Business and Marketing Education prepares students for postsecondary success, careers in business, economically literate citizenship, and life-long learning. Students gain access to business knowledge, technology skills, and the career advancement skills necessary to participate as productive workers and citizens in a global society.

Through a variety of business courses, students study personal finance, develop techniques for making wise consumer decisions, master economic principles, and learn how businesses operate. In addition, business educators plan a prominent role in developing the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for students to succeed in the workforce. Business and marketing education courses provide the impetus for students to successfully complete college business programs.

The multifaceted discipline of business and marketing education includes subject matter areas focusing on the functional areas of business (management, marketing, finance, accounting, entrepreneurship), factors affecting business (economics, international business, business law), acquiring basic skills (information technology and communication), and examining business from different perspectives. Information technology is one of the most important components of business and marketing education. In this critical area, students learn to use computers and related software applications, as tools, to accomplish the major functions of business.

But success in the 21st century requires more than content mastery. Business Education students develop skills including critical thinking, decision-making, human relations, self-management, teamwork, leadership, interpersonal relationships, value and dignity of work, and consideration of ethical issues.

Instruction is delivered in several ways including:

• Classroom, technology lab, and online instruction.
• Application of knowledge and leadership skills through Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO) such as Business Professionals of America (BPA) and DECA.
• Experiential learning such as mentorships, job shadowing, and service learning experiences.
• Career development experiences where students are able to consider multiple careers and occupations, learn expected workplace behavior, and develop specific skills within an industry.
• Work-based learning experiences such as business/marketing work experience, apprenticeship programs and internships.

Business and Marketing Education teaches 21st Century skills in a wide variety of professional career fields including:

• Accounting
• Business Administration
• Business Law
• Business Management
• Career Development
• Economics and Finance
• Hospitality and Tourism
• Personal Finance
• Entrepreneurship
• Information Technology
• International Business
• Management
• Marketing

Did you know: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics…

• Employment in business and financial operations occupations is projected to grow 8 percent from 2014 to 2024.
• Employment in management occupations is projected to grow 6 percent from 2014 to 2024. The median annual wage for management occupations was $100,790 in May 2016, which was the highest wage of all the major occupational groups.
• Employment of computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 12 percent from 2014 to 2024.

Minnesota Career Technical Education Resources

Minnesota Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) assists students in developing skills and competencies for marketing careers, while building self-esteem, experiencing leadership, and providing community services.

Minnesota Business Professionals of America (BPA) a state student leadership organizations supporting Business and Marketing programs.
 
Minnesota Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (MNACTE), a professional organization for CTE teachers/leaders offering state and national support, training and resources.

Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)—Data Center is a useful website for teachers and business/industry professionals to stay current on regional labor market needs and employment trends that can impact CTE programs.

• Minnesota Framework for Business and Marketing Education - 2/14/17
  The purpose of this Framework is to provide educators and administrators with a guide for curriculum development, assessments, program development and program approvals. MDE Specialist Dean Breuer is the key contact for accessing information and training on the use of these new Framework tools.