An online master’s degree in vocational & trade may prepare students to provide education in a specialized occupation, or take on a leadership role in vocational and technical schools. In this one to two-year program, students may learn how to develop a curriculum, prepare workshops and career academy lessons, and supervise lower-level vocational and trade instructors. Popular areas of concentration may include industrial training, vocational research, and allied health instruction.

Upon graduation, students may either seek employment or pursue a vocational and trade doctoral degree. Master’s-level graduates may gain employment in public school education, allied health education, and technical schools.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: Bachelor’s Degree
• Program Length: One to two years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Employment or Doctoral Program
• Projected Employment Growth: 2% (2010-2020)*

Program Concentrations

A vocational and trade master’s degree program may consist of specialized electives and core classes geared toward the student’s chosen area of concentration. Students may take courses such as occupational safety and health, organization of career and technical education, and strategies for technical related content. Possible areas of concentration for a master’s degree in vocational and trade may include the following:

• Industrial Training
• Vocational Administration
• Curriculum Development
• Vocational Research
• Technology Education
• Allied Health Instruction

Career Options

Master’s-level graduates may gain employment in vocational schools, high schools, allied health education facilities, and community colleges. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, career and technical education teaching employment is projected to increase by 2% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Community College Teacher
• Industrial Trainer
• Career and Technical Education Director
• Secondary School Career and Technical Education Teacher
• Vocational High School Teacher

Continuing Education

Students who successfully complete a vocational and trade master’s degree may have the opportunity to continue their education by enrolling in a doctoral degree program. A vocational and trade doctoral degree may prepare students for a career in higher education leadership.

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook