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 meet 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 skills 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.
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, or entrepreneurs. Many options are available because a business education degree effectively teaches students to think critically, synthesize information, write and speak clearly and concisely, and to work effectively on teams.
Sample Program Guide
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This guide is not an official curriculum. This guide is a sample four-year degree plan of how students might plan this major with other degree requirements to complete their education in four years.Student plans will vary from this sample due to a variety of factors, such as, but not limited to, start year, education goals, transfer credit, and course availability. To ensure proper degree completion, enrolled students should utilize Degree Map and Schedule Planner in Campus Connection and consult regularly with academic advisors to ensure graduation requirements are being met.
