James Madison College is launching a new major designed to prepare the next generation of social studies educators. Public Affairs in Secondary Education (PASE) combines JMC’s interdisciplinary approach to public and international affairs with the coursework and field experiences required for secondary teacher certification in Michigan.
The new major addresses recent changes to state and university requirements for teacher preparation, enabling students to complete both their bachelor’s degree and teaching certification in four years. PASE students will study public affairs through one of JMC’s four academic fields while completing education coursework and student teaching experiences through the College of Education and the College of Social Science.
“JMC has always prepared students to be thoughtful, engaged citizens who understand the complexities of public affairs,” said JMC Dean Cameron G. Thies. “Many of our graduates have brought that perspective into teaching, shaping how the next generation thinks about democracy, global issues and civic responsibility. This new major ensures we can continue preparing educators who bring that critical, interdisciplinary lens to their classrooms.”
The major includes JMC’s foundational public affairs courses, focused social sciences courses in geography and history, upper-level seminars to strengthen research and writing skills, comprehensive teacher education courses and student teaching placements in classroom settings.
Students select a concentration sequence in Comparative Cultures & Politics, International Relations, Political Theory & Constitutional Democracy or Social Relations & Policy, allowing them to develop expertise in areas that match their teaching interests.
“PASE has the unique distinction of providing a residential college experience to students interested in teaching,” said Emelia Hammond, JMC’s assistant director of student initiatives and the coordinator of this new program.
“We heard from alumni that their Madison education was exactly what made them effective teachers. PASE is designed to preserve that foundation while meeting the practical requirements for teacher certification. Students get the best of both worlds: a rigorous public affairs education and the training they need to bring those perspectives into their classrooms.”
JMC’s transition from a general teacher certification pathway to a dedicated major provides greater clarity for students interested in teaching careers. Previously, Madison students pursuing teacher certification completed one of JMC’s four traditional majors with programmatic substitutions. PASE consolidates those requirements into a single major designed specifically for future educators, ensuring students meet all certification standards while gaining the public affairs foundation that makes JMC graduates distinctive.
PASE is now open to enrollment for current JMC students and incoming first-year students. Students interested in PASE must declare their intention to complete the secondary teacher education certification program through the College of Education and maintain the academic requirements associated with the program.