The Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP) for History and Political Science grants undergraduate students the opportunity to earn both their Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Political Science and a Social Science Teaching Credential in four years of coursework. This program blends subject matter preparation and teaching preparation by offering coursework in both areas concurrently and in a connected manner during their undergraduate years. The History and Political Science ITEP is specifically designed for undergraduates who have already decided that they want to be middle or high school teachers (no later than spring semester of their second year). This program follows standards established by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. An application process is required; see the HPS Department for more information.

iTEP APPLICATIONOne class I encourage all prospective teachers to take is Teaching in a Multicultural setting and spending as much time in a classroom observing teachers in action. . . . The biggest take-away from studying to be a teacher at Vanguard University was having my own status quo challenged and becoming open-minded as I was shown the many facets and perspectives in history.” Cassidee Platner, 2016

Majors are encouraged to study abroad, and HPS majors with an interest in law or politics may choose to participate in a semester in Washington, D.C., though the American Studies Program. This program allows students to take classes in public policy or strategic communications while completing an internship experience on Capitol Hill. The classes and internship experience transfer over to the major requirements seamlessly, making it an exciting and practical way to complete the major requirements.

“The American Studies Program was an incredible experience that allowed me to put my book knowledge into practice. As a history/political science major, it was exciting to live in a place where some of my heroes once walked, worked, and transformed American history. Additionally, I was able to intern for a Representative in Congress, which gave me a front seat to how the legislature process functions. The classes offered, challenged me to not only be a better thinker and synthesizer of policy, but pushed me to be a better citizen and neighbor. Overall, the American Studies Program semester was a milestone in my academic career, which ultimately led me to return to D.C. for law school.”
Jillian Pascua, 2018ASP WEBSITE