Overview of a Bachelor’s in Business Teaching
A Bachelor's in Business Education allows you to teach subjects like accounting, finance, and business honors to middle and high school students. This degree combines business and education courses, such as classroom management and other teacher education courses, to prepare you for a teaching career. While some business educators earn a Bachelor's in Business (e.g., human resource management or business administration) and later transition to teaching, others may pursue an online Master’s degree for college-level teaching. Completing a state-approved teacher preparation program is essential for entering this rewarding profession.such as courses in effective classroom management. However, it's good to know that most business teachers actually earn a bachelor's in business degree - whether that's in human resource management, project management, business administration or business management or other related business degrees - and then they work as business professionals before teaching at the college level after earning an online master's degree.
When you decide that business education is the special endorsement you want for your teaching certificate, be sure to research which schools offer this. It's not a typical offering, but students may find an education major and support this career goal with a secondary business degree. If you have a long tenure in business, or a business degree, you might be able to pass the appropriate PRAXIS examination, though you'll still need to complete the appropriate teacher education courses from a state university or college with program accreditation to become a business teacher.
Read MoreA bachelor's business education degree program that leads to a teaching certificate is a course of study that covers all areas of the teaching profession. Programs are typically divided according to grade levels, with tracks for aspiring elementary, middle grades, and secondary teachers. If you want to teach business education, you will likely need a certificate to teach at the high school level, though your state may confer a certificate that also covers middle grades.
Your university should offer a special track for business education that will prepare you for the PRAXIS subject matter test, which is vital for your license. If they don't offer that specific endorsement area, you might be able to take business classes as part of a minor concentration so that you have the knowledge needed for the licensing examination. You can talk to your adviser about your chosen area of specialty so that you are well-prepared for your first day in the classroom.
PROS
Completing a Bachelor’s in Business Education is an excellent way to start a career as a vocational teacher or transition into teaching business administration, human resource management, or project management at the college level. Teachers must be knowledgeable in their subject to pass state-approved exams and effectively teach students. A Bachelor’s in Business Education can also open doors to business careers, as the skills and knowledge gained in teaching are transferable to roles in business, such as marketing, human resources, and analysis. Business degrees are available through both online and local programs.
Most importantly, your bachelor’s degree will allow you to attain state licensure and become a business teacher in both public and private schools, though you'll need a business education master's to teach business majors or other students at a state university or college teacher education programs.
CONS
A potential downside of earning a Bachelor’s in Business Education is that job opportunities are primarily focused on teaching business, which is less common than teaching science or math. Some students may complete their student teaching experience and realize that teaching isn't the right path for them.
On the other hand, those who enjoy teaching may need a master’s degree to earn a higher salary or teach business administration or other business degrees at a state university. Teachers also must complete Continuing Education Units to maintain their license, which can involve added expenses and time commitment.
Another downside to a bachelor’s in business education degree program is that the field can be quite narrow. Where many high schools may have many science, literature, and history teachers, they might only have one business education teacher. That may lead you to pursue additional endorsements, which is an added burden of money, energy, and time with less financial aid available at each progressive level.
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Certificate vs. Bachelor's
What Business Teaching Degrees At This Level are Available Online?
- Online Bachelor of Science in Education – Business Endorsement:
A BS degree is a four-year degree that tends to focus on hard, scientific data. These degrees may cover many of the same topics as a BA, but the course content is bound to emphasize hard statistical numbers related to education. This degree type might be preferable to those with a mind for business. - Online Bachelor of Arts in Education – Business Endorsement:
A BA in Education is a four-year degree that should help prepare you for a state teaching credential. This degree is much like a BS and will cover much of the same material. However, your BA courses might emphasize group projects, experiential learning, and philosophical ideas over hard statistical data.
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Business Education Admission Requirements
Every online business education degree or program has its own admissions requirements. Some online programs only rely on the larger institution's admission requirements, but then enforce GPA minimums for all students when they send in their high school diploma. However, you should always strive for the highest possible GPA in high school and even when you are completing your business education associate degree. Generally speaking, you should consider a 2.5 GPA as a minimum. If you maintain that level of academic achievement, you should be able to attend a good online education program.
If you are an adult returning to school, you may need to account for your time out of school by presenting a resume along with your admission packet. You should also be prepared to submit any and all academic transcripts. The best part about an online business degree is that you can fit it in around your other personal and professional obligations.
How long does it take to earn these degrees?
It should take you approximately four years to complete your online bachelor’s degree in business education. However, these days, undergraduate students tend to take more time than that, often six years or more. If your online business degree program will allow such a protracted time in school, you might consider that, but we recommend against it. Rather, try to complete your degree in a timely fashion. If you have added responsibilities, such as work and family, create a plan of action prior to admission. You may need to set aside time and even cut back on work hours so that you can complete your degree in a reasonable time frame. After all, your degree will open the doors you really want to pass through, and nobody can ever take your education away.
Potential Careers with a Bachelor’s
- High School Teacher:
This is the job you are probably aiming for when you set out to complete a business education bachelor's degree. High school teachers conduct classes for secondary school students in general and specialty areas, such as business. You might teach up to 150 students during a single day at your high school.
High school teachers earn an average salary of $49,000. - Middle School Teacher:
Middle grades is generally a three-grade period between sixth and eighth grade. Students tend to range in age between 12 and 14 and are in transition from elementary to high school. Your job will be to deliver the state curriculum for your subject area, such as business or science.
The average salary for middle grades teachers is $48,000. - Education Paraprofessional:
Paraprofessionals might also be called teacher's aides. This is generally not a licensed position, but state regulations vary on this matter. This is a great position to take if you don't yet have your full teacher's credential or if you are seeking a job where you can use your full teacher's credential. Paraprofessionals can specialize in specific age groups and many work with special education children who are included in mainstream classrooms.
The average salary for paraprofessionals is $20,000. - Special Education Teacher:
Special education requires special people. The field can include students with visual or hearing impairments, children who are ADD, dyslexic, or who have more pronounced cognitive disabilities. SPED teachers tend to have fewer students, but they spend more time with them and must complete individualized education plans (IEP), which are very work intensive.
The average annual salary for a SPED teacher is $50,000. - Technical Writer:
This is a good alternative career for education majors and some teachers take technical writing work to supplement their income. The job title covers a wide array of writers who produce instructional documents. Some write software instructions and others write grant proposals. Business education teachers might even help people create business proposals.
The average annual salary for a technical writer is $59,000.
Salary by Occupation
| Occupations | Entry-Level | Mid-Career | Late-Career |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher | $44,000 | $48,100 | $61,600 |
| Trainer (HR) | $41,600 | $54,900 | $60,300 |
| Assistant Professor | $58,000 | $60,000 | $65,000 |
| Professor | $60,100 | $69,500 | $99,900 |
| Consultant | $62,500 | $74,200 | $88,900 |
| Marketing Consultant | $41,400 | $71,900 | $81,100 |
| IT consultant | $62,100 | $85,600 | $112,700 |
Options to Advance
To advance your career as a teacher, you should consider working towards a graduate degree, attaining new endorsements, or becoming an administrator. Most teachers tend to use their experience as a chief means of increasing their earnings. You can also combine an advanced degree and your experience to attain a new job teaching future teachers at the college level.
Other educators branch into special areas such as tutoring, or they might apply their special content knowledge to the private sector. A business education teacher might decide to enter the business community in training positions or even other, higher-level jobs. However, though you might need to attain more business courses, many employers appreciate the high level of organization and knowledge teachers must have to do their jobs. Thus, teaching can be a terrific job that leads to great things later.
Find Online Business Education Schools
Best Online Bachelor of Science Programs
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Seton Hall University
South Orange, NJSeton Hall offers a Bachelor of Science degree that is evidence-based and seeks to prepare teachers for a classroom that celebrates diversity. The curriculum emphasizes collaboration and practical applications that bring academic theories to life. You'll need to study hard to meet the program's GPA requirements, but it will all be worth it.
Degrees Offered:
- Bachelor of Science in Education – Secondary Education
- Bachelor of Science in Education – Elementary and Special Education
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Frostburg State University
Frostburg, MDFrostburg's secondary education program for business education has been approved by the Maryland State Board of Education. Once you complete your degree requirements, you can move on to take the PRAXIS in your chosen subject area and then seek your first license.
Degrees Offered:
- Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education
- Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
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Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZGrand Canyon University offers a bachelor’s degree in education through its traditional classrooms. The Arizona State Board of Education has approved GCU to prepare future teachers for a business classroom. Their program is the only undergraduate teacher-prep program that will qualify you to teach business education.
Degrees Offered:
- Bachelor of Science in Business Education for Secondary
- Bachelor of Science in Math for Secondary
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Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WAIf you want to become a certified Washington educator, you can start at Central Washington University. Their program can help you become certified to teach business and marketing education. They also offer a full range of education degrees that cover the full range of public-school needs. Their endorsement programs are also wide ranging.
Degrees Offered:
- Bachelor of Science in Education – Secondary Education, Business or Marketing Endorsement
- Bachelor of Science in Education – Elementary Education
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West Texas A&M
Canyon, TXWest Texas A&M can prepare you for a long career in secondary education. They are specially approved by the Texas Education Agency to issue endorsements in business and finance for grades 6-12. West Texas also issues graduate level degrees when you're ready to take the art of teaching to the next level.
Degrees Offered:
- Bachelor of Science in Education – Secondary Education
- Bachelor of Science in Education – Elementary Education
Traditional Schools Offering a BS
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Western Governors University
OnlineWestern Governors University bestows undergraduate degrees in education, including preparation for secondary educators. They don't offer a specific endorsement for business education, but you might consider a mathematics focus and then prepare for your PRAXIS by taking a few business courses as electives.
Degrees Offered:
- Bachelor of Science – Secondary Mathematics Education
- Bachelor of Science – Middle Grades Mathematics Education
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Drexel University Online
Philadelphia, PADrexel University's online preparation program for secondary teachers is designed for post-baccalaureate students who wish to change gears into teaching. They certify teachers to attain licensure in the standard academic areas, though not business. However, if you have a degree or experience in business, you can likely still pass the PRAXIS subject test and teach the curriculum you love. If you wish, your credits will apply to a graduate degree.
Degrees Offered:
- Post-Baccalaureate Secondary Teacher Preparation
- Master of Science in Teaching
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Northcentral University
OnlineNorthcentral University offers a degree for every sort of aspiring educator. You can emerge from your undergraduate work with a focus in elementary, middle grades, secondary, or special education. Though they don't offer a specific business education endorsement, you can use your electives to provide the knowledge needed to pass the PRAXIS subject area exam.
Degrees Offered:
- Bachelor of Education
- Bachelor of Business Administration
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Arizona State University – Online
OnlineASU offers students an online option for their education degrees. You can conduct the majority of your learning from your laptop, but you may have to help coordinate a student teaching experience to round out your degree. This degree is designed to give you a foothold in secondary education. You can build on your credentials with additional coursework or successful PRAXIS examinations.
Degrees Offered:
- Bachelor of Arts in Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I need to earn a master’s in this field?
There are some high schools that offer their students basic courses in business. However, many students who need to learn these things are already in college, and it can be difficult to find a place where you can teach college courses with only a bachelor’s degree. That means that, if you want to ensure that you will be able to continue teaching in this field, you may eventually need to earn a master’s degree. However, there are already requirements for teachers to continue their education throughout their career, so if you focus on earning the appropriate credits as you complete required continuing education credits each year, you should be able to earn a master’s degree piecemeal without breaking the bank or taking up too much of your time.
Is this degree worth it?
There are some who question whether or not there are enough roles to make a business education degree worth earning. And, while it’s true that high schools that teach business to students are less common, that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of opportunities in business education. After all, there are hundreds of business colleges and universities and even community colleges that offer their students business courses every year. A bachelor’s business education degree is the first step to being a part of one of these vital programs. Business is one of, if not the, most common major in the whole country, and someone needs to teach all those courses every year. So, even if there aren’t a huge number of roles in lower-level, high school classes, there are plenty of higher-level roles. And you must earn a bachelor’s degree if you plan to go on to earn a master’s. Thus, these degrees are more than worth it.
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