Masters in Career and Technical Education

The new Masters in Career and Technical Education (MCTE) program is offered exclusively at Concordia University. The program provides a core of career and technical education (CTE) classes to train and support teachers seeking a masters degree. Candidates can take courses online or in the traditional classroom setting, and class schedules are designed around teacher work schedules and school district calendars.

For more information, contact Dr. Ron Dexter

The Goal of the MCTE

Concordia's MCTE program is designed specifically for professional technical teachers or prospective candidates who seek a CTE teaching position at the high school or community college level.

Upon program completion, MCTE candidates will demonstrate:

  1. The ability to effectively promote CTE programs and establish partnerships with businesses and the community.
  2. The ability to analyze and advocate for important CTE legislation.
  3. Knowledge and application of CTE program quality assurance assessment criteria established by the Oregon Department of Education (ODE)
  4. An understanding of leadership contributions made by all teachers related to their roles in the classroom, the school, the district and the profession.
  5. Skills in developing, implementing and assessing curricular and instructional plans that integrate disciplines, apply current educational research findings, encourage parental involvement, consider students' developmental levels, and exhibit sensitivity to individual student difference and cultural backgrounds.
  6. Skills in the application and integration of new technologies to enhance the teaching and learning processes.
  7. Skills in the design, implementation, and presentation of an action research project developed expressly to improve classroom instruction and student learning outcomes.
  8. An appreciation for the Christian perspective and its emphasis on service as a fundamental element of successful teaching and learning.
  9. The ability to effectively engage colleagues in an ongoing study of current best practices, relevant research and demographic data, and analyze their implications for school improvement.
  10. Techniques that support the development of positive school-community relations.
  11. Effective partnering with parents to assist school staff in achieving district and/or building goals.
  12. Collaborative development of a learning organization that meets the needs of students within the constraints of school, district, and community resources and priorities.
  13. Values, ethics, beliefs and attitudes that achieve the education goals of the state, district, and local school communities.
  14. A desire to continue professional and personal growth in the leadership of CTE.

MCTE Course Requirements

The MCTE utilizes existing courses from Concordia's current TSPC-approved curriculum for the M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction, as well as the career and technical core classes.

  • EDU 506 – Basic Teaching Skills (2)
  • EDU 537 – Assessment & Evaluation of Teaching and Learning (2)
  • EDU 549 – Classroom Management (3)
  • EDU 567 – Teaching Career and Technical Education (3)
  • EDU 569 – CTE Seminars
    1. Establishing Business & Community Partnerships (1)
    2. Legislative Bill Tracking & Analysis (1)
    3. CTE Program Promotion (1)

13 semester hours

M.Ed. Core & Capstone Courses:

  • EDU 500 – Professional Planning Seminar (1)
  • EDU 602 – Contemporary Educational Thought (3)
  • EDU 535 – Theories of Teaching & Learning (3)
  • EDU 595 – Community of Learners (3)
  • EDU 601 – Ed. Research (3)
  • EDU 620 – School & Community Partnerships (3)
  • EDU 698 – Action Research (3)
  • EDU 697 – Professional Assessment Seminar (1)

20 semester hours

TOTAL = 33 semester hours

In some cases, MCTE students may be required to complete a practicum experience. EDU 599 — Practicum is available for those who lack teaching experience or the required number of hours of related work experience.

You may begin the program with any course. However, it is recommended that EDU 567 — Teaching Student-centered CTE be taken your first semester or at least by the second semester of program entry.

Entry Requirements

All applicants for the MCTE need to provide:

  1. A completed graduate application
  2. Proof of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution via official transcript. A 2.8 cumulative GPA for undergraduate work, and a 3.0 for graduate work.
  3. For international students, a passing score of 230 (350 paper-based) on the Computer Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) taken within the last two years.
  4. Two letters of reference, written within the last 12 months, affirming the applicant's potential for working successfully with children.
  5. A letter of intent (no more than one page in length) explaining:
    1. Why you desire entry into the program
    2. A statement of your related work experience, personal goals and professional goals
  6. Oregon candidates, only, must complete the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission personal character questionnaire
  7. Admission to candidacy requires a formal screening interview with the Director of Career and Technical Education.

Submit the above items to:

The Office of Admission
Concordia University
2811 NE Holman St.
Portland, OR 97211-6099