Vocational Education (BVE)

The bachelor’s degree in Vocational Education program was introduced by California State Senator Swan in 1943 in an effort to assist vocational teachers in attaining their bachelor's degree without having to attend a full-time academic program. The degree program awards upper division academic credit to qualified candidates for their professional and teaching experience. This degree is unique in the California State University (CSU) system as it is the only degree that will award academic credit for these career experiences.

Besides the traditional vocational educator, the eligibility criteria for admittance into the program has been expanded to include public school systems (e.g., regional occupations programs and centers, special education personnel, adult schools, and community colleges), Employment Development Department (EDD), rehabilitation service providers, public safety agencies, public utilities, community-based organizations (CBOs), private career schools, military personnel, and private industry. The degree is available at San Diego State and is offered through the Department of Administration, Rehabilitation, and Postsecondary Education. This degree offering utilizes a different, more compressed learning format than the traditional semester, and it allows SDSU to present the coursework in a manner that is most accessible to the working adult student.

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Vocational Education (BE) is a preparation and training program for persons counseling, training, or teaching youth and /or adults in academic and vocational subjects. This includes adult education teachers at the high school level, private career schools, ROP instructions, community college instructors, technical trainers in fire and law enforcement, occupational safety and health professions instructors, vocational rehabilitation and employment development (EDD) specialists, military instructors, and human resources personnel in the private sector.

The degree program is unique because it only accepts adult transfer students with substantial occupational experience in their designated teaching subject area and prior teaching or training experience. Qualifying students are granted upper division academic credit based on a comprehensive evaluation of their occupational and teaching experience, and professional growth. The program is accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education.

Career Opportunities

Qualified candidates who hold this degree have been accepted to graduate programs at SDSU in such areas as Rehabilitation Counseling and Educational Leadership.

To further explore career options in this field, visit the Career Services Website for more information.

General Catalog

You can view more complete information regarding the Vocational Education program in the General Catalog. All students are responsible for reading and knowing the information pertinent to their areas of study available in the General Catalog. It contains requirements for all academic majors, course descriptions, policies, and regulations governing progress at the University. Catalogs are distributed at all Academic Orientation programs. To order a catalog, call (619) 594-7535.

Contact Information

Mailing address:

Department of Administration, Rehabilitation, and
Postsecondary Education (ARPE)
San Diego State University
3590 Camino Del Rio North
San Diego, CA 92108

Email: sbarnes@mail.sdsu.edu
Telephone: (619) 594-5443
Fax: (619) 594-8806
Office location: 3590 Camino Del Rio North, San Diego, CA 92108
Office hours: NA