Why Should I Get a Bachelor's Degree?

Explains benefits of pursuing a B.S. Degree

Why Should I Get a Bachelor's Degree?

Students may earn a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree by completing only 43 credits beyond the Vocational Instructional II certificate. State law does not require career and technical educators to have a baccalaureate degree, but many instructors choose to pursue the B.S. degree for any number of reasons, such as:

The courses are applicable toward Act 48 requirements.
A baccalaureate degree may make the teacher eligible for a pay raise.
The teacher may want to develop higher English and math skills to improve efforts to integrate the courses they teach.
The teacher may want to earn a degree equivalent to the credentials of academic peers.
The teacher may just want a degree as a personal goal.

Applying to the WF ED Degree Program

Go to http://www.psu.edu/admissions/steps/understanding/adultrequire.htm for directions and forms to apply to the WF ED Program as an Adult Learner.

Course Requirements

All course requirements beyond the Vocational Instructional II courses are in subjects other than Workforce Education and Development, such as math, English, science, and the arts. These courses are known as General Education requirements. Students must take a specific number of courses in several categories: nine credits in Writing and Speaking, six credits in Quantification, six credits in the Arts, six credits in the Humanities, six credits in Social and Behavioral Sciences, and three credits in Health and Physical Activity. When you choose courses, contact Dr. Walter by phone (814-865-2133) or by email (raw18@psu.edu) for advice that ensures your courses lead to your degree.

Course Convenience

If you are in the WF ED major as an Adult Learner, you may be able to substitute a course taken at an accredited higher education institution for a required Penn State course. This means you may be able earn your degree by taking classes at a community college or university close to your home. First, you need your advisor’s approval of the course. Before you enroll for that course closer to home, complete the Course Substitution Request (page 18) and send it with the other college’s description of the course to Dr. Walter [fax (814)863-7532].

Penn State Courses Offered Fall 2009

You also may take your courses at any campus of Penn State University. Refer to http://soc.our.psu.edu/soc/ for a complete list of the Penn State courses being offered in the Fall.