Computer Teacher Education: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for educators aiming to lead in the digital age, this program equips future instructors with the pedagogical expertise and technical depth required to deliver effective computer science and technology education across K–12 and postsecondary settings. Graduates emerge ready to shape the next generation of digital thinkers through innovative, standards-aligned instruction.
- Computer Science Fundamentals: Explores core concepts such as algorithms, data structures, programming logic, and computational thinking to build a strong foundation in the principles of computer science.
- Technology Integration in Education: Focuses on strategies for embedding digital tools and platforms into classroom instruction to enhance learning outcomes and support diverse student needs.
- Curriculum Development for Computing: Teaches how to design, implement, and assess age-appropriate computer education curricula aligned with national and state standards.
- Instructional Methods in STEM: Emphasizes evidence-based teaching techniques tailored to STEM disciplines, with a focus on active learning, project-based approaches, and student engagement in technology-rich environments.
- Educational Technology Tools: Provides hands-on experience with software, hardware, and learning management systems used in modern classrooms to support teaching, assessment, and collaboration.
- Assessment and Data-Driven Instruction: Covers methods for evaluating student learning in computing contexts, including formative and summative assessments, and using data to inform teaching practices.
Computer Teacher Education Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Computer Teacher Education Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Computer Teacher Education degrees, including Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary, Education Teachers, Postsecondary and Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 1,788,240 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1021 | $96,690 | $48,910 - $172,380 | 36,240 | N/A |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1081 | $72,090 | $38,650 - $126,450 | 59,090 | N/A |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education 25-2031 | $64,580 | $47,330 - $104,670 | 1,072,540 | N/A |
| Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education 25-2022 | $62,970 | $47,050 - $100,980 | 620,370 | N/A |
Computer Teacher Education Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $56,100 in Mississippi to $104,635 in California—a 87% difference. The highest-paying states include California, New York, and Massachusetts. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 1,788,240 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Computer Teacher Education by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 24 institutions offering Computer Teacher Education programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Computer Teacher Education is found at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) (98 graduates), Northwestern College (NWC) (67 graduates), Elizabethtown College (44 graduates), Molloy College (23 graduates), and Ashland University (12 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 306 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Valley State University (GVSU) |
Bachelor's
|
98 | Allendale, Michigan | Public | gvsu.edu |
| Northwestern College (NWC) |
Postbac Cert.
|
67 | Orange City, Iowa | Private | nwciowa.edu |
| Elizabethtown College |
Postbac Cert.
|
44 | Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania | Private | etown.edu |
| Molloy College |
Postbac Cert.
Post-Master's
|
23 | Rockville Centre, New York | Private | molloy.edu |
| Ashland University |
Master's
|
12 | Ashland, Ohio | Private | ashland.edu |
| George Washington University (GW) |
Master's
|
10 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | gwu.edu |
| Montclair State University |
Postbac Cert.
|
8 | Montclair, New Jersey | Public | montclair.edu |
| Teachers College at Columbia University (TC) |
Master's
|
8 | New York, New York | Private | tc.columbia.edu |
| California State University |
Postbac Cert.
|
6 | Los Angeles, California | Public | calstatela.edu |
| Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) |
Master's
|
6 | University Center, Michigan | Public | svsu.edu |
| CUNY Hunter College |
Master's
|
4 | New York, New York | Public | hunter.cuny.edu |
| Manhattanville College |
Master's
|
3 | Purchase, New York | Private | mville.edu |
| University at Albany (UAlbany) |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 | Albany, New York | Public | albany.edu |
| Michigan State University (MSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | East Lansing, Michigan | Public | msu.edu |
| Northwest Missouri State University |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Maryville, Missouri | Public | nwmissouri.edu |
| Bowling Green State University (BGSU) |
Other Award
|
2 | Bowling Green, Ohio | Public | bgsu.edu |
| Arkansas Tech University (ATU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Russellville, Arkansas | Public | atu.edu |
| University of Northern Colorado (UNCO) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Greeley, Colorado | Public | unco.edu |
| Northwestern State University of Louisiana (NSULA) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Natchitoches, Louisiana | Public | nsula.edu |
| St Catherine University (St. Kate’s) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Private | stkate.edu |
| Coastal Carolina University (CCU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Conway, South Carolina | Public | coastal.edu |
| Dakota State University (DSU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Madison, South Dakota | Public | dsu.edu |
| Marshall University |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Huntington, West Virginia | Public | marshall.edu |
| Augusta University (AU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Augusta, Georgia | Public | augusta.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Computer Teacher Education programs
How much can I earn with a Computer Teacher Education degree?
Salaries for Computer Teacher Education graduates vary by role and location. Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $96,690 annually, while Education Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $72,090. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $104,635 compared to $56,100 in Mississippi. Approximately 1,788,240 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Computer Teacher Education programs?
Currently 24 accredited institutions offer Computer Teacher Education degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Grand Valley State University (GVSU) (98 graduates), Northwestern College (NWC) (67 graduates), and Elizabethtown College (44 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Computer Teacher Education growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 783 in 2010 to 306 in 2023-24. This represents a 61% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Computer Teacher Education degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary, Education Teachers, Postsecondary, and Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education. Related occupations employ approximately 1,788,240 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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