Industrial Technology Major

• What is Industrial Technology?
• What are Some Specializations Within this Broad Major?
• What Kinds of Students Major in Industrial Technology?
• What Courses Do Industrial Technology Majors Take?
• List of Industrial Technology Jobs
• What is the Median Salary Range for Industrial Technology Careers?
• College and University Departments to Consider

What is Industrial Technology?

The industrial technology education (ITE) option prepares students to be certified as industrial technology education teachers. Industrial technology is also called vocational education, business education and technical training. These teachers may teach either or both, traditional aged students and older adults. They may teach in middle schools, high schools or community and vocational colleges. This major has two broad options and many opportunities for specialization. Generally, this discipline is intended to prepare vocational teachers for careers in either secondary or postsecondary workforce education settings. One can specialize in areas such as electronics, wood shop, culinary arts and automotive repair. However, because differences in curricular requirements exist in each course of study to meet the needs and interests individual students and to qualify them for teacher certification in their state. Many universities do not have the resources to offer all of the coursework needed to fulfill any or all of the requirements needed to obtain the technical specialization required, so coursework in the occupational teaching field must be taken at community colleges, trade schools or other educational sites.

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What are Some Specializations Within this Broad Major?

Various specializations related to a major in Industrial Technology may be offered by colleges and universities. These specializations may be of greater or lesser interest to you. A few of these specializations related to this field include, but are not limited to:

Automotive Repair	Business Skills
Computer Applications Usage	Construction
Construction Technology	Cosmetology
Culinary Arts	Electronics
Wood Technologies

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What Kinds of Students Major in Industrial Technology?

Students majoring in industrial technology are oriented toward working on particular, “hands-on” projects. They are less theoretically-oriented and more interested in doing things that result in hard outcomes. Some states require teachers to have work experience in a business/industry related to their teaching field. Students may even receive course credits for past work experience in lieu of subject area course work.

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What Courses Do Industrial Technology Majors Take?

The required and elective courses you would take for Industrial Technology majors vary considerably among institutions. Courses are listed here that are illustrative of the breadth of topics you are likely to experience were you to major in this field.

Applied Industrial Management	Career and Vocational Guidance
Curriculum and Instruction	Science / Mathematics / Technology in Occupations
Students with Special Needs	Supervised Work Experience
Teaching and Learning	Teaching Methods
Teaching Technology Education

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List of Potential Jobs in Industrial Technology

These professions and professional organizations illustrate the types of positions you might qualify for if you complete this major. Some majors are more directly related to employment than others, however. You should consider the likelihood of employment after graduation carefully, if you do not plan to go on for graduate work in a field. Even with the completion of graduate work in some fields, however, employment is difficult, so you should determine what the prospects are for this or any major. Employment possibilities are often enhanced by the selecting employment-related courses and by the enrollment in second major or in a minor.

Adult Education Teacher	Community College Teacher
High School Teacher	Industrial Trainer
Middle School Teacher	Trade School Teacher

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What is the Median Salary Range for Industrial Technology Careers?

U.S. Median Salary(starting):$49,500

U.S. Median Salary(mid-career):$79,600

Note: These numbers are national averages so you could make more or less than these amounts. Actual expected salaries will vary depending on your chosen career path, experience, and even your geographic location. Are you interested in detailed information about the forecasted demand for a particular profession? Are you interested in the estimated salaries such positions are likely to pay? This government Web site allows you to search on a particular job, whether listed here or not, to give you this information.

Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Colleges and Universities offering majors in Industrial Technology

MyMajors complete list has 721 schools in the USA with a major in Industrial Technology.
-View the national listing!

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For information on options available to campuses wishing to see their programs listed on MyMajors, contact for details.