Business Education

Business education is a multi-disciplinary program that will prepare teacher candidates 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 teacher candidates fully understand (a) the discipline of business education, (b) current theories of adolescent development, and (c) current best practices in middle and secondary instruction. Teacher candidates also apply their knowledge and build their teaching skills during multiple clinical experiences in local schools.

THE PROGRAM

Candidates in the business education major are prepared to teach students in grades 5-12 with creativity and confidence. Teacher candidates will gain knowledge and skills in business, management, marketing, accounting, computing, software development, web design, and database systems.  Our professional education courses prepare teacher candidates to incorporate active learning strategies, create effective methods for assessment, and adjust instruction to accommodate diverse learners.

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION COURSES

Teacher candidates may enroll in the 300-level professional education courses before being formally admitted to the School of Education (SOE). Prior to enrolling in the 400-level courses, teacher candidates must complete the application for admission to the SOE; attain at least a 2.75 grade point average in overall course work and education courses. Teacher candidates must also pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators exam or meeting minimum scores on the ACT+.  Additional requirements for admission are available on the School of Education website.

STUDENT TEACHING

Student teaching (clinical practice) is the culmination of the teaching program.  During the clinical practice, teacher candidates apply the knowledge and skills acquired in their college courses to real-world classrooms under the supervision of experienced business teachers in middle 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.

LICENSURE

Upon completing this program, teacher candidates are eligible for teacher licensure in Business education 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 (ESPB).

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

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.

Sample Program Guide

Please note this is a sample program guide and not an official curriculum.  Actual student schedules for each semester will vary depending on start year, education goals, applicable transfer credit, and course availability. Once admitted, students are encouraged to work with their assigned academic advisor on a regular basis to review degree progress.