (e.g., College Credit Plus/dual-enrollment).
• Individuals aiming to serve as adjunct instructors at community colleges, subject to hiring institution requirements.
• Legislative, executive or other government staffers, and public policy professionals who want deeper knowledge of American government.
• Anyone with a personal or professional interest in U.S. government wishing to gain focused graduate coursework.

Scholarships & funding angle

The program page references published tuition rates; specific scholarships or funding are not listed on the certificate page. Prospective students should review Ashland University's tuition rates and contact the program office or an academic advisor for guidance on financial aid, employer reimbursement, and whether existing graduate credits or degree programs (such as Ashland's M.A. options) might affect funding or qualification for teaching roles.