Master of Arts in Career & Technical Education

The Master of Arts in Career & Technical Education (CTE) offered by the Department of Technology is 100% online. This degree program is a good choice for those with a bachelor's degree who are interested in or who work in Career Technical Education (CTE) (aka vocational education), two-year technical school faculty, CTE administrators, or trainers in industry.

This primarily includes those in the following categories:

  • Secondary School CTE Teachers
  • Community College Instructors of Technical Courses
  • Industrial Trainers
  • Career and Technical Education Directors

However, others may find the program useful, such as those who wish to eventually pursue a doctorate and teach at a university. Several optional tracks (see below) are available to students which can be further be customized to better fit personal objectives for the degree.

Career and Technical Education covers a variety of fields. The teachers who enroll in this degree program typically teach subjects in the "trade and industry" areas, including computer technology, auto technician, construction trades, drafting/CAD, graphic arts, welding, and many more.

The Master of Arts in Career & Technical Education is designed to meet the needs of current teachers who have already earned a bachelor's degree (in any area who wish to add a CTE area to a license.) Many school districts increase a teacher's salary when they earn a master's degree, or even after taking just a few classes.  In some states, a master's degree is required for professional teacher certification.  This master's does not provide initial teacher licensure, but some of the courses it contains may be used in pursuit of a teaching license.  You can take a single course in this degree program, or complete the entire degree.

Ball State University's Master of Arts in Career and Technical Education is NCATE accredited, and Ball State's graduate programs are regionally accredited. However, this degree does not offer initial teacher licensure, only additions to a current license. Those interested in licensure issues are directed to a state teacher licensing advisor.

In particular, Ball State's online MA in CTE offers the following benefits:

  • 100% online: No need to travel
  • Convenience: Allowing students to log in at times that fit their schedules
  • Flexibility: Choose among several optional tracks and electives
  • Personal Contact: With instructors and other professionals enrolled in the program
  • Economical: Lower cost than face-to-face
  • Achievable: Only 30 credit hours - a thesis is optional
  • Meaningful: Quality education from professors who are leaders in their fields; intellectually stimulating; applicable to your work
  • Respected: NCATE and HLC (NCA) accredited.

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