Technology Education

Technology Education Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.) With K-12 Teaching Certification

Technology Education

Prepare students for the future as a technology and engineering teacher.

Learn and teach some of the most essential skills in today's high-tech world. A bachelor's degree in technology education from PennWest California will give you in-depth knowledge of technological systems and solutions while preparing you for K-12 technology education teaching certification through the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

 In this four-year degree program you'll explore the universal model approach to technological problems, gain mastery of computer applications, and evaluate the social, cultural, economic and environmental impacts of technology.

Train well. Go Far.

  • PennWest California has a strong reputation as one of the high-quality technology education programs in the country.
  • The U.S. Department of Educationdesignated PennWest California's program as one of seven National Technology Education Demonstration Centers.
  • The International Technology and Engineering Educators Association's (ITEEA) Council on Technology and Engineering Teacher Education awarded PennWest California the Outstanding Technology Teacher Education Program

Program Highlights: Technology Education

Individual Attention: PennWest California's technology education program makes personal attention a priority. Average class sizes range from 10 to 20 students, allowing you to collaborate closely with your program professors and get individual academic support.

Top Accreditation: This program was one of the first in the nation to be accredited by the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association's (ITEEA) Council on Technology and Engineering Teacher Education and the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). We are continuing with NCATE's successor organization, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Learn more about applying.

97%
of technology education graduates have been employed during the past 12 years.
6 
Fully equipped on-campus technology labs. Manufacturing/fabrication. Information technology. Energy control systems. Research development and design. Bio-technology. Elementary school technology.
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Degree Benefits

Program degree courses in K-12 technology education will give you mastery of the latest teaching practices and theories while building your expertise in technology problem solving.

  • Develop knowledge and skills in technological tools, materials and processes.
  • Design, produce, use and evaluate products and systems with an emphasis on computer applications.
  • Integrate STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) concepts into your technology teaching practice.
  • Gain real-world student teaching experience in Pennsylvania schools.
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Degree Benefits

There is a significant shortage of technology education teachers within Pennsylvania and throughout the nation, which is projected to continue for the next decade. This has resulted in excellent placement rates, and most PennWest California graduates report receiving multiple job offers. Program alumni can be found in such positions as:

  • Technology teachers in elementary, middle, or high schools across Pennsylvania and the United States.
  • Technology teachers at the community college or university level (after attending graduate school).
  • Industrial and government positions.
  • Entrepreneurs and business owners.
Technology Education Bachelor's Degree
A PennWest California student works in a technology lab.

Laboratory Classes

As a technology education major you'll complete a series of hands-on laboratory classes related to the technological systems of communication, construction, manufacturing and transportation. These laboratory courses focus on bio-related, construction, information, manufacturing and transportation technologies.

Students grow plants in a lab.

TEAC (Technology Education Association of California) Student Club

Join a professional organization for students majoring in technology education. TEAC promotes a better understanding of technology education and encourages engagement in local public service projects and mentorship programs. You'll also have the opportunity to travel to state, national and international conferences.

A PennWest California instructor assists students.

A Model Program

PennWest California's technology education demonstration center was conducted as part of the Appalachian Technology Education Consortium Project, which involved more than three dozen school districts in southwestern Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia.

Technology Education Bachelor's Degree Courses

This comprehensive education degree combines laboratory courses with education classes to prepare you for a successful career in K-12 technology education. This undergraduate degree program meets all education requirements for teaching certification in Pennsylvania, and can be completed in eight semesters of full-time study.

Curriculum

Course Credits
General Education Courses 41
Building a Sense of Community
UNI 100  First-Year Seminar
1
Composition
ENG 101  English Composition I
3
Public Speaking
EDU 350  Supporting the English Language Learner
3
Mathematics and Quantitative Literacy
MAT 181 College Algebra
3
Health and Wellness
HSC 315  First Aid and Personal Safety
3
Technological Literacy
TED 316  Structural Design
3
Humanities
ESP 419  Evidence-Based Practices for K-12 Inclusion
3
Fine Arts
Any Fine Arts Course
3
Natural Sciences
Any Natural Sciences Course
4
Social Sciences
PSY 100  Psychology
3
Ethics and Multicultural Awareness 
EDU 310  Teaching in a Multicultural Society
3
General Education Options
  • Approved Literature Course (see list)
  • MAT 191  College Trigonometry
  • Approved Natural Sciences Course (see list)
9
   
Required Major Courses 58
TED 100  Introduction to Technology Education 3
TED 105  Communicating Technical Designs 3
TED 111  Information Systems 3
TED 126  Engineering Materials and Product Design 3
TED 210  Design and Appropriate Technology 3
TED 226  Applications and Processing of Engineering Materials 3
TED 300  Assessment and Instruction in Technology 3
TED 302  Energy and Control Systems 3
TED 304  Design in Bio-Related Technology 3
TED 335  Transportation Systems 3
TED 346  Digital Communications 3
TED 426  Manufacturing Enterprise 3
TED 436  Engineering Design and Development 3
TED 450  Teaching Technology in the Secondary School 3
TED 451  Teaching Technology in the Elementary School 3
TED 461  Technology Education Student Teaching 10
TED 462  Professional Practices in Technology Education 3
   
Required Related Courses 9
ESP 210  Special Education Foundations and Collaboration 3
ESP 311  Assessment and Positive Behavior Intervention 3
ITE 250  Introduction to Automation  OR  RET 110  Agile Robotics I 3
   
Related Electives 9
Approved Technical/Technological Courses (x3) 9
   
Free Electives 3
   
Total 120

Additional requirements, not counted toward the General Education requirements, include:

  • Special Experience Course (1 course required): TED 436 Engineering Design and Development
  • Writing-Intensive Component Courses (2 courses required): TED 450 Teaching Technology in the Secondary School AND TED 451 Teaching Technology in the Elementary School
  • Laboratory Course (1 course required): TED 304 Design in Bio-Related Technology

Program Notes:

  • Elective credits may be used toward a minor (see adviser).
  • Any TED course must be passed with a ā€œCā€ or better grade.
  • Approved Literature Courses: ENG 107, 125, 127, 148, 150, 155, 160, 203, 301, 302, 337, 338.
  • Approved Natural Sciences Courses: (one 4-credit LAB and one LAB or SCIENCE required):
    • LAB (4 credits): BIO 115, BIO 206, CHE 101, PHY 121.
    • SCIENCE (3 credits): EAS 163, ENS 101, PHS 120, PHS 137.
  • Approved Technical/Technological Electives: COM 141, 142, 241; THE 141; CSC 120 or above; any CET, EET, GCM, RET, ITE or TED course not already required by the major; or any other courses approved by adviser.
  • Developmental course credits do not count toward graduation, but are calculated in the GPA.

Admission to Teacher Education Window: 

  • 48-65 credits.
  • Admission/Retention form signed.
  • C or better grades in 6 credits of Composition/English Literature.
  • C or better grades in 6 credits of Math.
  • C or better grade in TED 100 Preservice Teacher Professional Disposition Instrument Level 2.
  • Document Act 34, Act 114 and Act 151 clearances.
  • Pass PAPA exams in Reading, Writing, Math (modules 1-3).
  • 2.80 GPA overall.

Recommendation for Student Teaching (required 1 semester prior):

  • Due Jun. 1 for Fall, Nov. 1 for Spring.
  • 3.00 GPA overall (at time of application and start of student teaching).
  • C or better grade in each TED course.
  • TB test.
  • Pass Praxis II TED exam (0051) and Fundamental Subjects exam (0511).
  • Current Act 34, 114 and 151 clearances, valid through student teaching.
  • Pass Live Text Performance Principles Portfolio review.
  • $1 million liability insurance policy.