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Career and Technical Education

students in agricultural settings

**Available to students entering on or after fall 2022.**

Our Career and Technical Education Program prepares educators for high-skill in-demand careers in established and emerging industries. Learn how to teach secondary students problem-solving, project completion, research, communication, time management, and critical thinking skills as they are prepared for the future. 

Top 10
critical shortage areas in Virginia

Nearly 100% employment post-graduation

2

DEGREE OPTIONS

Nationally
Recognized, Award-Winning Faculty

Total Credit Hours: 120

Major + Option Requirements

General Education

Electives

Is it possible to double major? 

Yes, our students have the opportunity to double major in education and a related area successfully. Academic advisors are available to help you plan your course of study. 

What You'll Study

  • 120 credit hours for a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, including Virginia Tech’s Pathways, with a major in Career and Technical Education
  • Options in Business and Information Technology, Family and Consumer Sciences, and Marketing Education
  • All required coursework and practical experience prepare students for Licensure in Career and Technical Education – (Grades 6-12) in the Commonwealth of Virginia

Some of our courses include:

  • Youth Program Management
  • Managing CTE Programs
  • Educational Psychology for PK-12 Teachers
  • Educating Exceptional Learners
  • Secondary School Teaching Methods
  • Social Foundations of Education
  • Principles and Practices in PK-12 Assessment
  • Adolescent Literacy and Reading

Related Links

What Is a Degree in Career and Technical Education?

Career and technical education teachers provide instruction, support, management, and leadership to facilitate success for all students. Graduates of the career and technical education program earn a Virginia teaching license with an endorsement in Business and Information Technology Education, Family and Consumer Sciences Education, or Marketing Education.

Why Study Career and Technical Education Here?

Virginia Tech, established as a land-grant institution, has a long history of excellence in career and technical education. We promote interdisciplinary collaboration with programs across campus and faculty experts in educational psychology, pedagogy, research, educating exceptional learners, instructional design and technology, and literacy. The School of Education is renowned for preparing individuals to advance the goals of equity and social justice through education, applied research, advocacy, and research. 

Beyond the Classroom

Working with high school students and practicing teachers in a school environment gives you the practical experience that, together with the knowledge and skills gained on campus and participation in co-curricular activities, makes you ready for employment as a teacher right after graduation. Students intern in local school divisions for 300+ hours.

collaborate

Our faculty members are productive authors and award-winning teachers who are always eager to mentor students on research projects in their field of interest. If you have an undergraduate research project in mind that you’d like to pursue, just ask.

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collaborate

What Our Students Are Saying

Careers and Further Study

What do I do with a career and technical education major?

Our graduates pursue careers such as: 

  • High School Career and Technical Education Teacher
  • Extension Agent 
  • Education Consultant
  • Private Tutor
  • Online Educator
  • Academic Advisor
  • Teacher Educators