Program Introduction

The PET-AIR/BVE Program is a Bachelor's level training certificate program that addresses the academic goals of the Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Professional. Tribal Vocational rehabilitation (under Section 121 of the Rehabilitation Act) professionals that have an Associates Degree in any human service or education related field is eligible to apply for PET-AIR/BVE. This program is designed for current Tribal VR professionals that want to work towards finishing their BA level coursework. The PET-AIR/BVE program provides 21 "CORE" units for the BVE degree. After completion of PET-AIR/BVE students can apply their earned units towards their BA degree at SDSU. Generally the AA degree has 60 units. These units would help Tribal VR professionals work towards their 120-unit Bachelor's degree.

The PET-AIR/BVE Certificate Program will partner with the current SDSU BVE Program.

Note: There is an option for students that are eligible for the Swan Bill to earn a BVE degree through this certificate program. (Please review general BVE information section).

PET-AIR information

PET-AIR/BVE is a natural feeder program for SDSU's PET-AIR Master's level program in Rehabilitation Administration. Tribal VR Professionals are currently working towards their MS and/or Ph.D. degrees utilizing the PET-AIR masters level certificate program units for transfer.

The PET-AIR is comprised of two separate programs: the BVE certificate program (BS level) and the Rehabilitation Administration certificate program (MS/Ph.D. level).

**NOTE: There is a "payback" criteria for participation in this program. As a result of receiving this scholarship opportunity, there is a 2-year commitment to work in public rehabilitation (i.e. Tribal VR).   

Medicine Wheel

Program Highlights  

• Designed specifically for community college and Tribal College transfer students
• Required coursework (21 units) available through SDSU Extended Studies
• Flexible course times that will accommodate most employment schedules
• Off-campus course offerings
• Distance learning options

Students

BVE students are typically older, working adults with busy schedules. All have been teachers, trainers, VR counselor, technicians or supervisors at some point in their careers. The BVE curriculum has been designed around these considerations.

BVE Faculty

Faculty are outstanding instructors with prior career experience in postsecondary education leadership, public education, vocational rehabilitation, government programs, research and training, and military instructional systems.

Coursework

The "CORE" BVE coursework consists of seven classes (21 units) offered on an accelerated schedule. Classes are offered over 3 separate one week sessions at Interwork Institute with distance learning activities between sessions. Thus, it is possible to complete all required coursework in twelve to fourteen months. All classes are conducted at the Interwork Institute, a research and training center that is part of ARPE. The facility is located off-campus in Mission Valley, with ample free parking. The Interwork Institute is a fully accessible facility.

SDSU Program Address

Department of Administration,
Rehabilitation, and Postsecondary Education (ARPE)
3590 Camino del Rio North
San Diego , CA 92108
(619) 594-6115
www.interwork.sdsu.edu

Bachelor's Degree in Vocational Education (BVE)

The Bachelor's in Vocational Education was introduced by California State Senator Swan in 1943 (Senate Bill 752) 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 Occupational Programs and Centers, Special Education personnel, adult schools, and community colleges), Employment Development Department (EDD), rehabilitation services 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 University and is offered through the Department of Administration, Rehabilitation, and Postsecondary Education.

The following represent the range of professionals who have benefited from this program

ROP Instructors
Law Enforcement Officer Trainers
Fire Department Instructor
Human Resources Program Manager
Health Occupations Instructors
Adult Education/Tribal Community
College Instructors
Vocational Educators
Military Trainers

Job Training Instructors and other interested in careers in the teaching of adults or providing professional/vocational training.

Funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Rehabilitative Services Administration, H129L030005

PET-AIR/BVE Program contact:

PET-AIR/BVE Program Director:
Bobbie J. Atkins, Ph.D., CRC
619-594-1569
batkins@mail.sdsu.edu

PET-AIR/BVE Program Coordinator:
Jim E. Warne, MS
OglalaLakota Nation
619-594-6163
jwarne@interwork.sdsu.edu

Advising/General BVE Program Coordinator
Stephen F. Barnes, Ph.D.
619-594-8806
sbarnes@mail.sdsu.edu

Visit the PetAIR BVE Community Pages