Business, Marketing and Information Technology

Business and Marketing Education prepares students for postsecondary success, careers in business, economically literate citizenship, and lifelong 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.

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. 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.

Business education programs play a prominent role in developing the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for career and college readiness—preparing students for the workforce and/or college. Success in the 21st century requires more than content mastery. Business, Marketing, and Information Technology 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% from 2014 to 2024.
  • Employment in management occupations is projected to grow 6% 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% from 2014 to 2024.

Business, Marketing and Information Technology Newsletter

May 2020
February 2020
December 2019
October 2019
August 2019

Minnesota Career and Technical Education Resources

Minnesota Business, Marketing, and Information Technology Frameworks
The Business, Marketing, and Information Technology Frameworks (below) provide teachers in these career fields with high-quality, rigorous indicators and benchmarks to identify what students should know and be able to do after completing a program of study in any of the included pathways. Development of local courses and programs should be informed by a combination of these rigorous academic and employability elements, and expectations of business and industry stakeholders addressing current and future workforce needs. Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) Specialist Dean Breuer is the key contact for accessing information and training on the use of these new framework tools.
 

Additional Resources

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) is a state student leadership organization, supporting business and marketing programs.

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 Career Technical Education (CTE) programs.