Career and Technical Education (CTE) Major
Career Technical Education (CTE) provides students of all ages with the academic and technical skills, as well as the knowledge and training necessary to succeed in today’s workforce. CTE encompasses a variety of skill areas. Whether you are a recent high school graduate who wants to teach in a high school setting, or you have work experience in a specific area and wish to share your expertise with students at the secondary or post-secondary level, Pittsburg State University has an option for you.Key Components of the CTE Major:
- Apply Technical Knowledge and Skills: Master your field by completing the appropriate NOCTI test or certification.
- Safety and Laboratory Practices: Ensure safe and effective learning environments by organizing and managing safety and lab practices.
- Special Needs Instruction: Adapt teaching methods based on appropriate assessments to meet diverse learning requirements.
- Instructional Strategies and Delivery: Engage students with effective instructional strategies and delivery systems.
- Curriculum Development: Create relevant educational content by analyzing tasks for curriculum development.
- Instructional Materials: Develop, use, and evaluate materials that enhance learning and comprehension.
- Student Assessments: Design valid and reliable assessments to measure student performance accurately.
- Classroom and Laboratory Management: Maintain structured and conducive learning environments through proper management techniques.
- History and Future of CTE: Understand the evolution of career and technical education and factors influencing its future.
- Work-Based Education Program: Integrate practical experiences with classroom learning through well-managed work-based education programs.
- Program Evaluation: Assess and improve CTE programs based on their effectiveness.
- Technology Integration: Utilize modern tools to support and enhance instructional settings.
- Thinking Skills Competence: Foster a dynamic learning environment by developing creative thinking, decision making, problem solving, critical thinking, and reasoning skills.
Pittsburg State University’s CTE major prepares you for a rewarding career in education, whether you aim to teach in high school or share your expertise at the secondary or post-secondary level.
94%
94% of students who complete a CTE program are employed full-time within six months of graduation, showcasing the strong job placement rates associated with CTE majors.
80%
According to a survey by Advance CTE, 80% of students enrolled in CTE programs report high levels of satisfaction with their educational experience, citing hands-on learning and real-world application as key benefits.
Earning Potential
CTE graduates typically earn 10-20% more in their first job compared to non-CTE graduates, reflecting the value employers place on the practical skills and training gained through CTE programs.
Graduation Rates
Students involved in CTE programs have a graduation rate of 94%, significantly higher than the national average of 87%, indicating that CTE pathways help keep students engaged and on track to graduate.
Career and Technical Education Careers
Careers for Career and Technical Education (CTE) graduates
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Secondary School CTE Teacher: Teach technical subjects to high school students, develop lesson plans, and prepare students for certifications.
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Postsecondary CTE Instructor: Teach technical courses at community colleges or technical schools, create curriculum, and deliver hands-on training.
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Industry Trainer: Provide employee training on technical skills and industry practices within a company.
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Instructional Coordinator: Develop and implement educational programs and curricula, conduct teacher training, and assess program effectiveness.
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Work-Based Learning Coordinator: Facilitate internships, apprenticeships, and cooperative education programs, liaising with employers and monitoring student progress.
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Technical Writer: Create manuals, guides, and documentation for technical products and services.
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Career Counselor: Assist students and job seekers with career advice, assessments, and job search strategies.
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Education Administrator: Manage educational institutions or programs, oversee staff, develop budgets, and ensure policy compliance.
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Program Evaluator: Assess the effectiveness of educational programs, collect and analyze data, and recommend improvements.
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Curriculum Developer: Design instructional materials and curricula, research industry standards, and ensure alignment with educational goals.
Emphases available
Prepares students to teach technical skills and vocational subjects, blending instructional expertise with real-world industry knowledge.
This program prepares students to teach technology and engineering subjects in secondary and post-secondary education settings, providing them with knowledge and skills in areas such as design, construction, electronics, and manufacturing.
Additional information
Career & Technical Education - Technical Teacher Education Degree Map download
Catalog – see catalog for the School of Technology and Workforce Learning