Master of Education in Career and Technical Education  

The Master's in Education, Career and Technical Education degree program is designed to prepare you for a career in career and technical education. Our graduates are CTE administrators, educators, and training and development personnel in secondary, post-secondary, and business and industry settings. You will take course work in five core areas: History & Philosophy, Research, Instructional Management, Community Relations, and Education Foundations.  With advisor assistance and approval the student will develop a concentration, from either CTE courses or approved interdisciplinary courses within the College of Education that comprise a coherent area of study.  Areas from which you may select a concentration include but aren’t restricted to: curriculum and instruction, higher education, educational technology, human resource development, and CTE Administration. Consult with your plan advisor for the courses suggested in these areas of concentration.

Program Highlights
Total degree program = 30 hours - finish in 2 years or less! 

Flexible- Convenient on-line program allows you to take courses from any location. Flexible program of study allows students to customize coursework to meet individual career goals.

Affordable- No program fees, WWU eligible program (out of state student pay only 150% of in-state tuition rates during fall and spring and in-state rates during summer and winter), WRGP eligible program (some out-of-state students pay in-state tuition rates); additionally, most classes do not require the purchase of textbooks. Payment plans and financial aid (to those who qualify) are available for part-time or full-time students.

Relevant- A well-planned curriculum that is applicable to your life, will challenge you, and help prepare you for a variety of careers upon graduation.

Personal Contact- All advising done by full-time faculty.  All faculty provide students with assistance 7 days per week.

Easy Admission- Admission does not require GRE.  Year round admission, start program at any time.  Students are admitted into preplan status and can register for classes within 48 hours of application.

Degree Requirements
  • Core CTE classes (12 units):  History and Philosophy in CTE, School and Community Relations, Instructional Management, and Research in CTE
  • Educational Foundations (3 units)
  • Concentration (15 units): CTE courses or approved interdisciplinary courses within the College of Education - students can customize to meet individual career goals.  Choose from classes such as Grant Writing, Adult Education, Curriculum Development, Facilities Design, Special Populations, Multimedia Development, and more!

You can take any 500 or 600 level CTE prefix class and up to two 400 level CTE prefix classes in your concentration area without needing advisor approval.  If you opt for a 400 level course you will need to fill out an "out-of-major" form to indicate your desire to use the class towards your Master’s degree.  Complete the form (PDF version) (Word version) and fax it to Laura Cook at 928-523-9284. 

The degree has two options: extended coursework or a thesis. Many students wait to make their decision until after completing their required research class.  See the academic catalog. 

Who is this Degree is Attractive to?

People who want a master’s degree so they can pursue career advancement

People in business who want to teach their occupational area to others in HRD, trade schools, or community colleges

People in education and business including community college employees, corporate trainers and others in corporate educational positions

CTE certified teachers who need additional coursework for certification or schedule advancement

People who want their master’s degree to come from a highly regarded institution known for outstanding education programs throughout the State of Arizona

NEW!  Through the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP), funding is now available for incoming, out-of-state CTE graduate students to earn their degree at the cost of in-state tuition if you are a resident of Alaska, California, Colorado, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, or Wyoming.  For more information, go to http://nau.edu/gradcol/financing/western-regional-graduate-program/.