Bemidji State Launches Unique Four Year Pathways to CTE Licensure

Bemidji State University unveiled two new undergraduate pathways on December 9, 2025, designed to produce licensed career and technical education teachers ready for Tier 2 and higher licenses from the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board. The pathways are in Construction Careers in CTE and Art and Communications Technology in CTE. Each program integrates technical and industry coursework with the professional education credits required for state licensure so students can earn a bachelor degree while meeting licensing benchmarks.

University officials framed the new pathways as a direct response to Minnesota's shortage of licensed CTE teachers. That shortage has implications for Beltrami County schools, where districts relying on Perkins federal funding must document qualified instructors to maintain program support. By aligning undergraduate curricula with both industry standards and PELSB requirements, the programs reduce barriers for schools to place licensed instructors in shop, technology, and arts classrooms that feed local employers.

The pathways include technical major coursework paired with education credits necessary for licensure, and core general education courses are available in online formats to improve geographic and schedule flexibility. For students in Beltrami County and greater northern Minnesota, that means reduced travel and the ability to combine work in local firms or trade settings with degree progress. Local employers in construction, media, and visual arts stand to gain from a more steady pipeline of instructors who can also coordinate work based learning and apprenticeship partnerships.

From a fiscal and workforce perspective, producing more licensed CTE teachers can improve program stability in K 12 schools, protect districts access to Perkins funds tied to staff credentials, and better align secondary instruction with local labor demand. Over time, a stronger cadre of CTE educators can raise credentialing rates among graduates, help meet employer needs for skilled labor, and support economic resilience in Beltrami County communities.

The university positions these offerings as the only four year undergraduate pathways of their kind in Minnesota, potentially making Bemidji State a focal point for students and districts seeking integrated teacher preparation in technical fields.