Career and technical education | Workforce training and development option
Bachelor of Science in Education
Overview
Provide a springboard into the workforce
Your industry experience has value beyond the workplace. University of Idaho's workforce training and development program helps experienced professionals and career and technical education (CTE) instructors transform technical expertise into effective teaching, training and workforce leadership. Whether you're an Idaho educator ready to advance beyond the Limited Occupational Specialist (LOS) Certificate or a skilled tradesperson, technician, business professional or industry expert looking to transition into education, this flexible program prepares you to help others succeed.
Designed for working professionals, this program builds on your technical background while developing the instructional, leadership and communication skills needed to educate students and adult learners. You'll study curriculum development, assessment, educational technology and workforce development while learning how to create engaging, hands-on learning experiences that prepare learners for today's workforce.
Flexible coursework allows you to continue working while completing your degree. Throughout the program, you'll learn how to evaluate learning outcomes, integrate emerging technologies and support learners as they develop the technical and professional skills valued by employers. You'll also strengthen your ability to mentor, coach and lead others across education, business and industry settings.
Graduates are prepared for careers in CTE, technical and community colleges, apprenticeship programs, workforce development, corporate training, government and nonprofit organizations. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates may also be eligible to advance their Idaho career and technical education certification based on state requirements.
This degree could be a good fit if you:
- Hold an Idaho Limited Occupational Specialist (LOS) Certificate and want to earn a bachelor's degree
- Want to transition from industry into teaching, workforce training or career and technical education
- Enjoy mentoring others and sharing your technical expertise
- Want to develop leadership, instructional design and teaching skills
- Value flexible learning that fits around your professional responsibilities
- Are passionate about preparing students and adult learners for successful careers
Get schooled in skilled trades
Curriculum
The B.S.Ed. in career and technical education, workforce training and development option is a 120-credit program combining coursework and applied learning experiences. Students build technical expertise while gaining hands-on experience in the field.
Explore program courses in the University Catalog
Hands-on learning
Put your knowledge into practice during a full semester of student teaching, typically completed in your final semester before graduation. Working alongside an experienced mentor teacher and supported by a University of Idaho supervisor, you'll gain the confidence and real-world classroom experience needed to begin your teaching career.
Our dedicated placement coordinator works closely with each student to secure a placement that aligns with their goals and preferred location. While many students complete their student teaching in Idaho, placements are available throughout the United States, and qualified students may even have opportunities to teach internationally.
Through this immersive experience, you'll plan lessons, lead instruction, build relationships with students and families and experience the day-to-day responsibilities of a classroom teacher. By graduation, you'll have the practical skills, professional support and classroom experience to transition successfully into your own classroom.
Career outcomes
Current job openings
2,682 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Postsecondary Education Teachers • Postsecondary Vocational Education Teachers
$87,482 - Middle School Career and Technical Education Teachers
$88,231 - Secondary School Career and Technical Education Teachers
$85,509
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
Make the most of your Vandal experience by building leadership skills, connecting with peers and professionals and participating in organizations and activities that complement your academic and career goals.
Students in the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences have opportunities to connect, lead and grow through a variety of clubs and organizations:
- Student Ambassadors — Our ambassador team represents the college at events and outreach activities, helping build community and support among current and prospective students.
- Physical Education (PE) Club — Promotes professional growth and networking for students interested in physical education.
- University of Idaho Aspiring Educators — Unites future teachers through service, collaboration and professional development.
- POTATO Club — For students in Physical Therapy, Athletic Training, Occupational Therapy and Pre-Health programs who want to connect and collaborate across disciplines.
- Volunteer and leadership opportunities — Gain leadership experience through campus events and community service.
Looking for even more ways to get involved? Explore student organizations, campus activities and leadership opportunities across the university.
Financial aid and scholarships
While paying for college can feel overwhelming, University of Idaho is committed to affordability and clarity about tuition and financial aid. Here are a few key resources to help you understand the cost of your degree and explore available financial support:
- Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to accessing federal, state and institutional financial aid.
- Estimate your cost of attendance: Use U of I’s Cost Calculator to estimate tuition and other expenses associated with earning your degree.
- Discover scholarship opportunities: When you apply to University of Idaho, you’re automatically considered for scholarships. Additional awards are available based on your previous experience, background and anticipated program of study.
If you have any questions about financial aid, scholarships or cost, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors can help you make informed financial decisions and navigate each part of the process. Reach out to our Financial Aid Office for assistance.
Idaho LAUNCH
This degree is approved for Idaho LAUNCH, a grant that supports Idaho students pursuing high-demand careers. Students enrolling under the 2026–27 Academic Catalog may be eligible for up to $4,000 per year / $8,000 total in scholarship funding through the Idaho LAUNCH program.
Learn about eligibility and application deadlines at nextsteps.idaho.gov/launch, or see our full list of approved U of I programs on the in-state scholarships page.
Application information
Undergraduate applications open each September and admissions are processed on a rolling basis. Qualified students are admitted and considered for scholarships and financial aid as applications are received.
Explore admission requirements and apply on our Admissions website.
Overview
Have questions?
Not sure if this program is the right fit? Connect with your admissions counselor or request more information to get personalized guidance on program details, requirements and next steps.
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Connect with program faculty
Why earn your B.S.Ed. in workforce training and development at University of Idaho?
University of Idaho's workforce training and development program helps industry professionals and career and technical education instructors build on their expertise while preparing to become confident educators, trainers and workforce leaders. You’ll learn from faculty with experience in workforce development and technical education while completing flexible coursework designed for working professionals.
In this program, you'll:
- Build on your professional expertise by transforming industry knowledge into effective teaching, training and leadership skills.
- Advance your career and technical education credentials through a pathway designed for Idaho Limited Occupational Specialist (LOS) certificate holders and other technical professionals.
- Learn on a flexible schedule with coursework that allows you to continue working while earning your degree.
- Develop practical instructional skills in curriculum design, educational technology, assessment and adult learning.
- Prepare learners for today's workforce by creating engaging, hands-on training experiences that support career readiness and lifelong learning.
- Expand your career opportunities in career and technical education, community and technical colleges, apprenticeship programs, workforce development organizations and corporate training.