Arts, Audio Visual Technology, and Communication Career Cluster

Revised May 2024

The Arts, Audio Visual Technology, and Communication (AAVTC) career cluster focuses on designing, producing, exhibiting, performing, writing, and publishing multimedia content. This pathway requires creative aptitude, fluency in computer and technology applications, and proficiency in oral and written communication. Careers include camera operator, audio and video technician, director, producer, and graphic or digital interface designer.

Statewide Program of Study: Digital Communications

The Digital Communications program of study focuses on occupational and educational opportunities associated with producing audio and visual media formats for various purposes such as television broadcasts, advertising, video production, and motion pictures. Students learn to operate machines and equipment such as microphones, sound systems, video screens, projectors, monitors, sound mixing boards, and related electronic equipment.

Secondary Courses for High School Credit

• Level 1: Principles of Arts, Audio/Video Technology, and Communications
• Level 2: Audio/Video Production I
• Level 3: Audio/Video Production II and Audio/Video Production II Lab
• Level 4: No Level 4 course offered; current sequence completes endorsement requirements

Work-Based Learning and Expanded Learning Opportunities

Work-Based Learning Activities

• Shadow a sound designer to learn how sound and foley are created for movies or podcasts
• Intern with a technical director at a sports team, recording studio, or radio station
• Shadow a technician on a live news broadcast, concert, or other event

Expanded Learning Opportunities

• Participate in SkillsUSA or TSA
• Participate in Student Television Network
• Capture and edit film and audio for a podcast with a local community organization

Example Postsecondary Opportunities

Apprenticeships

• Light Technician

Associate Degrees

• Commercial and Advertising Art
• Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects

Bachelor’s Degrees

• Cinematography and Film/Video Production
• Recording Arts Technology

Master’s, Doctoral, and Professional Degrees

• Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects
• Communications Technology

Additional Stackable Certifications

• CompTIA Digital Media and Entertainment Professional Certification (DMEP)

Example Aligned Occupations

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film

• Median Wage: $48,422
• Annual Openings: 155
• 10-Year Growth: 20%

Audio and Video Technicians

• Median Wage: $46,319
• Annual Openings: 626
• 10-Year Growth: 30%

Producers and Directors

• Median Wage: $65,029
• Annual Openings: 522
• 10-Year Growth: 12%

Aligned Industry-Based Certifications Offered in LCISD

• Adobe Certified Professional in Digital Video Using Adobe Premiere Pro

Additional Information

Successful completion of the Digital Communications program of study fulfills requirements of the Business and Industry endorsement.

Data Source: TexasWages, Texas Workforce Commission (Retrieved March 8, 2024)

https://tea.texas.gov/academics/college-career-and-military-prep/career-and-technical-education/programs-of-study