Master's Degree in Career and Technical Education

• BED 620 Improvement of Instruction with Technology (3 credits) (Typically Fall)
• BED 693 Philosophy, Organization, and Administration of CTE (3 credits) (Typically Summer 1)
• CTE 622 Instructional Materials and Strategies for Improvement of Instruction (3 credits) (Typically Fall)
• CTE 625 Problems and Issues (3 credits) (Typically Spring)
• CTE 692 Managing Work-Based Learning Programs (3 credits) (Typically Summer 1)

Required Research Methods

• BED 616 Research Methods (3 credits) (Typically Spring) 

Track option courses or 12 credits of directed electives with program director approval

Two recommended directed electives include:

• CTE 660 Organizational Safety and Health (3 credits) (Typically Summer 2)
• CTE 696 Coordinating Training Programs (3 credits) (Typically Summer 2)

COURSES

Complete the following two courses:

• CTE 660 Organizational Safety and Health (3 credits) (Typically Summer 2)
• CTE 696 Coordinating Training Programs (3 credits) (Typically Summer 2)

Your choice of two of these courses:

• EDAD 600 Introduction to Educational Leadership (3 credits) (Typically Fall, Spring, Summer 1, or Summer 2)
• EDAD 684 Educational Finance and Ethics (3 credits) (Typically Fall, Spring, Summer 1, or Summer 2)
• SPCE 637 Special Education Administration and Law (3 credits) (Typically Spring or Full Summer)

This track may interest those who aspire to become a post-secondary administrator at a community college, college, or university, or a non-licensed secondary administrator, such as a public-school department chairperson or dean of students. For teachers interested in becoming a licensed administrator, please consider the Director of Career and Technical Education licensure program instead of this Administrative Track. 

If you see yourself as a postsecondary administrator, you will oversee student services, academics, and faculty research at a university, college, community college, trade school, or technical school. Your responsibilities will depend on the area you wish to administer, which could include admissions, the registrar’s office, student affairs, academic units, or any number of areas.

Those interested in being a public school department chairperson will direct their respective departments. They are charged with implementing school policy and sharing the needs of the department faculty with administration. 

For those interested in serving as a dean of students, you will help resolve discipline problems, maintain disciplinary records, help develop and implement school policy, conduct disciplinary hearings, and supervise programs during and after the school day.

 Career Outlook

As the demand for workers with postsecondary degrees increases in our nation, more administrators will be needed to serve these students. Through 2022, the employment of postsecondary education administrators is projected to grow by 15 percent, faster than average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Through 2022, the employment outlook for public school administrators is expected to grow by 6 percent. 

Disclaimer: The name of this track does not show up on your transcript. Course availability is not guaranteed and is based on adequate enrollment and faculty availability. Some prerequisites may be required.

Courses

Complete the following two courses:

• CTE 660 Organizational Safety and Health (3 credits) (Typically Summer 2)
• CTE 696 Coordinating Training Programs (3 credits) (Typically Summer 2)

Your choice of two of these courses:

• EDAC 631 Adult and Community Education (3 credits) (Typically Fall or Spring)
• EDAC 634 The Adult as a Learner (3 credits) (Typically Fall, Spring, or Full Summer)
• EDAC 635 Strategies for Teaching Adults (3 credits) (Typically Fall, Spring, or Full Summer)

Select additional elective(s) with advisor approval.

If you have a teaching license and would like to become a CTE teacher, you will need documented occupational experience in the area you wish to teach. The number of documented occupational experience hours required will vary depending on the state. You may be able to add a CTE license through Ball State’s CTE teacher track within the master of arts in career and technical education. Please note that licensing requirements vary from state to state and are established by state licensing authorities.

Career and technical education teachers typically teach in occupational areas such as computers, graphics, radio and television, health occupations, cosmetology, machining, welding, police, fire and safety, vehicle service, and construction. Most CTE teachers enter the classrooms of public schools, including middle and high schools, as well as community colleges. Others teach in technical, trade, and business schools.

Career Outlook

To replace teachers who are retiring, the need for career and technical education teachers is expected to grow 9 percent through 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.

CTE Graduate Takes Career Planning to the Township

A 2016 graduate of the Ball State University’s master’s degree in career and technical education (CTE), Annette Johnson was elected trustee in November, 2018, after working in the classroom for nearly 20 years. Read her story.

Disclaimer: The name of this track does not show up on your transcript. Course availability is not guaranteed and is based on adequate enrollment and faculty availability. Some prerequisites may be required.

Courses

Complete the following two courses:

• CTE 660 Organizational Safety and Health (3 credits) (Typically Summer 2)
• CTE 696 Coordinating Training Programs (3 credits) (Typically Summer 2)

Your choice of two of these courses:

• EDAC 631 Adult and Community Education (3 credits) (Typically Fall or Spring)
• EDAC 634 The Adult as a Learner (3 credits) (Typically Fall, Spring, or Full Summer)
• EDAC 635 Strategies for Teaching Adults (3 credits) (Typically Fall, Spring, or Full Summer)
• EDAC 648 The Community Educator (3 credits) (Typically Fall or Full Summer)
• EDAC 655 Continuing Education for Professionals (3 credits) (Typically Spring)
• EDAC 681 Managing Community Education (3 credits) (Typically Fall)

On community college campuses, enrollments have surged in recent years. And according to Higher Education Employment Report, job openings at community colleges are seeing significant growth. Meanwhile, veteran educators are retiring. 

Through 2022, the employment of postsecondary teachers is projected to grow by 19 percent, faster than average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Instructors are particularly needed for occupational areas such as computers, graphics, radio and television, health occupations, cosmetology, machining, welding, police, fire and safety, vehicle service, and construction.

Teaching gives you the opportunity to share your expertise. At the community college level, you will divide your time between teaching students and performing administrative duties such as advising and serving on committees. 

Because a master’s degree is typically needed to teach or advance at the community college level, the community college faculty and industrial trainers track within Ball State’s master of arts degree in career and technical education may just be the ticket you need.

Career Outlook

If you think you’d rather teach in an industrial or business setting, you can facilitate in-house training programs that support corporate objectives and provide professional development of employees. Depending on the size of the organization, trainers may plan, coordinate, and teach employees or teach training methods to staff specialists—such as instructional designers and program developers—who provide the instruction. 

Job prospects for industrial trainers are expected to grow by 11 percent through 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Courses

Complete the following four courses:

• CTE 660 Organizational Safety and Health (3 credits) (Typically Summer 2)
• CTE 696 Coordinating Training Programs (3 credits) (Typically Summer 2)
• ICS 664 Cloud Technologies (3 credits) (Typically Spring)
• ICS 649 Cybersecurity Fundamentals (3 credits) (Typically Spring) 

The computer technology track is ideally suited for computer support specialists, system and network administrators, system and network engineers, information technology project managers, directors of technology, or information technology consultants. 

Courses

Complete the following two courses:

• CTE 660 Organizational Safety and Health (3 credits) (Typically Summer 2)
• CTE 696 Coordinating Training Programs (3 credits) (Typically Summer 2)

Your choice of two of these courses:

• EDCU 601 Principles and Procedures of Curriculum Development (3 credits) (Typically Fall, Spring, Summer 1, or Full Summer)
• EDCU 620 The Secondary School Curriculum (3 credits) (Typically Spring or Full Summer)
• EDCU 630 The Junior High and Middle School Curriculum (3 credits) (Typically Full Summer)
• EDCU 640 The Alternative School Curricula (3 credits) (Typically Fall)
• EDCU 673 Curriculum Evaluation (3 credits) (Typically Fall)
• EDCU 675 Evaluation of Educational Personnel to Strengthen Curriculum (3 credits) (Typically Spring)

Schools across the country are assessing and improving curricula and teacher effectiveness. So, directors of curriculum and curriculum managers are needed in elementary and secondary schools, and various educational institutions, such as colleges, professional schools, and education support services, to raise education standards.

If you’d like to work with teachers and principals to coordinate and implement standards of effectiveness, Ball State’s curriculum track within the master of arts in career and technical education may be the one to follow.

Career Outlook

If you aspire to a position such as a curriculum director, curriculum manager, or an instructional coordinator, the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics recommends a master’s degree. Employment in this field is projected to grow 13 percent through 2022, according to the bureau.

Disclaimer: The name of this track does not show up on your transcript. Course availability is not guaranteed and is based on adequate enrollment and faculty availability. Some prerequisites may be required.

Courses

Courses for the Family and Consumer Sciences track will be selected by the student in consultation with the program director. Courses are consistent with Family and Consumer Sciences Pathways as outlined by LEADFCS, and also are consistent with the program pathways for the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA).

Directed Elective Tracks:

• Education and Human Services (PDF)
• Early Childhood Education Specialization (PDF)
• Hospitality & Food Production (PDF)
• Visual Arts & Design (PDF)

For practicing Family and Consumer Sciences teachers, this track along with a directed elective program pathway choice can be used for professional development or license renewal purposes. This track can also prepare teachers for content area testing for those who are looking to add Family and Consumer Sciences as an endorsement to an existing license. For out-of-state students, please consult your state/provincial teacher licensing office for details. For Family and Consumer Sciences teachers looking to quickly complete a master’s degree for salary rank advancement at their institution, the Master of Arts in Career and Technical Education paired with the Family and Consumer Sciences track may be a good choice.

Disclaimer: The name of this track does not show up on your transcript. Course availability is not guaranteed and is based on adequate enrollment and faculty availability. Some prerequisites may be required.

Courses

Complete the following four courses:

• CTE 660 Organizational Safety and Health (3 credits) (Typically Summer 2)
• CTE 696 Coordinating Training Programs (3 credits) (Typically Summer 2)
• ICS 600 Survey of Management (3 credits) (Typically Spring)
• ICS 601 Problems in Information and Communication Sciences (3 credits) (Typically Fall, Spring or Full Summer)

Coursework for this track option covers introductory legal elements and an introduction to examining finances to help build your leadership skills. This track also provides an examination of managing human capital and a survey of marketing.

Follow This Track to a Leadership Role

This track may benefit individuals with expertise in a specific technology occupational area and who want to transition into leadership roles.

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Computer and information systems managers are responsible for an organization’s computer-related activities. They help determine an organization’s information technology goals and are responsible for implementing computer systems to meet those goals.

Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of computer and information systems managers is projected to grow 15 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. The need for computer and information systems managers will grow as firms increasingly expand their business to digital platforms.

Similar occupations include:

• Application Development Directors
• Chief Information Officers
• Chief Technology Officers
• Computer Operations Managers
• Computer Security Managers
• Data Operations Directors
• Data Processing Managers
• Information Systems Directors
• Information Systems Managers
• Information Technology Directors
• Information Technology Systems Directors
• Internet Technology Managers
• IT Directors
• IT Security Managers

Industrial Production Managers

Industrial production managers supervise the daily operations of manufacturing and related plants. They coordinate, plan, and direct the work of creating a wide range of goods, such as computer equipment, automobiles, or paper products.

Job Outlook

Job outlook will depend on industries in which you are employed, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Similar occupations include:

• Industrial Managers
• Industrial Production Manager
• Manufacturing Director
• Plant Chief
• Plant Control Manager
• Plant Manager
• Plant Production Manager
• Plant Superintendent
• Production Manager

Administrative Services Managers

Administrative services managers plan, direct, and organize the supportive services of their organization. An administrative service manager’s specific responsibilities may vary. But typically they maintain facilities and supervise activities that include recordkeeping, mail distribution, and office upkeep.

Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for administrative services managers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2014 to 2024, as fast as the average for all occupations. The responsibilities of managing facilities and being prepared for emergencies will remain important in a wide range of industries.

Similar occupations include:

• Administrative Director
• Administrative Manager
• Administrative Officer
• Administrative Service Manager
• Business Unit Manager
• Director of Operations
• Facilities Manager
• General Manager
• Industrial Property Manager
• Office Manager
• Records and Information Manager
• Records Management Director

Executives

Top executives formulate strategies and policies to make certain that an organization meets its goals. They plan, direct, and coordinate operational activities of companies and organizations.

Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for top executives is projected to grow 6 percent from 2014 to 2024, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Demand will vary by industry and is largely dependent on the rate of industry growth. Top executives should face strong competition, says the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Similar occupations include:

• Technology officer
• Information officer
• Director
• General Operations Manager

Sales Manager

In addition to managing their organizations' sales teams, sales managers set sales goals, analyze data, and develop training programs for the sales representatives.

Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for sales managers is expected to grow 5 percent from 2014 to 2024, about as fast as average for all occupations. Employment growth for sales managers will depend mainly on the growth in the industries that employ them.

Similar occupations include:

• District sales manager
• E-commerce director
• Regional sales manager
• Sales account manager
• Sales coordinator
• Sales director
• Sales executive
• Territory sales manager

Training and Development Managers

Training and development managers plan and administer programs to broaden the knowledge and skills of an organization’s employees. They also manage a team of training and development specialists.

Job Outlook

The demand for training and development managers is expected to grow 7 percent from 2014 to 2024, about as fast as the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Job prospects should be favorable, particularly in industries with a lot of regulation, such as finance and insurance.

Similar occupations include:

• Workforce development director
• Development manager
• E-learning manager
• Education and training manager
• Employee development director
• Employee development manager
• Job training coordinator
• Job training specialist
• Labor training manager
• Skills training coordinator
• Training and development manager
• Training manager
• Workforce development director

Disclaimer: The name of this track does not show up on your transcript. Course availability is not guaranteed and is based on adequate enrollment and faculty availability. Some prerequisites may be required.

Courses

• Courses to be selected that align with your professional goals and interests after consultation with the program director

The customizable track allows you to design a plan of study that meets your specific personal, professional, or career goals. You will work with the program director and advisor for the master of arts in career and technical education to design a customized plan of study, which can consist of online course offerings from the entire Ball State University graduate catalog.

This track provides the utmost in flexibility. It is typically for individuals who are looking to customize an online master’s degree program to advance their professional goals or help them attain a specific career objective.

The customized plan of study typically is in alignment with a specific occupational area, which may include agriculture, health occupations, computers, graphics, radio and television, cosmetology, machining, welding, police, fire and safety, vehicle service, or construction.