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The major in Political Science provides the skills of political analysis and a disciplined education that equips students for a wide variety of careers. The program is designed to: (1) encourage analysis of political theories, institutions, and processes within the broader context of the social sciences; (2) develop a continuing and responsible interest in political participation and public affairs; (3) provide the opportunity to acquire a fundamental understanding of political science as a basis for citizenship, a career in government or the private sector, or graduate study in various fields. The curriculum exposes students to various topics within Political Science while also allowing reasonable specialization in a student's area of interest. This degree-specific program combines the rigorous requirements of the Political Science B.A. program with content-specific pedagogy to prepare students interested in teaching Social Studies at the secondary level. The Political Science B.A. with Social Studies Education major offers a degree in the discipline with multiple field experiences in diverse classroom settings and culminates in a full-time teaching internship. Upon graduation from the program, students are endorsed for Full Teacher Certification by the State of Florida’s Department of Education.

1. Students entering FIU as Freshmen or as a Transfer Student with less than 60 credits:

You are considered a freshman when you have earned less than 13 college credits since your high school graduation. Credits earned in Dual Enrollment, Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate programs do not affect your freshman status.

Students entering with fewer than 60 approved credits must meet the general FIU criteria. Click here for the details.

In addition, secondary education majors are limited access majors with specific requirements established by the State of Florida Department of Education. Students wishing to enroll in a teacher preparation program must maintain a 2.5 GPA. Additionally, students must take and pass all four sections of the General Knowledge Test (Mathematics, Reading Comprehension, English Language Skills, and Essay) within the first 60 credits. These requirements must be met before a student can be fully admitted into a teacher preparation program that results in endorsement for full teacher certification. Please see the Secondary Education Advisor for more details (305-348-2978).

2. Students transferring to FIU with 60 or more earned, approved credits:

Education majors resulting in endorsement for teacher certification have specific requirements for admission at the upper division level. In addition to the general FIU Transfer Admissions criteria for students with 60 credits or more, the following criteria must be met:

- Minimum 2.5 GPA (based on a 4.0 scale) in lower-division coursework

- Completed University Core Curriculum

- Completed major-specific lower division common pre-requisites

- Earned a passing score on all sections (Mathematics, Reading Comprehension, English Language Skills, and Essay) of the Florida Teacher Certification General Knowledge Test.

Related Occupations:

• Government and Public Administration
• Criminal Investigators and Special Agents
• Public Service

Wages & Employment Trends for Political Scientists :

Source and more information: http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/19-3094.00

Please see the Secondary Education Advisor for more details.
Alina Dominguez
domingal@fiu.edu
305-348-2978; MMC
Engineering & Computer Science Building
Room ECS 482