Degree Requirements
Review Degree Requirements
The Teaching Government major is a cooperative program with the College of Education, through which students earn certification to teach government, as well as a second field, usually History, since that combination offers the most employment possibilities, Economics or Sociology could also be your second field.
It is possible to obtain teacher license reciprocity if you plan to move outside of Idaho after graduation.
In this major, you will take courses in Political Science and History, in addition to spending time taking courses in the College of Education and engaging in fieldwork in Government and History. The fieldwork portion of your teaching program will take part over your last three semesters: Block 1: early field placement; Block 2: internship; Block 3: student teaching.
The successful graduate will be certified in the state of Idaho to teach American Government /Political Science for grades 6-12, and History (6-12) or Economics or Sociology. Learn more about the Secondary Education Program.
Suggested Plan of Study, with History as the second endorsement field
First Year
Fall Semester
Second Year
Fall Semester
Third Year
Fall Semester
Fourth Year
Fall Semester
Total Program Credits: 121-3 Credits
Praxis test MUST be passed prior to student teaching.
UF classes can be taken in a different order, this is just a guide.
First Year
Spring Semester
Second Year
Spring Semester
Third Year
Spring Semester
Fourth Year
Spring Semester
Student Teaching
During student teaching, you will gradually take over all responsibilities for classroom instruction. You will document some results of your teaching and your reflections about your teaching in a portfolio of work samples. These, and the recommendation of your cooperating teacher are often the center of your job application file.
Application Information
Requirements for Teacher Education Application
- Completing ED-CIFS 201 and ED-TECH 202
- Completing general requirements and within a few semesters of completing major content.
- Cumulative GPA, Major GPA, and Education GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Letter of Application
Applications are due the Third Friday in September. An interview will be required prior to admittance. More information can be found in the resource section of this page.
Requirements for Professional Year Application
- Completing ED-CIFS 301 and 302 as well as ED-ESP 350
- Cumulative GPA, Major GPA, and Education GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Passing scores on the PRAXIS II [Test #5931] for Political Science and second endorsement area
- Resume, background check, and fingerprints
Applications are due the First Friday in February. More information can be found in the resource section of this page.
Contact Information
Contact Dr. Stewart Gardner
stewartgardner@boisestate.edu