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Why Earn a Master’s in Business Education?
You may have majored in accounting just because you wanted to become an accountant. You may have graduated, passed the CPA exam, and worked as an CPA for several years. However, if you’ve felt the need to give back, one way you can do that is through teaching. Don’t talk yourself out of becoming a teacher because you think you have to go back and get an additional bachelor’s degree in education, student teach, and otherwise make a time commitment you’re not sure you can handle. There’s good news and bad news on that front. The good news is that, since you already have an undergraduate degree in business studies or a related field, you’ll only need to earn a graduate degree. The bad news? You’ll probably still have to student teach in some capacity, so you can't skip it.
A master’s degree in business education serves several purposes. First, it is a way for business professionals to enter the teaching profession without getting an additional bachelor’s from an education program. Since most teachers have teaching degrees and hold licenses from the state in which they teach, people who didn’t major in education in college do not have the education curriculum needed to teach in a classroom. Master of Arts in Business Education programs provide this and all the courses you need, as well as refreshers in main, core business content such as management, business law, ethics, international business, accounting, and others. In short, if you’re an accountant, CEO, or other business professional who wants to teach current students and help them develop, obtaining a Master’s in Business Education is worth considering. These degrees are available from any college or university with a college of education or a certification program. And, with those master's courses under your belt, you won't have to teach K-12 if you don't want to; you could move right into a college or university teaching position based anywhere in the United States.
Deciding to pursue an advanced degree is a decision that should be thought through. There are pros and cons to getting a master’s degree and a potential student should consider all of them before deciding whether or not to make the commitment.
PROS
- Career advancement - Teachers with graduate degrees earn more than teachers who do not hold graduate degrees along with their teacher certification. They are also eligible for management positions such as department heads.
- Broader knowledge base - A graduate degree offers additional technical education over a bachelor’s degree. More knowledge on how to teach every student, on-campus or online, and aid in their development is always valued by schools.
- If a teacher who already has certification wants to pursue teaching opportunities on the collegiate level, a graduate degree is a minimum requirement for many schools.
- For those who want to get into teaching, attaining a graduate degree with a teaching certification attachment is the ideal way to open the path to getting a teaching license without having to pursue an additional bachelor's degree in education.
CONS
- Expense - Getting a graduate degree is not cheap. Even the least expensive graduate program will cost thousands of dollars. Many times, either students take out student loans or they pay for each class out of pocket, which means it takes them longer to graduate.
- Time - Getting a graduate degree requires time for classroom training, homework, and study. If you have job and other life commitments, making it all work can be a challenge.
- Starting over - Starting a new career can be nerve-wracking. For some, the idea of changing careers might make them nervous, sometimes while in the middle of a program.
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Overview of an Online Master's in Business Education
What Business Education Master’s Degrees are Available Online?
The type of master’s degree you earn online in business education depends on several factors. Some schools include business education as part of their online business program under communications, while other schools include business education as part of their online education program.
The following is an example of possible master degrees in business education that a person can earn:
- Master of Arts in Business Education (MAEd - Business)
- Master of Science in Business Education (MSEd in Business Education)
- Master of Science in Business with a concentration on Education (MS)
One of the determining factors is whether there is a teaching certification attached to the programs. For students who have never held a teaching license, the degree program will be different than the program for a student who is already a licensed teacher who wants to focus on teaching business classes instead of their current certification.
Business Education Masters Admission Requirements
Each school has its own set of requirements for admission into their graduate programs, so a potential student should pay close attention to the school’s requirements and follow them to the letter. That said, there are universal requirements most graduate school candidates have to meet.
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- High school diploma or GED
- BA or BS in business education from an accredited college or university.
- Transcripts from all school attended
- Application and payment of the application fee
- Scores from either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
- References from those familiar with your academic performance
- Letter of Intent
How long does it take to earn a Business Education Master’s Online?
The length of time is takes to complete a master’s degree depends on the degree being pursued. Some online programs can be completed in as little as one year, depending on the student’s employment background and experience. Those who hold teaching certifications that want to add the business element to their teaching options often finish faster than those who need to complete the teaching portion of the degree. Speaking in general terms, most master degree programs take between 30 and 45 hours to complete, not including any capstone, thesis, student teaching, or exam requirements.
Potential Careers in Business Education with a Master’s
With a this degree you can pursue a variety of teaching and training jobs. Here are some examples.
- Corporate Trainer
Corporations need to keep their employees up to date on the latest methods, software, and procedures. This is often accomplished with the use of corporate trainers. Whether the trainer is in-house or a contractor, the trainer comes to the business and trains employees on the latest version of software, procedures, etc. Some travel might be required but, thanks to technology, many trainers can offer their services from the comfort of their own office.
Average Salary: $55,300 - Vocational Training Instructor
Students who want to learn a trade while in high school can opt to go to a vocational program. These programs focus on trades but also offer business courses. As a vocational training instructor, you will be responsible for teaching students the skills they need to attain employment once they complete their chosen program. Instructors also act as liaisons between students and hiring directors for businesses.
Average Salary: $47,000 - High School Teacher
Many high schools still offer business courses as part of their regular curriculum. Business education teachers provide education in accounting, business law, ethics, and training with business software such as PowerPoint and MS Office. Business education teachers can also be tapped to teach economics and other classes with an emphasis on business.
Average salary: $49,000
Salary by Occupation
| Occupation | 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
For those who want to advance past teaching business courses, getting into educational administration could require additional education, such as a doctorate in education leadership, counseling, or another area. However, within the teacher’s area, a teacher can be promoted to section and department head, which carries more prestige as well as a higher salary. Also, those teaching at the high school level can transition to teaching at the collegiate level. For those who are working in the corporate realm, earing certification in specific programs and procedures can make them more marketable and increase their asking salary or training fee if working independently.
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Best Master of Science in Business Education Programs
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Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, OHBowling Green offers several graduate degrees. For those who have teaching licenses and want to teach business or those who work in business but want to teach K-12 students, there’s a degree program to suit all student’s needs.
Degrees Offered:
- Master Teacher in Business Education (for students with teaching licenses)
- Master Teacher in Marketing Education (for students with teaching licenses)
- Master’s in Business Education (for students without teaching licenses)
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Hofstra University
Hempstead, NYStudents who have worked in business settings and now want to delve into the classroom would benefit from the program Hofstra offers. Students will take classes that prepare them to take the PRAXIS II exam, as well as sit for the NY teacher’s license exam. Along with education courses, students will also take economics, ethics, political science, and mathematical processes.
Degrees Offered:
- MSEd Business Education
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Ball State University
Muncie, INThe business education degree at Ball state was designed for business and marketing educators. Students can choose from one of nine programs: Adult Education, Community College, Curriculum and Instruction, Customized, Dual Credit, Educational Technology, Master Educator, Research, and Special Education. The program takes 30-36 hours to complete. Unlike many graduate programs, no GRE is required, nor is there a thesis or capstone requirement. Some of the courses offered in the programs include research methods, occupational safety and health, and improvement of instruction with technology
Degrees Offered:
- MEd in Business and Marketing Education (with one of the specializations listed above)
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Pace University
Although Pace doesn’t have a program specific to business education, they do offer several programs for those who have business experience that want to transition into the classroom. The programs will enable students to gain the educational skills they need to take their work experience and become effective teachers. The programs are targeted for grades 7-12 and at the end of the coursework, students are prepared to take the NY teacher license exam.
Degrees Offered:
- MST in Adolescent Education
- MST in Adolescent and Special Education
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Robert Morris College
Moon Township, PARobert Morris offers a master’s program for teachers who want to teach business courses in the public or private school setting. Combining business courses and education courses, this program helps students attain a well-rounded education. At the end of the program, students will be eligible to take the PA teaching licensure exam.
Degrees Offered:
- MS Business Education
Traditional Schools Offering an MS in Business Education
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Ball State University
Muncie, INThe online program is identical to the traditional program listed above.
Degrees Offered:
- MEd in Business and Marketing Education with a specialization in:
- Adult Education
- Community College
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Customized
- Dual Credit
- Educational Technology
- Master Educator
- Research
- Special Education
- MEd in Business and Marketing Education with a specialization in:
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Auburn University
Auburn, ALAuburn offers three programs for students who want to teach business courses to high school or college students, or in training programs. The program you choose depends on whether you have teaching experience or a teaching license. Programs range from 30 to 44 hours and the school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Courses in the programs include:
- Records Management Systems
- Multimedia Design
- Applied Computer Technology
- Work Experience in Information Technology
Degrees Offered:
- MEd in Business Education
- MS in Business Education
- MEd with Educator Certification
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Bowling Green University
Bowling Green, OHAs stated above, Bowling Green offers several graduate programs for those who wish to teach business courses. The programs are available and online.
Degrees Offered:
- Master Teacher in Business Education (for students with teaching licenses)
- Master Teacher in Marketing Education (for students with teaching licenses)
- Master’s in Business Education (for students without teaching licenses)
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Emporia State University
Emporia, KSThis program combines education in business knowledge, computer skills, and education courses for a certification for new business teachers or recertification for teachers who let their licenses lapse. the program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and includes courses such as educational psychology, student teaching, and teaching in secondary schools.
Degrees Offered:
- MS in Business Education
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North Carolina A&T
Greensboro, NCFor people who have experience in the business sector but would like to change careers and become teachers, NC A&T offers a graduate degree that will prepare these people to make the switch. The program offers instruction in learning theories, literacy in business, courses that cover assessment and evaluation techniques, teaching methods, and business education planning and leadership. At the end of the program, students will be prepared to sit for the Praxis II Business exam.
Degrees Offered:
- MA in Teaching with concentration in Business Education
Whether you choose to get a teaching certification and license and teach business courses at the high school level, or decide to break into the collegiate teaching ranks, a master’s in business education will help you make the transition from business person to teacher. With the additional degree, you’re even more equipped to serve your community. With the option to pursue the degree through a traditional program or online, there’s never been a better time to change course into a new career.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a master's in business education and is it the same as other teaching degrees?
A master's in business education is a graduate degree program that focuses on preparing individuals to teach business and management courses at the high school or post-secondary level. The curriculum typically includes coursework in business and management principles, as well as pedagogy and education theory. This degree isn’t the same as other teaching degrees because it is specifically tailored to prepare individuals to teach business and management courses. Other teaching degrees have a more general focus to prepare individuals to teach a variety of subjects across different grade levels.
This program is also different from an MBA, a degree that focuses on business management and leadership rather than the teaching of these subjects. It's important to note that requirements for teaching in schools may vary by state and country, so it's a good idea to check with your local education authorities for specific requirements and where a master’s might take you.
Is a business education degree worth it?
Whether or not a business education degree is worth it depends on your career goals, the programs you’re considering, and your personality and circumstances. In general, a master's in business education is beneficial for anyone looking to start teaching or continue teaching business courses at the high school or post-secondary level. These degrees provide individuals with a deeper understanding of business principles, as well as the pedagogy and educational theory needed to teach these subjects.
Additionally, a master's in business education can prepare you for better career opportunities in education and even higher-level academia, such as teaching business and management courses in high schools, colleges, universities, or vocational schools. However, the job market and demand for business educators varies depending on your location and the economy, so it’s best to consider all your options before signing onto a program.