Business Education

This is an archived copy of the 2020-21 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://bulletin.ndsu.edu.

Business education is a multi-discipline program that will prepare students to be licensed as a business education teacher. The plan of study encompasses coursework from Teacher Education, Business, Computer Sciences, and Communication departments.  The Business Education major includes a broad range of content and professional education courses so that pre-service teachers fully understand (a) the discipline of Business Education, (b) current theories of adolescent development, and (c) current best practices in secondary instruction.  Students also apply their knowledge and build their teaching skills during multiple field experiences in local schools.

THE PROGRAM

Candidates in the Business Education major are prepared to teach students in grades 7-12 with creativity and confidence.  Students will gain knowledge and skills in business, management, marketing, accounting, computing, software development, web design, and database systems.  Our Professional Education courses prepare pre-service teachers to incorporate active learning strategies, to create effective methods for assessment, and to adjust instruction to accommodate diverse learners.

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION COURSES

Students may enroll in the 300-level professional education courses before their acceptance into the School of Education (SOE).  Prior to enrolling in the 400-level courses, students must complete the application for admission to the SOE; attain at least a 2.75 grade point average in their general course work and in their education courses.  Students must also pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators exam(s).  Additional requirements for admission are available on the School of Education website.

STUDENT TEACHING

Student teaching is the culmination of the teaching program.  In the semester before graduation, students apply the knowledge and skills acquired in their college courses to real-world classrooms under the supervision of experienced business teachers in middle-level or secondary schools.  Faculty members from NDSU conduct regular on-site visits to support, encourage, and evaluate student teachers so that they gain the confidence and ability to join the teaching profession after graduation.

STUDENT ADVISEMENT

An academic advisor works individually with Business Education majors to plan their programs of study and to advise and assist them as they progress to degree completion.  Students are encouraged to seek their advisor's help whenever needed.  Appointments with advisors can be scheduled through the Navigate online system found on the Student Affairs web page, https://www.ndsu.edu/enrollmentmanagement/studentsuccess/

CERTIFICATION

Upon completing this program, students are eligible for certification to teach Business in most states.  Our program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and approved by the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Secondary Business teachers are in high demand across the country, so our graduates usually obtain full-time employment in school districts shortly after graduation.  In addition to teaching careers, Business Education graduates can choose to seek advanced degrees in business or obtain careers as corporate trainers, managers, entrepreneurs, or in business.  Many options are available because a Business Education degree effectively teaches students to think critically, to synthesize information, to write and speak clearly and concisely, and to work effectively on teams.