Undergraduate programs

Cost-competitive tuition

Murray State offers high-quality education at an affordable rate.

Academic options

Explore your academic options by choosing a certificate, associate degree or a bachelor's degree at Murray State.

Associate of Science in Career and Technical Education

All of our program options build upon one another, making the Associate of Science in Career and Technical Education degree a great starting point for those hoping to secure an entry-level college degree and for in-service teachers wanting to obtain a rank change.

Undergraduate Certificate

The undergraduate certificate in Career and Technical Education is a 12-credit-hour certificate designed for the in-service, occupational-based teacher.

Bachelor of Science in Career and Technical Education

With the Bachelor of Science in Career and Technical Education, you may choose from four different specialty areas.

Business and Marketing Education

The Business and Marketing Education bachelor's degree program at Murray State University is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). In addition, Murray State is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The accreditation of the academic program assures students a high-quality education and greater opportunities in the employment market.

Career Outlook

Prepare for a career as a teacher at the middle or secondary school level. The job market is positive and growing with teaching positions increase in number each year. Many regions currently have a shortage of teachers, and a nationwide teacher shortage has been projected. With additional education and experiences, business educators are qualified for such positions as business managers, department chairs, and area coordinators of centers for career and technical education.

For those with at least four years of experience in the field of business and marketing, the occupational based route to the 5-12 classroom may be an option.  Contact the Kentucky Department of Education Office of Career and Technical Education for more details on certification requirements. Once employed in a teaching position, Murray State accepts the state tuition waiver for the occupation-based teacher pursuing the CTE Occupation Based Rank 1 Bachelor of Science degree (see Occupational Based teacher Education below). 

Accreditation

The Business and Marketing Education bachelor's degree program at Murray State University is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). In addition, Murray State is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The accreditation of the academic program assures students a high quality education and greater opportunities in the employment market.

Engineering and Technology Education

As an Engineering and Technology Education graduate, you will be prepared to teach in technology education programs that are offered in most middle and secondary schools. A nationwide movement in support of this program ensures that graduates have excellent employment prospects. The diversity of the Engineering and Technology Education program will provide you with an overview of an industrial setting that is sought by employers

Career Outlook

If you desire to serve society, there may be no better way than through engineering and technology education. There is a demand for technology teachers of all occupational areas. This is due to the renewed emphasis on preparing people for the world of work in schools, community colleges, and adult programs in Kentucky and in our nation.

Accreditation

The Engineering and Technology Education bachelor's degree program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Family and Consumer Sciences Education

A degree in Family and Consumer Sciences Education can provide a variety of career options with cooperative extension services, businesses, family resource centers, and schools. Family and Consumer Sciences Education includes teaching others about content areas of family and consumer sciences, including family studies, nutrition and food science, textiles and apparel production and analysis, resource management, consumer skills, and living environments. Graduates can teach in middle, secondary, or post-secondary classrooms, but there are also opportunities as educators or program directors with other family-related agencies.

Students in the Family and Consumer Sciences Education program may also become active members in the Murray State chapter of Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), a student organization.

Career Outlook

A career in family and consumer sciences can provide a good income and will give you the satisfaction of helping others. The primary responsibility of this profession is to help individuals and families solve daily living problems associated with their family, job, and other life roles. There is a shortage of family and consumer sciences teachers in the state of Kentucky and in the nation. It is predicted that this shortage will exist for at least ten years because of teacher retirements. Teachers and early childhood professionals will continue to be needed to ensure that children and youth are prepared for their futures as family members and as professionals.

Accreditation

The Family and Consumer Sciences Education bachelor's degree program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE).

Occupational Based Teacher Education

In-service teachers can obtain a rank change in career and technical education (grades 5-12) when combined with an appropriate associate’s degree.

Murray State accepts the state tuition waiver for the occupation-based teacher pursuing the CTE Occupation Based Rank 1 Bachelor of Science degree. 

Accreditation

Murray State is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.