Program Overview
The Civics Teaching Certificate will provide pre-service teachers with complementary, civics teaching-focused coursework that will build on and enhance the Social Science Education B.S. curriculum. Individuals enrolled in the Civics Teaching certificate program will learn the substantive content, skills and pedagogical tools needed to deliver instruction explicitly linked to the 7th grade Civics End of Course Assessment (EOCA) in Florida. The Civics Teaching Certificate will also support and enhance high school U.S. government instruction. Reflecting the importance of service and experiential learning in civic education, enrollees will also take part in a summer internship that involves them in hands-on practice with local government.
Pre-service teachers enrolled in the Social Science Education B.S. major will complete four courses to develop expertise in civics content, pedagogy and assessment. This includes an internship with local government.
Required Courses
- POS 4700 Teaching American Politics and Government (3 hrs)
- POS 3272 Civic Engagement (3hrs)
- POS 4941 Political Science Internship (3 hrs)
- SSE 4323 Teaching Civics in Florida (3 hrs)
Application requirements:
Social Science B.S. major (pending or admitted), 3.0 overall GPA, junior or senior standing, C (2.0) or better in POS 2041 (or a 3 on the AP U.S. Government and Politics exam).
Admission by competitive application. Application includes a letter of intent and an unofficial transcript. The letter of intent should outline how the Civics Teaching Certificate will strengthen your professional preparation to teach civics in Florida. The application is available at here.
Please direct questions to Dr. Terri Susan Fine, Professor of Political Science and Civics Teaching Certificate coordinator at terri.fine@ucf.edu, 407-823-2081 or 407-823-3636, or to Dr. Steve Masyada at stephen.masyada@ucf.edu, 407-823-1146.
Apply Online