About
Career and Technical Education (CTE) is an area of public education that focuses on providing students with opportunities in high skill, high demand and high wage areas. Appalachian State University prepares individuals to teach students about these areas at the middle and high school level, at the postsecondary level, in industry and through cooperative extension agencies. Appalachian is the only institution in the state that prepares CTE teachers, and is widely recognized as providing top-quality teachers for the public schools.
Just as young people need to be taught how to read, write or calculate, they also need education in business, marketing and financial literacy, family and consumer sciences literacy and technological literacy. Appalachian prepares future teachers in these areas through five certification tracks within the Career and Technical Education (BS) program:
- Business, Finance and Information Technology Education
- Business, Marketing and Entrepreneurship Education
- Family and Consumer Sciences
- Technology, Engineering and Design Education
- Trade and Industrial Education
In the Career and Technical Education (BS) - Trade and Industrial Education degree, you will be able to focus your studies on a specific area of technical education such as drafting, cabinet-making, carpentry, electronics, printing graphics, metals manufacturing or even welding. You will also dive deeper into your studies through focused Second Academic Concentrations related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), graphic communications, sustainable design and technology or materials science.
Transfer students or students who have completed Community College courses related to a specific skill area should contact the program director to determine if these courses can count toward a program of study at Appalachian.
After Graduation
Employment: Our students are typically hired throughout North Carolina as well as in surrounding states such as South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee. Trade and Industrial Education (T&I) instructors are able to teach specific courses in grades 9-12 or at the local community college related to their skill set. Examples include drafting, carpentry, digital media and welding. A complete list of all T&I courses in North Carolina is located on the N.C. Department of Public Instruction’s website.
Graduate School: Qualifying students can participate in Appalachian’s Accelerated Master’s Program, sometimes referred to as a 4+1, by taking graduate coursework during that student’s senior year that can fulfill both undergraduate and graduate course requirements toward the completion of a Master of Science in Technology. This master’s degree offers concentrations in Appropriate Technology, Building Science and Sustainable Design and Construction.
Other complementary graduate programs include:
- Curriculum Specialist: Master of Arts (MA)
- Educational Media: Master of Arts (MA)
- School Administration (MSA)
Professional Licensure
This is a program that can lead to licensure or certification in North Carolina. Appalachian State University cannot confirm whether this program will meet the requirements for professional licensure in other states or territories.
If this applies to you, check the Professional Licensure webpage for information on licensure requirements and licensing agencies in other states. Or, you may address questions to State Authorization at App State at stateauthorization@appstate.edu or 828-262-7559.
People
Related Programs
Minors
No minor is required for this degree. Students can pursue a minor in Business and Information Technology Education.
Engagement Outside the Classroom
North Carolina Association for Career and Technical Education (NCACTE)
Appalachian Educators - open to all education majors; sponsors service events and provides professional development and leadership opportunities.
Student North Carolina Association of Educators - a pre-professional organization for college students interested in a career in education.
Chi Sigma Iota - the international honor society for students, professional counselors and counselor educators.
Kappa Delta Pi - the national honorary education fraternity.
Orchesis - the expressive arts honor society, which sponsors activities throughout the year.
ASU TECA (Technology Education Collegiate Association) - the student club for technology education majors. ASU TECA is affiliated with ITEA and TECA National. Members attend regional and national conferences, work with public school teachers and serve as judges and coordinators for the North Carolina Technology Student Association.
View all student organization contacts
Global Learning
Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society. Opportunities for education majors include international student teaching.
Admission Requirements
Admission to Appalachian’s Teacher Education Program is required.
Why Appalachian?
- The CTE program is delivered online and on campus.
- Graduates are hired quickly and often have multiple job offers.
- This program has a long-standing commitment to excellence in CTE teacher preparation and is well-respected at the local, state, national and international levels.
- Faculty and students are actively in involved professional and student organizations related to Career and Technical Education. Students have the opportunity to compete in regional, state and national TEECA, TSA and VEX competitions through the student organization ASU TECA.
- This is a small, personal program in which teacher candidates take courses and participate in field experiences together for four semesters. All students are known well by each other and by the CTE faculty.
Location
Careers
- High school teachers
- Community college instructors
- Adult educators in community agencies
- Private school teacher
- Educator in business or industry
- Career center instructors
Contacts
Department of Media, Career Studies and Leadership Development
Dr. Jerianne Taylor
Professor
taylorjs@appstate.edu
Program director