Best Bachelor's in Technology Teacher Education Programs in 2026
The top 22 out of 24 programs reviewed from the IPEDS database, ranked on graduation rate, affordability, and more. CIP 13.1309.
A bachelor's in Technology Teacher Education program/Industrial Arts Teacher Education prepares you to teach technology, engineering, manufacturing, and hands-on shop courses in middle and high schools, usually within a career and technical education program. You learn subject areas such as design, robotics, construction, and manufacturing processes along with the methods to teach them safely in a lab or shop setting. Graduates run project-based classrooms where students build, test, and solve real problems. The ranking below compares programs on cost, graduation rates, and other factors that matter when choosing where to enroll.
- In-state tuition typically runs from $6,084 to $15,294 a year, with a median near $7,582.
- 24 of 24 ranked programs sit at public universities, and 7 offer an online or hybrid option.
- Most lead to an initial state teaching license, which means supervised student teaching plus a licensure exam (37 of 52 US jurisdictions use the Praxis series).
- We rank on graduation rate first, then selectivity and affordability, all from federal IPEDS data.
- 1
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
95score- 85%Grad rate
- $6,535/yrIn-state tuition
- $30,583/yrOut-of-state tuition
- 42%Admit rate
- 28,422Undergrads
- 15Grads/yr
- 1385SAT mid
- Bachelor of Science in Technology, Engineering, and Design Education (Licensure Concentration)
- On-campus
About the programNorth Carolina State University at Raleigh's Bachelor of Science in Technology, Engineering, and Design Education, offered through its College of Education, prepares students to teach hands-on technology and engineering in middle and high school classrooms. The licensure concentration is aimed squarely at grades 6 to 12 and leads to North Carolina teacher licensure, so graduates finish ready to run a design or engineering lab of their own. Coursework blends the practical work of lab planning and instruction with a senior student teaching semester in local schools, keeping theory close to real classroom practice. That combination suits students who want to teach making, problem-solving, and design rather than a single traditional subject. For those drawn to the field but not to the classroom, a separate graphic communication concentration is available without the licensure track. This bachelor's-level technology teacher education program prepares graduates for work as career in North Carolina.
Why it ranks hereProgram pageThe ranking rewards programs that graduate their students, stay at least somewhat selective, and keep tuition reasonable, so here is how this one measures up. Its strongest card is completion: a 85% graduation rate lands it in the top 4% of programs nationwide, and since finishing counts for the most, that does much of the work. A 42% admission rate makes it moderately selective, neither a gatekeeper nor open enrollment. Cost only helps its case: at $6,535 in state, tuition runs below the national median, so students are not paying a premium for those results. Together, that is one of the strongest profiles on the page.
- 2
Purdue University-Main Campus
79score- 83%Grad rate
- $9,718/yrIn-state tuition
- $28,520/yrOut-of-state tuition
- 50%Admit rate
- 44,819Undergrads
- 7Grads/yr
- 1340SAT mid
- Engineering Technology Education (BS)
About the programDelivered jointly by Purdue University's College of Education and Purdue Polytechnic, the Engineering Technology Education Bachelor of Science prepares teachers who can guide students through technology and engineering subjects. That partnership shapes the experience, giving candidates a footing in technical content alongside the pedagogy they will need for a 5-12 classroom. Students work through the Purdue Teacher Education Program's requirements and cap the degree with supervised student teaching before applying to the Indiana Department of Education for licensure. Completion leads to an Indiana REPA 3 Initial Instructional License in Technology Education for grades 5-12, and candidates can layer on optional pathways in High Ability or Teachers of English Learners. The College of Education is nationally accredited at the initial-licensure level by CAEP. As a bachelor's degree in technology teacher education, it is one of the programs that lead to careers as career in Indiana.
Why it ranks hereProgram pageThree things decide where a program lands on this list: how many students finish, how selective it is, and what it costs. Start with the outcome that matters most, 83% of students graduate, top 9% among programs nationwide, which is the biggest reason it sits where it does. A 50% admission rate makes it moderately selective, neither a gatekeeper nor open enrollment. The one drag is price, $9,718 in state, above the national median, so it earns its rank on outcomes rather than affordability. Strong on the measures that matter most, it earns a place near the top.
- 3
The College of New Jersey
77score- 86%Grad rate
- $15,294/yrIn-state tuition
- $21,414/yrOut-of-state tuition
- 62%Admit rate
- 7,435Undergrads
- 5Grads/yr
- 1240SAT mid
- Technology and Engineering Education
- On-campus
About the programThe College of New Jersey's Technology and Engineering Education B.S. is an integrative STEM teacher preparation program with an unusually hands-on home, taught in the School of Engineering's classrooms and laboratories through the Department of Integrative STEM Education. Coursework moves through design processes, product development, electronics, robotics, structures, and mechanisms, giving future teachers practical command of the material they will lead students through. The program qualifies graduates for New Jersey certification in grades K-12 and layers on endorsements in computer science, engineering technology, and technology education, and candidates complete a semester of supervised classroom teaching before finishing. TCNJ describes it as the only New Jersey undergraduate program leading to technology education certification. It is delivered on campus. This bachelor's-level technology teacher education program prepares graduates for work as career in New Jersey.
Why it ranks hereProgram pageIts rank is built from three numbers: graduation rate, admission rate, and in-state tuition, in that order of weight. Its strongest card is completion: a 86% graduation rate lands it in the top 1% of programs nationwide, and since finishing counts for the most, that does much of the work. A 62% admission rate makes it moderately selective, neither a gatekeeper nor open enrollment. The one drag is price, $15,294 in state, above the national median, so it earns its rank on outcomes rather than affordability. That combination is what puts it in the top handful here.
- 4
State University of New York at Oswego
70score- 60%Grad rate
- $7,070/yrIn-state tuition
- $16,980/yrOut-of-state tuition
- 81%Admit rate
- 5,517Undergrads
- 30Grads/yr
- 1170SAT mid
- Bachelor of Science in Technology Education
- On-campus
About the programSUNY Oswego's Bachelor of Science in Technology Education prepares candidates to teach technology across all grades in New York, and it does so with an unmistakably hands-on bent. Coursework ranges widely across the field, taking in subjects such as electronics and mechatronics, computer-aided drafting, construction systems, and manufacturing and energy technologies, and students put that learning to work in twelve applied technology laboratories in Park Hall. The path into the classroom is gradual, moving through a series of practicum assignments before a full semester of student teaching. According to the university, the Technology Department is accredited by the Council on Technology and Engineering Teacher Education, and the program leads to New York teaching certification. Earning a bachelor's degree in technology teacher education is a common route toward becoming one of New York's career.
Why it ranks hereProgram pageWhere it lands is a story about completion first, then selectivity, then cost. Start with the outcome that matters most, 60% of students graduate, top 22% among programs nationwide, which is the biggest reason it sits where it does. A 81% admission rate makes it moderately selective, neither a gatekeeper nor open enrollment. Cost only helps its case: at $7,070 in state, tuition runs below the national median, so students are not paying a premium for those results. Together, that is one of the strongest profiles on the page.
- 5
Pittsburg State University
60score- 57%Grad rate
- $6,342/yrIn-state tuition
- $17,686/yrOut-of-state tuition
- 89%Admit rate
- 4,472Undergrads
- 19Grads/yr
- 21ACT mid
- Bachelor of Science in Career and Technical Education (BSCTE), Technical Teacher Education emphasis
- Online
About the programBuilt for people who already know a trade, Pittsburg State University's fully online Bachelor of Science in Career and Technical Education carries a Technical Teacher Education emphasis for those moving from industry into the classroom. Delivered through the School of Technology and Workforce Learning, the 120-credit program rewards that background directly, granting up to 24 credits for two or more years of relevant work and another 17 technical elective credits tied to industry credentials. Coursework pairs asynchronous study with synchronous evening sessions, a schedule that respects students who are often still working, and it expects an appropriate NOCTI or industry certification. Each student receives personalized advising mapped onto a five-year plan. The university's educator preparation unit is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, and the degree readies graduates to teach secondary and post-secondary CTE. This bachelor's-level technology teacher education program prepares graduates for work as career in Kansas.
Why it ranks hereProgram pageIts rank is built from three numbers: graduation rate, admission rate, and in-state tuition, in that order of weight. Its strongest card is completion: a 57% graduation rate lands it in the top 35% of programs nationwide, and since finishing counts for the most, that does much of the work. Admission is close to open access at 89%, so this is a program that bets on teaching students well rather than screening them out. Cost only helps its case: at $6,342 in state, tuition runs below the national median, so students are not paying a premium for those results. That combination is what puts it in the top handful here.
- 6
Wayne State College
57score- 52%Grad rate
- $5,880/yrTuition (in or out of state)
- 3,902Undergrads
- 5Grads/yr
- B.A. or B.S. in Skilled and Technical Sciences Education 6-12
- CAEP-accredited
- On-campus
About the programFor students who want to bring hands-on trades into the classroom, Wayne State College offers a B.A. or B.S. in Skilled and Technical Sciences Education for grades 6-12, drawing on both technical faculty and educator preparation coursework so subject expertise and teaching skill grow together. Within the 120 hours required to graduate, the program devotes a large block to the STS endorsement area and a further core to educator preparation, giving graduates a field endorsement to teach across four skilled and technical sciences career clusters. Field experiences are embedded in coursework and build toward a semester of student teaching, and juniors can even substitute teach for pay through the Northeast Nebraska Teacher Academy. Supplemental endorsements let graduates widen what they are qualified to teach. The educator preparation is CAEP accredited and approved by the Nebraska Department of Education. As a bachelor's degree in technology teacher education, it is one of the programs that lead to careers as career in Nebraska.
Why it ranks hereProgram pageThree things decide where a program lands on this list: how many students finish, how selective it is, and what it costs. On completion, the heaviest factor, it lands mid-pack among programs nationwide at 52%, solid without being a standout. Cost only helps its case: at $5,880 in state, tuition runs below the national median, so students are not paying a premium for those results. No single weakness drags it down, and that consistency lands it in the upper tier.
- 7
Illinois State University
56score- 65%Grad rate
- $11,215/yrIn-state tuition
- $22,863/yrOut-of-state tuition
- 88%Admit rate
- 19,107Undergrads
- 7Grads/yr
- 1100SAT mid
- Technology and Engineering Education
- On-campus
About the programIllinois State University's Bachelor of Science in Technology and Engineering Education is a hands-on, make-and-build path for students who want to teach the applied sciences. Based in the Department of Technology, its coursework ranges widely across areas such as robotics, electronics, manufacturing, and computer-aided design, giving future teachers a broad technical toolkit. School-based practicums translate that technical knowledge into real classroom teaching skill. The program describes itself as preparing graduates to be leaders in public schools, and it reports that nearly all majors secure teaching positions, often before graduation. Completing the on-campus degree leads to public school teaching licensure in technology and engineering education. Earning a bachelor's degree in technology teacher education is a common route toward becoming one of Illinois's career.
Why it ranks hereProgram pageWe rank on the things that actually shape a teaching degree: whether students finish, how hard it is to get in, and the price of admission. Its strongest card is completion: a 65% graduation rate lands it in the top 17% of programs nationwide, and since finishing counts for the most, that does much of the work. Admission is close to open access at 88%, so this is a program that bets on teaching students well rather than screening them out. The one drag is price, $11,215 in state, above the national median, so it earns its rank on outcomes rather than affordability. No single weakness drags it down, and that consistency lands it in the upper tier.
- 8
University of Northern Iowa
55score- 68%Grad rate
- $8,564/yrIn-state tuition
- $20,340/yrOut-of-state tuition
- 93%Admit rate
- 7,711Undergrads
- 3Grads/yr
- 1150SAT mid
- Technology and Engineering Education - Teaching, B.S.
- On-campus
About the programThe University of Northern Iowa's Technology and Engineering Education Teaching B.S. is a hands-on, shop-and-lab degree in the Department of Applied Engineering, requiring at least 120 hours and leading to Iowa endorsement #140 in Industrial Technology for grades 5-12. What defines it is the sheer volume of classroom practice, more than 725 hours across four progressive levels that carry candidates from observation to teaching under a cooperating teacher and finally into student teaching. The program describes itself as the largest of its kind in the state, graduating more industrial technology teachers than any other Iowa institution, and it reports a 100% career-placement rate along with a curriculum guided by an industry advisory board. Classes meet in the renovated Applied Engineering Building, keeping instruction close to the tools and spaces students will later manage. Many candidates also qualify for the Teach Iowa Scholar Program. As a bachelor's degree in technology teacher education, it is one of the programs that lead to careers as career in Iowa.
Why it ranks hereProgram pageWhere it lands is a story about completion first, then selectivity, then cost. Start with the outcome that matters most, 68% of students graduate, top 13% among programs nationwide, which is the biggest reason it sits where it does. Admission is close to open access at 93%, so this is a program that bets on teaching students well rather than screening them out. The one drag is price, $8,564 in state, above the national median, so it earns its rank on outcomes rather than affordability. On balance it is a well-rounded pick, which is what earns it a spot this high.
- 9
Central Connecticut State University
53score- 48%Grad rate
- $6,998/yrIn-state tuition
- $10,498/yrOut-of-state tuition
- 73%Admit rate
- 8,170Undergrads
- 4Grads/yr
- 1075SAT mid
- Technology & Engineering Education, BS (BSEd)
- On-campus
About the programCentral Connecticut State University's Bachelor of Science in Technology and Engineering Education spreads its 120 credits across three strands, roughly 47 in technology and engineering, at least 43 in general education, and 30 in professional education, so students build deep subject knowledge and teaching skill side by side. The degree lives in the Technology and Engineering Education department and moves toward a demanding finish, two sequential student teaching experiences worth ten credits, taken with a seminar in a semester left clear of other courses. Meeting Connecticut's certification standards along the way, completion leads to K-12 certification to teach technology and engineering in the state. The program runs on campus and accommodates both full- and part-time students, making room for a range of schedules and life circumstances. Graduates of this technology teacher education program at the bachelor's level often go on to work as career.
Why it ranks hereProgram pageWe rank on the things that actually shape a teaching degree: whether students finish, how hard it is to get in, and the price of admission. On completion, the heaviest factor, it lands mid-pack among programs nationwide at 48%, solid without being a standout. A 73% admission rate makes it moderately selective, neither a gatekeeper nor open enrollment. Cost only helps its case: at $6,998 in state, tuition runs below the national median, so students are not paying a premium for those results. On balance it is a well-rounded pick, which is what earns it a spot this high.
- 10
Utah State University
52score- 59%Grad rate
- $7,627/yrIn-state tuition
- $24,060/yrOut-of-state tuition
- 92%Admit rate
- 25,706Undergrads
- 3Grads/yr
- 1180SAT mid
- Technology and Engineering Education
- On-campus
About the programUtah State University's Bachelor of Science in Technology and Engineering Education sits in the Applied Sciences, Technology and Education Department. The program covers manufacturing, robotics and automation, electronics, construction technology, computer-aided drafting, and engineering design. Candidates complete the Secondary Teacher Education Program, including two semesters of clinical classroom experience and a semester of student teaching, and earn a 6-12 teaching license with a technology and engineering education endorsement. A bachelor's-level path in technology teacher education, it builds toward a career among career in Utah.
Why it ranks hereProgram pageWe rank on the things that actually shape a teaching degree: whether students finish, how hard it is to get in, and the price of admission. Its strongest card is completion: a 59% graduation rate lands it in the top 26% of programs nationwide, and since finishing counts for the most, that does much of the work. Admission is close to open access at 92%, so this is a program that bets on teaching students well rather than screening them out. Tuition is middle of the road for programs nationwide at $7,627 in state, so cost neither helps nor hurts its standing. No single weakness drags it down, and that consistency lands it in the upper tier.
- 11
Western Michigan University
51score- 58%Grad rate
- $15,861/yrIn-state tuition
- $19,826/yrOut-of-state tuition
- 85%Admit rate
- 13,027Undergrads
- 1Grads/yr
- Industrial Technology Education
- On-campus
About the programHands-on to its core, Western Michigan University's Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology Education readies candidates to teach shop and technical subjects such as woodworking, drafting and CAD, robotics, welding, and machining. Housed in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences within the College of Education and Human Development and accredited by CAEP, the program prepares graduates for a Michigan 6-12 secondary provisional certificate and bills itself as offering the state's largest selection of career and technical education courses. Candidates sharpen their teaching through a pre-internship and an internship before they graduate. Those seeking the vocational endorsement document 4,000 hours of recent industry work, and graduates may add a CTE endorsement. The result is a program aimed squarely at students who want to teach through making and building. A bachelor's-level path in technology teacher education, it builds toward a career among career in Michigan.
Why it ranks hereProgram pageThree things decide where a program lands on this list: how many students finish, how selective it is, and what it costs. Start with the outcome that matters most, 58% of students graduate, top 30% among programs nationwide, which is the biggest reason it sits where it does. Admission is close to open access at 85%, so this is a program that bets on teaching students well rather than screening them out. The one drag is price, $15,861 in state, above the national median, so it earns its rank on outcomes rather than affordability. On balance it is a well-rounded pick, which is what earns it a spot this high.
- 12
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
51score- 56%Grad rate
- $7,126/yrIn-state tuition
- $16,085/yrOut-of-state tuition
- 89%Admit rate
- 6,045Undergrads
- 6Grads/yr
- 25ACT mid
- Technology and Engineering Education
- On-campus
About the programFor students drawn to the workshop as much as the classroom, UW-Platteville offers a Bachelor's degree in Technology and Engineering Education that prepares them to teach across the K-12 span. The program lives in the Department of Applied Engineering Technology Management and works in step with the School of Education, a pairing that shows in coursework ranging from graphic communication and computer-aided drafting to material processing, power systems and controls, and construction methods. Rather than saving practice for the end, it weaves experiential learning and internships in early, then builds toward student teaching. Completing the sequence qualifies graduates for the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction 220 license to teach technology education at elementary, middle, and secondary levels. A 2+2 articulation with Madison College, with guaranteed admission at a 2.750 GPA, gives transfer students a clear route in. As a bachelor's degree in technology teacher education, it is one of the programs that lead to careers as career in Wisconsin.
Why it ranks hereProgram pageIts rank is built from three numbers: graduation rate, admission rate, and in-state tuition, in that order of weight. Its strongest card is completion: a 56% graduation rate lands it in the top 39% of programs nationwide, and since finishing counts for the most, that does much of the work. Admission is close to open access at 89%, so this is a program that bets on teaching students well rather than screening them out. Cost only helps its case: at $7,126 in state, tuition runs below the national median, so students are not paying a premium for those results. No single weakness drags it down, and that consistency lands it in the upper tier.
- 13
University of Wisconsin-Stout
49score- 55%Grad rate
- $7,715/yrIn-state tuition
- $16,279/yrOut-of-state tuition
- 88%Admit rate
- 6,136Undergrads
- 16Grads/yr
- 24ACT mid
- B.S. Technology Education
- On-campus
About the programOffered through the University of Wisconsin-Stout's School of Education, this Bachelor of Science in Technology Education prepares students to teach hands-on technical subjects at the middle, junior high, and high school levels. The content is squarely applied, covering areas such as Computer-Aided Design, engineering, electronics, robotics, and material processing, and ambitious students can pursue an accelerated option that combines the bachelor's with a master's. Candidates put that knowledge to work through pre-student teaching and a student teaching placement in area schools like Altoona Middle School and Chippewa Falls High School. The degree leads to a Wisconsin DPI teaching license and is approved by the state under its PI 34 rules. For students who cannot attend in person, a separate fully online version of the degree is also available. Graduates of this technology teacher education program at the bachelor's level often go on to work as career.
Why it ranks hereProgram pageThree things decide where a program lands on this list: how many students finish, how selective it is, and what it costs. Start with the outcome that matters most, 55% of students graduate, top 43% among programs nationwide, which is the biggest reason it sits where it does. Admission is close to open access at 88%, so this is a program that bets on teaching students well rather than screening them out. Tuition is middle of the road for programs nationwide at $7,715 in state, so cost neither helps nor hurts its standing. On balance it is a well-rounded pick, which is what earns it a spot this high.
- 14
Valley City State University
43score- 53%Grad rate
- $6,619/yrIn-state tuition
- $11,583/yrOut-of-state tuition
- 99%Admit rate
- 1,651Undergrads
- 1Grads/yr
- 950SAT mid
- Bachelor of Science in Education (BSED), Technology Education
- Hybrid
About the programValley City State University's Bachelor of Science in Education in Technology Education prepares candidates for secondary licensure through a 120-credit program that balances general education, a hands-on major, and a full professional education sequence. Field experience is woven throughout, including a secondary practicum with classroom management, a placement in a culturally diverse or English-learner classroom, and nine credits of student teaching. Flexibility is a hallmark: coursework runs on campus or online, and online students even receive STEM kits so their learning stays as tactile as their classmates'. The Teacher Education Program holds CAEP accreditation and carries approval from the North Dakota ESPB. Students looking ahead can apply up to 15 graduate credits toward a future M.Ed., giving the degree momentum beyond the bachelor's. Graduates of this technology teacher education program at the bachelor's level often go on to work as career.
Why it ranks hereProgram pageWe rank on the things that actually shape a teaching degree: whether students finish, how hard it is to get in, and the price of admission. On completion, the heaviest factor, it lands mid-pack among programs nationwide at 53%, solid without being a standout. Admission is close to open access at 99%, so this is a program that bets on teaching students well rather than screening them out. Cost only helps its case: at $6,619 in state, tuition runs below the national median, so students are not paying a premium for those results. On balance it is a well-rounded pick, which is what earns it a spot this high.
- 15
University of Puerto Rico-Carolina
42score- 37%Grad rate
- $7,536/yrTuition (in or out of state)
- 55%Admit rate
- 2,576Undergrads
- 3Grads/yr
- 934SAT mid
- Bachillerato en Artes en Educación Secundaria con concentración en Educación en Tecnología
- On-campus
About the programThe University of Puerto Rico at Carolina offers a Bachillerato en Artes en Educación Secundaria with a concentration in Educación en Tecnología, formerly known as Artes Industriales, through the Departamento de Educación. The program prepares secondary teachers to organize, administer, and teach technological and occupational education in secondary schools and technical institutes. A related concentration in Educación Ocupacional is also offered. It is described as one of only two programs in Puerto Rico's public university system focused on technology and occupational teacher education, and it leads to licensure. Classes are held on campus. A bachelor's-level path in technology teacher education, it builds toward a career among career in Puerto Rico.
Why it ranks hereProgram pageThree things decide where a program lands on this list: how many students finish, how selective it is, and what it costs. The sticking point is completion, the factor we weigh most heavily: at 37% the graduation rate trails the national median, which caps how high it can climb. A 55% admission rate makes it moderately selective, neither a gatekeeper nor open enrollment. Tuition is middle of the road for programs nationwide at $7,536 in state, so cost neither helps nor hurts its standing. No single weakness drags it down, and that consistency lands it in the upper tier.
- 16
Northern Michigan University
41score- 52%Grad rate
- $13,374/yrIn-state tuition
- $18,996/yrOut-of-state tuition
- 84%Admit rate
- 6,684Undergrads
- 2Grads/yr
- Secondary Education Industrial Technology Major
- On-campus
About the programThe Secondary Education Industrial Technology major at Northern Michigan University prepares students to teach at the secondary level. Coursework in engineering technology forms the subject specialization, while the School of Education, Leadership and Public Service delivers the professional education sequence. Candidates gain classroom experience through a secondary practicum and a full student teaching placement, and the major does not require a minor. Offered on campus, it leads to Michigan secondary teacher certification. As a bachelor's degree in technology teacher education, it is one of the programs that lead to careers as career in Michigan.
Why it ranks hereProgram pageWe rank on the things that actually shape a teaching degree: whether students finish, how hard it is to get in, and the price of admission. On completion, the heaviest factor, it lands mid-pack among programs nationwide at 52%, solid without being a standout. A 84% admission rate makes it moderately selective, neither a gatekeeper nor open enrollment. The one drag is price, $13,374 in state, above the national median, so it earns its rank on outcomes rather than affordability.
- 17
San Francisco State University
40score- 50%Grad rate
- $6,084/yrIn-state tuition
- $18,684/yrOut-of-state tuition
- 96%Admit rate
- 19,444Undergrads
- 1Grads/yr
About the programSan Francisco State University houses its technology and design programs in the Department of Design and Industry. Offerings there include a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design, a Bachelor of Science in Visual Communication Design, a minor in Industrial Arts, and a Master of Arts in Design. These programs cover design and industrial technology for students pursuing careers in these fields. Graduates of this technology teacher education program at the bachelor's level often go on to work as career.
Why it ranks hereProgram pageThree things decide where a program lands on this list: how many students finish, how selective it is, and what it costs. On completion, the heaviest factor, it lands mid-pack among programs nationwide at 50%, solid without being a standout. Admission is close to open access at 96%, so this is a program that bets on teaching students well rather than screening them out. Cost only helps its case: at $6,084 in state, tuition runs below the national median, so students are not paying a premium for those results.
- 18
SUNY Buffalo State University
38score- 33%Grad rate
- $7,070/yrIn-state tuition
- $18,190/yrOut-of-state tuition
- 73%Admit rate
- 5,255Undergrads
- 12Grads/yr
- 1110SAT mid
- Technology Education, B.S.
- On-campus
About the programSUNY Buffalo State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Technology Education through the Career, Technical, and Science Education Department. The laboratory-oriented, on-campus program prepares students to teach technology and the technological systems used in problem solving across four core areas: construction, manufacturing, communication, and transportation. Graduates are recommended for an initial New York State certificate to teach technology education in grades K-12. Graduates of this technology teacher education program at the bachelor's level often go on to work as career.
Why it ranks hereProgram pageThe ranking rewards programs that graduate their students, stay at least somewhat selective, and keep tuition reasonable, so here is how this one measures up. The sticking point is completion, the factor we weigh most heavily: at 33% the graduation rate trails the national median, which caps how high it can climb. A 73% admission rate makes it moderately selective, neither a gatekeeper nor open enrollment. Cost only helps its case: at $7,070 in state, tuition runs below the national median, so students are not paying a premium for those results.
- 19
University of Southern Maine
34score- 40%Grad rate
- $9,180/yrIn-state tuition
- $27,030/yrOut-of-state tuition
- 79%Admit rate
- 5,525Undergrads
- 4Grads/yr
- 1120SAT mid
About the programUniversity of Southern Maine prepares secondary school teachers through a Secondary Teacher Education pathway for grades 6 through 12, available online. The route pairs one of nine subject-area majors with professional education coursework, so candidates study their teaching field in depth while learning to teach it in middle and high school classrooms. Earning a bachelor's degree in technology teacher education is a common route toward becoming one of Maine's career.
Why it ranks hereProgram pageIts place on the list comes down to outcomes, selectivity, and price, weighted in that order. The sticking point is completion, the factor we weigh most heavily: at 40% the graduation rate trails the national median, which caps how high it can climb. A 79% admission rate makes it moderately selective, neither a gatekeeper nor open enrollment. The one drag is price, $9,180 in state, above the national median, so it earns its rank on outcomes rather than affordability.
- 20
Old Dominion University
27score- 46%Grad rate
- $7,800/yrIn-state tuition
- $28,305/yrOut-of-state tuition
- 90%Admit rate
- 17,746Undergrads
- 3Grads/yr
- 1190SAT mid
- Career and Technical Education, Technology Education
- Online
About the programOld Dominion University's Bachelor of Science in Career and Technical Education, Technology Education is aimed at future teachers drawn to the hands-on, applied side of the classroom, preparing them for Virginia licensure in grades 6-12. Delivered through the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies, the 120-credit program asks students to complete at least 30 of those credits at ODU. The curriculum ranges across a striking breadth of applied fields, touching areas such as manufacturing, transportation, energy and power, and communication technologies before students step into a student teaching practicum and internship. Flexibility is a real draw here, since the degree is offered both on campus and fully online through ODUGlobal in accelerated eight-week courses. Because technology education is a designated critical shortage area in Virginia, the program also qualifies for TEACH Grant eligibility. As a bachelor's degree in technology teacher education, it is one of the programs that lead to careers as career in Virginia.
Why it ranks hereProgram pageIts place on the list comes down to outcomes, selectivity, and price, weighted in that order. The sticking point is completion, the factor we weigh most heavily: at 46% the graduation rate trails the national median, which caps how high it can climb. Admission is close to open access at 90%, so this is a program that bets on teaching students well rather than screening them out. Tuition is middle of the road for programs nationwide at $7,800 in state, so cost neither helps nor hurts its standing.
- 21
Rhode Island College
24score- 48%Grad rate
- $9,765/yrIn-state tuition
- $25,764/yrOut-of-state tuition
- 92%Admit rate
- 5,154Undergrads
- 3Grads/yr
- 995SAT mid
- Technology Education
About the programRhode Island College's Bachelor of Science in Technology Education, offered through the Department of Educational Studies within the Feinstein School of Education and Human Development, is a hands-on, workshop-driven degree. Prospective students should note that enrollment is currently suspended, though those already in the program are supported through to completion. The degree splits into two directions, a Teaching concentration that leads to full K-12 technology education certification in Rhode Island and a non-licensure Applied Technology concentration aimed at technical careers. At its core is a sequence of ten technical courses that put students to work with equipment such as CNC milling, 3D printing, laser cutting and etching, and robotics. The result is a program where making and teaching genuinely go hand in hand. A bachelor's-level path in technology teacher education, it builds toward a career among career in Rhode Island.
Why it ranks hereProgram pageThe ranking rewards programs that graduate their students, stay at least somewhat selective, and keep tuition reasonable, so here is how this one measures up. On completion, the heaviest factor, it lands mid-pack among programs nationwide at 48%, solid without being a standout. Admission is close to open access at 92%, so this is a program that bets on teaching students well rather than screening them out. The one drag is price, $9,765 in state, above the national median, so it earns its rank on outcomes rather than affordability.
- 22
Saint Cloud State University
15score- 40%Grad rate
- $8,811/yrTuition (in or out of state)
- 95%Admit rate
- 8,738Undergrads
- 5Grads/yr
- 1143SAT mid
- Technology Education
- AAQEP-accredited
- Hybrid
About the programSaint Cloud State University's Technology Education degree is a hands-on, lab-centered path to grades 5-12 licensure, granted through Minnesota's PELSB once the degree is complete. The coursework is unusually applied, moving from environmental studies and renewable energy into computer-aided design, electronics, and residential construction, with much of that work happening in the shops and labs of Headley Hall. Because faculty mentor the state's Project Lead the Way STEM initiative, candidates connect what they learn to a wider network of classrooms already teaching engineering and design. Student teaching and internships then translate that technical grounding into classroom readiness. Delivery is primarily on campus with a few courses online, and the program sits within a College of Education and Learning Design that holds membership in good standing with AAQEP. Graduates of this technology teacher education program at the bachelor's level often go on to work as career.
Why it ranks hereProgram pageThree things decide where a program lands on this list: how many students finish, how selective it is, and what it costs. The sticking point is completion, the factor we weigh most heavily: at 40% the graduation rate trails the national median, which caps how high it can climb. Admission is close to open access at 95%, so this is a program that bets on teaching students well rather than screening them out. The one drag is price, $8,811 in state, above the national median, so it earns its rank on outcomes rather than affordability.
How we rank
Each program is scored 0 to 100 against the other programs in its specialty: graduation rate (50%), selectivity by admission rate (30%), and affordability by in-state tuition (20%). Scores are percentile-based within the specialty, so they compare like with like. A program missing a field gets the neutral median for it, so it is neither rewarded nor punished. Earnings are intentionally excluded: federal per-school earnings are not yet published for education programs, and the field-level salary figure is identical for every school, so ranking on it would be meaningless. To keep the overall list from being dominated by a single state's public-university system, it shows at most 2 programs per state; the value, affordability, graduation-rate, and selectivity pages rank every program without that limit.
- Graduation rate: 50%
- Selectivity (admission rate): 30%
- Affordability (in-state tuition): 20%
What careers can you get with a bachelor's in Technology Teacher Education?
Graduates most often go on to work as career and technical education teachers. Nationally, the median wage for that occupation is $66,270, with most earning between $50,040 and $101,340, and roughly 111,420 people employed across the United States, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Technology and industrial-arts teachers are reported within career and technical education teachers.
Read the full guide on how to become a career and technical education teacher, or see career and technical education teachers pay by state →
Sources: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (SOC 25-2032), and BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are national and not school-specific.
Career and Technical Education Teachers Salary by State in 2026
Median annual wage for career and technical education teachers, by state. Highest is Washington at $101,180, lowest is Puerto Rico at $53,160.
| State | Median wage |
|---|---|
| Washington | $101,180 |
| Connecticut | $100,810 |
| Massachusetts | $98,020 |
| New Jersey | $83,770 |
| Rhode Island | $81,820 |
| California | $80,620 |
| New York | $79,820 |
| Delaware | $79,230 |
| Ohio | $79,230 |
| Vermont | $79,220 |
| Georgia | $78,760 |
| Oregon | $78,380 |
| Maryland | $78,320 |
| Alaska | $78,130 |
| Maine | $78,050 |
| Illinois | $77,950 |
| Michigan | $77,400 |
| New Hampshire | $76,320 |
| Pennsylvania | $75,760 |
| Virginia | $75,580 |
| Wisconsin | $74,310 |
| Colorado | $72,750 |
| Utah | $72,380 |
| South Carolina | $72,120 |
| Minnesota | $71,650 |
| New Mexico | $66,750 |
| Texas | $64,610 |
| Nevada | $64,510 |
| Nebraska | $63,180 |
| Arizona | $62,980 |
| Wyoming | $62,570 |
| Florida | $62,140 |
| Arkansas | $61,780 |
| Tennessee | $61,700 |
| North Dakota | $61,500 |
| Louisiana | $61,300 |
| Kentucky | $61,130 |
| Idaho | $60,510 |
| Alabama | $59,470 |
| Missouri | $59,300 |
| Oklahoma | $58,800 |
| North Carolina | $58,600 |
| Kansas | $58,300 |
| Mississippi | $57,910 |
| West Virginia | $57,760 |
| Iowa | $57,660 |
| Indiana | $56,390 |
| South Dakota | $56,070 |
| Montana | $55,190 |
| Puerto Rico | $53,160 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
How much a bachelor's in Technology Teacher Education program costs
Published in-state tuition across the 24 ranked bachelor's programs typically runs from $6,084 to $15,294 a year, with a median near $7,582. Most of that spread is public versus private: public universities charge state residents the least, while private colleges set a single sticker price that applies to everyone. 24 of the 24 programs here are public, which is usually where the lowest in-state numbers come from.
Sticker price is rarely what a student pays. Grants and scholarships lower the net cost, and future teachers have aid written specifically for them: the federal TEACH Grant provides up to $4,000 a year to students who agree to teach a high-need subject in a low-income school, and many states add service scholarships and loan-forgiveness programs for people who commit to the classroom. Two costs to watch are out-of-state tuition, which at public schools often runs two to three times the resident rate, and mandatory fees and living expenses, which the tuition figure leaves out entirely.
What none of this changes is the paycheck at the end. The median wage for career and technical education teachers is $66,270 regardless of where the degree was earned, so two graduates can reach the same salary having paid very different tuition to get there. That is exactly why affordability, essentially graduation rate per tuition dollar, is one of the factors we weight rather than an afterthought.
Sources: tuition and program data from IPEDS; the TEACH Grant from Federal Student Aid; wages from BLS OEWS.
How to get licensed to teach with a bachelor's in Technology Teacher Education
A bachelor's in Technology Teacher Education program prepares you academically, but teaching in a public school also requires a license issued by the state where you work. Every state runs its own credential, yet the path rhymes almost everywhere. You complete a state-approved preparation program, log supervised field experience that builds to a full term of student teaching, and pass one or more licensure exams, then apply to the state with a background check and, in most places, complete a mentored first year before the license becomes fully clear and renewable.
The exams are where states differ most. 37 of the 52 US jurisdictions use ETS's Praxis series to test basic skills and subject knowledge; the rest run their own, such as California's CBEST and CSET or New York's NYSTCE. A growing number also require a performance assessment like edTPA, in which candidates submit video and written evidence from their own student teaching. The grade-band and subject endorsements on your license, elementary versus a specific secondary subject, are set by the tests you pass and the program you complete.
Because the specifics are decided state by state, where you plan to teach matters as much as where you study. Licenses do not transfer automatically, though most states honor an out-of-state credential through interstate reciprocity, usually with some added coursework or testing. Check your target state's department of education for its exact requirements before you enroll.
Sources: licensure requirements from each state's department of education; the Praxis series from ETS; edTPA; programmatic standards from CAEP.
How does accreditation work in 2026 for a bachelor's in Technology Teacher Education?
Two different things get called accreditation, and only one of them gets you licensed. Institutional accreditation comes first: a regional accreditor such as SACSCOC, the Higher Learning Commission, or the Middle States Commission reviews the whole university, and it is what lets credits transfer and federal financial aid flow. Any college worth considering has it, but on its own it says nothing specific about the quality of the education program.
Program, or programmatic, accreditation is the education-specific layer. The national accreditor is CAEP, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, formed in 2013 when the two older bodies, NCATE and TEAC, merged; AAQEP is a newer alternative that a growing number of programs have adopted. A CAEP or AAQEP seal signals that the preparation program has been reviewed against national standards for clinical practice, content knowledge, and candidate outcomes.
The credential that actually licenses you, though, is state program approval. A state only allows its approved programs to recommend graduates for certification, so approval, not a national seal, is what turns your degree into a license, and it is also what makes interstate reciprocity possible. Plenty of strong programs carry state approval without a separate national accreditor, which is common and not a red flag. When you compare options, confirm two things: that the school is regionally accredited, and that the specific program is approved by the state where you intend to teach.
Programmatic accreditor: CAEP. State approval is granted by each state's department of education.
Ways to earn your bachelor's in Technology Teacher Education
A traditional four-year, on-campus bachelor's is the most common route into teaching, and for good reason: the degree leans on in-person field placements that build to a full term of student teaching. That said, 7 of the 24 ranked programs advertise an online or hybrid option, which can suit paraprofessionals and career-changers already working in schools; the clinical hours still take place in a real classroom near you.
You do not have to start at a four-year school. Many students spend their first two years at a community college, earn an associate's, and transfer in, which trims the cost of the early coursework, and statewide articulation agreements often guarantee the credits apply. If you already hold a bachelor's in another field, you can usually skip a second degree entirely and enter through an alternative-certification program or a master's-with-licensure route built for career-changers.
Whatever the format, the non-negotiable is supervised clinical practice. Every licensure-track program includes a student-teaching placement, and some now pair it with a paid, year-long residency alongside a mentor teacher, an increasingly common model that eases the unpaid-semester crunch traditional student teaching can create.
Sources: online and program counts from IPEDS; alternative-certification pathways per the US Department of Education.
How to become a technology and industrial arts teacher
The path runs from your degree through state licensure and into a supported first year in the classroom.
- 1
Earn the bachelor's degree
Complete a bachelor's in technology or industrial arts teacher education program, or a technical field paired with a state-approved teaching preparation program. Coursework covers technical subject areas plus how to teach them in a lab or shop.
- 2
Complete a state-approved prep program with student teaching
Finish an approved educator preparation program that includes supervised student teaching. This clinical experience in a real classroom is required for licensure in most states.
- 3
Pass the required licensure exams
Take the exams your state requires, which may include a Praxis series test or a state-specific exam covering technology education. Requirements vary by state.
- 4
Apply for your state teaching license
Submit your application to the state licensing agency, including a background check and fingerprinting. Your license will typically carry a technology education or career and technical education endorsement based on your coursework.
- 5
Complete a mentored first year
Many states pair new teachers with a mentor and require an induction period before granting a full license. This support helps you manage lab safety and project-based instruction early on.
Requirements summarized from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook and each state's department of education. Exact requirements vary by state.
Frequently asked questions about a Bachelor's in Technology Teacher Education
Do you need a bachelor's in technology education to teach technology or industrial arts?
To teach technology or industrial arts, you need at least a bachelor's degree, either in technology teacher education directly or in a technical field combined with a state-approved teacher preparation program. The preparation program qualifies you for an initial teaching license. Because these are career and technical education subjects, some states also weigh relevant industry experience.
How long does a bachelor's in technology education take?
A bachelor's degree typically takes about four years of full-time study, including the student teaching semester. If you already hold a technical degree or trade experience, an alternative certification route can be shorter. Timelines vary by state and program.
What do technology and industrial arts teachers earn with a bachelor's in technology education in 2026?
Technology and industrial arts teachers earn a median wage of $66,270, according to the BLS for Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School, the occupation category this specialty most often leads to. Pay depends on your state, district, experience, and the local salary schedule. Public school teachers are usually paid on a set scale that rises with service and additional degrees.
Do you need a teaching license with a bachelor's in technology education?
Yes, to teach in a public school you need a state license, and these positions usually require a technology education or career and technical education endorsement. Licensure comes from completing an approved preparation program, passing the required exams, and clearing a background check. Some states offer additional routes for candidates with strong technical or trade backgrounds.
Can you earn a bachelor's in technology education online?
You can earn some of a bachelor's in technology teacher education online, but the student teaching component and much of the hands-on lab work must be completed in person. Fully online options are limited because of the shop and supervised teaching requirements. Confirm any program is approved in the state where you plan to teach.
Is a bachelor's in technology education worth it?
A bachelor's in technology teacher education is worth it if you want to teach hands-on technical subjects, because it pairs shop and technology knowledge with licensure preparation. Technology and career and technical education teachers are often in demand, and the skills also transfer to training and curriculum roles. The ranking below lists program costs and graduation rates so you can weigh the investment.
Answers draw on IPEDS, the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, and each state's department of education.
Data sources for our Bachelor's in Technology Teacher Education ranking
- Program counts, tuition, graduation and admission rates: IPEDS, US Department of Education.
- Wages and employment outlook: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics and the Occupational Outlook Handbook.
- Program accreditation: CAEP; state licensure requirements from each state's department of education.
- Program descriptions: each school's official catalog and program pages.