The 16 Tracks Of Career & Technical Education
The 16 career clusters of CTE are distinct, specialized areas of expertise in high-demand occupations.
Some tracks are more in-demand than others. Plus, tracks become more or less popular as the economy and culture of an area change as well. On top of that, CTE tracks change based on new breakthroughs, best practices, and other advancements.
In other words, the 16 CTE tracks are rich, expansive career opportunities that allow students to explore what they love. They provide an alternative to traditional education, though its also common for CTE graduates to continue their education at four-year universities and even pursue advanced degrees.
Altogether, this means CTEs career tracks teach students life skills and career skills at the same time, jump-starting their lives and turning them into productive members of their communities.
But this is just an overview. Some states like Florida and Texas have their own career clusters, so you’ll still want check specific differences in career pathways in your state.
To get a better idea of CTEs 16 career tracks, lets take a look at each one individually.
University Of Central Missouri
Online Masters in Career and Technical Education
Warrensburg, Missouri
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,067
The University of Central Missouri confers a masters degree in career and technical education online for students who successfully complete all coursework and requirements of the degree. The program is designed for working professionals and offers two concentration tracks including CTE teaching leadership and CTE administration leadership. Graduates go on to successful careers as classroom teachers or administrators working in public and private schools, community colleges, vocational training centers, and more. Courses may include curriculum development theory in career and technical education, foundations of career and technical education, introduction to research methods, and performance assessment in career and technical education. U.S. News and World Report ranks Central Missouri #81 in regional universities Midwest.
Welcome To The Department Of Career And Technology Teacher Education
The Department of Career and Technology Teacher Education offers the Bachelor of Science in Education degree as well as certificate programs for individuals seeking New York State teacher certification as teachers of Career and Technical Education subjects and Technology Education.
The Career and Technical Teacher Education Program offers the Bachelor of Science in Education degree, Initial and Professional CTE teaching certificates, Extension certificate for Coordinator of Work-based Learning Programs, and a Certificate Program for Non-degree students. Specific CTE subjects in which individuals can seek certification include the career fields of family and consumer sciences health and trade/technical occupations . Graduates of the Career and Technical Teacher Education program are employed in a variety of settings including CTE programs in public high schools, private trade schools, Boards of Cooperative Education Services , and industrial training programs.
Career and Technical Teacher Education and Technology Teacher Education at City Tech are the only such programs in the City University of New York system that prepare K-12 teachers in technology education and specific career and technical education subjects. City Tech is a member in good standing of Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation , with an anticipated site visit in Spring 2023.
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Career And Technical Education Resources
We want to make sure you get the support you need. We offer flexible tutoring services, including the ENMU Writing Center which is available to help you improve your writing and help you clearly communicate for written, school-related projects and assignments.
We also have online databases, journal articles and eBooks accessible through the Golden Library. ENMU librarians are available virtually, via phone and email to provide assistance, so you’ll always have the help you need to take advantage of library resources.
Workforce Training & Development Track

Designed to cultivate a new generation of compelling career and workforce training leaders, this track gives you the tools to seamlessly transfer your industry knowledge to adult learners. In addition to the Career and Technical Education core course requirements, students will also take two Upper Division Electives in Workforce Training and Development Fundamentals and Workforce Training and Development Instructional Planning.
Developed for individuals with a background in technical coursework or complementary work experience, our fully online program, including the workforce training and development track, culminates in a mentored internship experience that allows you to implement your new skills in a real-world context. Get started today and set out to change the lives of those you teach!
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Requirements For Bse In Career And Technical Education With Family And Consumer Sciences Education Concentration
Stage I: Pre-Admission
1. Obtain a GPA of 2.7 or better on UA coursework. 2. Complete technical courses with a grade of “C” or better. 3. Complete pre-education core courses with a grade of “C” or better. 4. Obtain a passing score on the Math, Reading, and Writing sections of the Praxis Core or ACT as defined by the Arkansas Department of Education. 5. Complete CATE 3103 during the fall semester of the sophomore year.
Stage II: Admission to the CATE Program
Admission to the Career and Technical Education program occurs the semester after that the candidate has completed CATE 3103 Introduction to Professionalism.
The application process includes:
1. Submission of the application to teacher education through the university-wide Teacher Education Office during spring semester of sophomore year. This includes:
- Completing and passing the criminal background check
- Passing the Praxis I core academic subjects test by meeting or exceeding the Arkansas Department of Education cut-off scores. This test should be taken upon completion of ENGL 1013, and required math for each CATE concentration area.
2. Submission of the CATE application.
3. Oral interview with CATE faculty.
4. Submission of writing sample.
*Note: Another background check will be required prior to graduation in order to be eligible for licensure.
Stage III: Requirements for Program Continuation
1. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or better.
Admission Requirements for Internship Semester
General Requirements
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What’s The Best Way To Teach Cte Classes
CTE can be taught in a variety of ways, but over the years we’ve found it works best when used with blended learning.
Blended learning is an education strategy that features multiple teaching methods to help students learn more effectively than one method on its own.
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Government & Public Administration
Popular Careers: Administrative Assistant, Project Manager, Zoning Specialist
Government & public administration covers the current setup of governments, how citizens interact with governments, and how governments maintain order.
Typically, that means CTE students learn about local governments. Taxes, parks, budgeting, councils these locally-oriented governmental issues all require someone with background knowledge.
Thats the kind of information CTE students learn when they start the government track.
This career path can earn a lot of money for students, but it can also bring a lot of stress.
The stress comes from the fact that many government positions including those at the local level are elected positions.
That means students with higher aspirations about working in local government will also need to participate in politics and popularity contests.
While the government CTE track may not tell students how to market themselves to get the most votes, it will launch them into government work in general.
North Carolina State University
Online Masters in College Counseling and Student Development
Raleigh, North Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,495
Similar to online career and technical education programs, North Carolina State University offers an online masters in student development and counseling that prepares students to work in different occupations while promoting wellness. The online program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs . The degree prepares graduates for positions in student service contexts at colleges and universities. Graduates go on to work as career counselors, instructors, academic advisors, diversity personnel, and more. Admission requirements include GRE or MAT scores, three recommendations, and transcripts. North Carolina State ranks #80 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.
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University Of South Florida
Online Masters in Career and Technical Education
Tampa, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,428
The University of South Florida offers one of the most affordable online career and technical education programs designed for working professionals. Administered through the College of Education, the program prepares educators and personnel trainers for high-level careers. Graduates can go on to pursue career opportunities or continue their education in the USFs doctoral program. Admission requirements for the masters program include accredited bachelors degree, relevant work experience in CTE field, and a minimum 3.0 GPA in last two years of college coursework. Courses may include administration of local programs, enhancing career and technical education curriculum, equity and access in the new economy, and preparation and development for teaching. USF ranks #124 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.
Marketing Sales & Service
Popular Careers: Marketing Specialist, Sales Representative, Data Analyst
They deal with different parts of the customer experience, but theyre all essential in keeping a company viable.
kicks off the customer experience by turning curious parties into sales leads.
Sales takes that lead and works with them to turn them into a paying customer.
Service makes sure that customer stays happy and sticks with the company for as long as possible.
In that respect, every company needs employees who represent each of these three areas.
CTE preps students for the basics in each of these specialties and helps them combine their skills to form a successful customer experience.
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Career And Technical Education Bse With Technology Education Concentration Eight
Students wishing to follow the eight-semester degree plan in Technology Education should see the Eight-Semester Degree Policy in the Academic Regulations chapter for university requirements of the program.
First Year |
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120 |
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Students must complete the State Minimum Core requirements as outlined in the Catalog of Studies. The courses that meet the state minimum core also fulfill many of the university’s General Education requirements, although there are additional considerations to satisfy the general education learning outcomes. Students are encouraged to consult with their academic adviser when making course selections. |
Explore Education At Delaware’s Teaching College

WilmU’s graduates bring high-quality education to classrooms throughout Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic region. More than 3,500 of the state’s teachers earned their bachelor’s or master’s degrees at WilmU, including 10 of the last 13 Teachers of the Year chosen by Delaware’s Department of Education. In addition, about half of Delaware’s principals and assistant principals have studied at WilmU.
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Eastern New Mexico University
Online Masters in Career and Technical Education
Portales, New Mexico
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,778
Eastern New Mexico States online masters in career and technical education is a 36-credit fully online program designed for current or aspiring educators. The program requires no campus visits. Courses may include assessment and evaluation in CTE, critical pedagogy and educational reform, philosophy and practice in CTE, and seminar in curriculum instruction and assessment. Graduates go on to numerous career opportunities as faculty in secondary and postsecondary institutions, administrator in education or private business, and lead instructor in business and industry. U.S. News and World report ranks Eastern New Mexico State #96 in regional universities West in its latest rankings publication for 2019.
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Online Masters in School Counseling
Durant, Oklahoma
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,022
Similar to a masters in career and technical education online, Southeastern Oklahoma State University offers a masters degree in school counseling that teaches educators to help students achieve their personal and career goals. The 42-credit program, offered entirely online, takes as little as 12 months, followed by the practicum experiences. The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation accredits the program. Courses within the program include group counseling laboratory experience, human growth and development in counseling, school counseling orientation and ethical practice, and social and cultural diversity issues in counseling. Southeastern Oklahoma ranks #96 in universities in the Midwest by U.S. News and World Report.
BCO Staff
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Business Management & Administration
Popular Careers: Human Resources, Data Entry, Business Management
Business is one of the most commonly-taught courses in CTE because of its versatility.
A background in business prepares CTE students with a leg-up in almost every career path, especially management.
While CTE doesnt delve into business as deeply as a Bachelors or Masters degree, it provides the foundational knowledge someone needs to help businesses grow or even start a business of their own!
Business management and administration is also an area where CTE students can earn certifications to prove their knowledge. This isnt as common as certifications in health science, but theyre still valuable additions to any students resume.
These certifications include:
Weve had teachers tell us they use Business& ITCenter21 for tons of different reasons, but they all come back to prepping students for real-world careers.
In fact, Busines& ITCenter21 has an entire career readiness curriculum thats designed to catapult students from the classroom to the office.
That helps teachers get their students ready for their first major career move. Plus, it lets teachers save time in terms of planning, grading, follow-up, and more.
In a nutshell, Business& ITCenter21 makes students and teachers succeed. Learn More about Business& ITCenter21 >
Business is just the beginning though. There are more tracks that deal with common office work, and theyre much more specialized than just business.
Bs Career Technical Education And Training Online
UW-Stout’s Bachelor of Science degree in Career, Technical Education, and Training is a nationally and internationally recognized program. This degree completion program provides instructors and non-instructors the opportunity to articulate an Associates Degree or Technical Diploma to a Bachelor’s Degree by expanding their technical knowledge to include expertise in instruction, leadership, course construction, and evaluation.
The Career, Technical Education, and Training program is designed for working adults. Our curriculum will prepare you to teach in post-high school settings such as junior colleges, public and private technical colleges, and industrial training programs. As a graduate, you’ll train and retrain adult workers in the critical skills needed to excel in today’s workplace.
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Explore The Intersection Of Academic And Technical Knowledge
The BS in Career and Technical Education program prepares you to become a career and workforce education and training leader. Youll utilize innovative measures to influence and serve in modern educational and organizational settings. Many students enrolled in this program are experienced subject matter experts from all industries and businesses. Because of this, all of your coursework is relevant and individualized to your specific field.
Become a CTE teacher for high schools, technical colleges, community colleges, state colleges or correctional facilities. Teachers work in formal educational settings in programs with degrees, diplomas or certificates. Another career path with this degree is a workforce trainer position. Workforce trainers work in business and industry in informal settings: workshops, conferences, online learning webinars that do not provide a degree or diploma. These are usually short sessions with only adults.
Workforce Training & Development TrackDesigned to cultivate a new generation of compelling career and workforce training leaders, this track gives you the tools to seamlessly transfer your industry knowledge to adult learners. In addition to the career and technical education core course requirements, youll also take two upper-division electives in workforce training and development fundamentals and workforce training and development instructional planning.
Suny College At Oswego
Online Masters in Career and Technical Education
Oswego, New York
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,211
State University of New York at Oswego provides individuals with a masters in career and technical education online for current or aspiring educators. In addition to coursework, students have the opportunity to spend time in the field working with clients and students. Graduates go on to work in education and training contexts such as colleges and universities, K-12 schools, training centers, public institutions, and non-profits. The program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. Application requirements include 3.0 minimum GPA, transcripts, GRE scores, occupation competency exam , two letters of recommendation, resume, and statement of purpose.
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Secondary Career & Technical Education
Are you passionate about helping adolescents and adults find their path towards a better future? Do you want to play a crucial role in diversifying our state’s economy? University of Wyoming’s online Bachelor of Applied Science in Career and Technical Education will allow you to master the skills you need to prepare high-school students for a wide range of high-wage, high-demand careers such as: a chef, engineer, draftsman, accountant, or fashion designer.
As a student pursuing the CTE degree, you will learn the best practices of teaching middle and high school students so you can teach in grades 6-12. You will gain a deep understanding of effective teaching and classroom management by spending a large amount of time in classrooms honing your craft. Upon graduation you will be eligible to apply for Wyoming teaching licensure.
Start your degree at home! UW offers the B.A.S. in career and technical education at a distance in partnership with Wyoming Community Colleges, who deliver the technical content. Your program will take place entirely online with the exception of a few intensive weekends at UW-Casper and during your in-person student teaching experience. The latest online technology will ensure you are connected to faculty and peers while resources for at a distance students will support your academic success. Learn more about the benefits of earning a bachelors in secondary education at UW.
Why Career And Technical Education

- We live in an increasingly complex technological world. Helping others to be successful in that world is one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching technical subjects.
- Well-qualified teachers and trainers in these subjects are always in high demand.
- The program is accredited through its affiliation with the EKU College of Education and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education .
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