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About
Appalachian State University’s Bachelor of Science degree in Career and Technical Education prepares students to teach about technology, business, child development, design and engineering. This degree program uses an investigative, hands-on research and design approach to help students better understand the world around them.
Appalachian State University is widely recognized as providing top-quality teachers for the public schools. Graduates of our program are in extremely high demand, both here in North Carolina and across the nation. Career and Technical Education teachers get to teach a subject they love while providing an invaluable service to students and schools.
This degree has five concentrations, each of which is considered a high need field. Many school districts seek teachers who are specialists in these areas.
- Business, Finance and Information Technology Education
- Business, Marketing and Entrepreneurship Education
- Family and Consumer Sciences
- Technology, Engineering and Design Education
- Trade and Industrial Education
The Business, Finance and Information Technology Education (BFIT) concentration focuses on the preparation of business education teachers in grades 6-12. BFIT instructors teach a variety of courses in these grades from business law and computer applications to personal finance and computer networking. As a student, you will learn how to teach young people about business skills and techniques, an understanding of basic economics, and business attitudes essential to participate in the multinational marketplace as productive workers and consumers. You also will develop the skills necessary to teach students about financial management and make intelligent consumer and business-related choices.
Transfer students or students who have completed Community College courses related to a specific skill area should contact the program director to determine if these courses can count toward a program of study at Appalachian.
After Graduation
Employment: Our students are typically hired throughout North Carolina as well as in surrounding states such as South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee to teach middle or high school courses as well as community college. Examples include Accounting, Personal Finance, Business Law, Computer Programming, Computer Science, and Multimedia and Webpage Design. A complete list of all BFIT courses in North Carolina is located on the N.C. Department of Public Instruction’s website.
Because of the extensive training in business subjects, individuals who choose not to teach after graduation have found lucrative and successful careers in all types of business and marketing fields.
Graduate School:
Complementary graduate programs include:
- Business, Finance and Information Technology Education
- Business, Marketing and Entrepreneurship Education
- Family and Consumer Sciences
- Technology, Engineering and Design Education
- Trade and Industrial Education
Professional Licensure
This is a program that can lead to licensure or certification in North Carolina. Appalachian State University cannot confirm whether this program will meet the requirements for professional licensure in other states or territories.
If this applies to you, check the Professional Licensure webpage for information on licensure requirements and licensing agencies in other states. Or, you may address questions to State Authorization at App State at stateauthorization@xjiu.net or 828-262-7559.
People
Related Programs
Minors
No minor is required for this degree. Students can pursue a minor in Business and Information Technology Education.
Engagement Outside the Classroom
North Carolina Association for Career and Technical Education (NCACTE)
Appalachian Educators - open to all education majors; sponsors service events and provides professional development and leadership opportunities.
Student North Carolina Association of Educators - a pre-professional organization for college students interested in a career in education.
Chi Sigma Iota - the international honor society for students, professional counselors and counselor educators.
Kappa Delta Pi - the national honorary education fraternity.
Orchesis - the expressive arts honor society, which sponsors activities throughout the year.
Phi Beta Lambda is the collegiate division of Future Business Leaders of America.
View all student organization contacts
Global Learning
Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society. Opportunities for education majors include international student teaching.
Admission Requirements
Admission to Appalachian’s Teacher Education Program is required.
Why Appalachian?
- The CTE program is delivered online and on campus.
- Graduates are hired quickly and often have multiple job offers.
- This program has a long-standing commitment to excellence in CTE teacher preparation and is well-respected at the local, state, national and international levels.
- Faculty and students are actively in involved professional and student organizations related to Career and Technical Education. Students have the opportunity to compete in regional, state and national TEECA, TSA and VEX competitions through the student organization ASU TECA.
- This is a small, personal program in which teacher candidates take courses and participate in field experiences together for four semesters. All students are known well by each other and by the CTE faculty.
Location
Careers
- High school teachers
- Community college instructors
- Adult educators in community agencies
- Private school teacher
- Educator in business or industry
- Career center instructors
Contacts
Department of Media, Career Studies and Leadership Development
Jerianne Taylor
Professor
taylorjs@xjiu.net
Program Coordinator: Trade and Industry, and Technology, Engineering, and Design