Program Overview

Occupational Education Studies Program

The Occupational Education Studies program at Western Michigan University is designed for individuals who wish to become certified teachers in technical programs at technical centers, comprehensive high schools, or trade academies.

Program Overview

Completed in partnership with 14 Michigan community colleges, the program is approved by the Michigan State Board of Education and North Central Accreditation for Teacher Education. It leads to a State of Michigan Provisional Certificate with a vocational endorsement.

Program Requirements

As an occupational education studies student at WMU, you will be required to complete a full-semester internship under the mentorship of selected teachers in schools approved by the University. The internship is designed to prepare you not only for your role as a classroom teacher but also as a professional studying your own teaching practice. Both school and WMU faculty will work together closely to support and assist you as you progress through the semester.

Career Outcomes

Recent WMU graduates with degrees in occupational education studies are working as:

• Teachers in grades six through 12
• Career and technical skills center teachers
• Community college instructors
• Alternative education teachers in grades six through 12

Among the organizations they work for are:

• Schools
• Comprehensive high schools
• Community colleges
• Career and technical skills centers
• Trade academies

Program Location

The program is offered in Kalamazoo.

Related Programs

Other programs of interest include:

• Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher Education
• Industrial Technology Education
• Pre-Secondary Education