Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Career Cluster

Revised June 2024

The Information Technology (IT) career cluster focuses on the design, development, support, and management of hardware, software, multimedia, and systems integration services. This career cluster includes occupations ranging from software developer and programmer to cybersecurity specialists and network analysts.

Statewide Program of Study: Programming and Software Development

The Programming and Software Development program of study focuses on occupational and educational opportunities associated with researching, designing, developing, testing, and operating systems-level software, compilers, and network distribution software. This includes applications in medical, industrial, military, communications, aerospace, business, scientific, and general computing fields. Students learn to create, modify, and test code, forms, and scripts that allow computer applications to run.

Secondary Courses for High School Credit

• Level 1: Fundamentals of Computer Science
• Level 2:
  • Computer Science I
  • Computer Science I (Pre-AP)
  • AP Computer Science Principles
• Level 3:
  • Computer Science II
  • AP Computer Science A (Math)
  • AP Computer Science A (LOTE)
• Level 4:
  • Computer Science III
  • Independent Study in Technology Applications

Aligned Advanced Academic Courses

• AP:
  • AP Calculus AB
  • AP Statistics
• Dual Credit: Texas State Technical College – Practicum in Information Technology

Students should consult a counselor to consider these course opportunities to enrich their preparation. AP or IB courses not listed under the Secondary Courses for High School Credit section of this framework document do not count toward concentrator or completer status for this program of study.

Work-Based Learning and Expanded Learning Opportunities

Work-Based Learning Activities

• Intern at a local IT company to develop skills in programming and coding
• Shadow a software developer to learn how software is created and improved at a company

Expanded Learning Opportunities

• Program and create a game
• Participate in SkillsUSA or TSA

Example Postsecondary Opportunities

Apprenticeships

• Computer Programmer Apprenticeship

Associate Degrees

• Computer Programming
• Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design

Bachelor’s Degrees

• Data Science
• Computer Engineering

Master’s, Doctoral, and Professional Degrees

• Management Science
• Computer Software Engineering

Additional Stackable Certifications

• AWS Certified Developer Associate

Example Aligned Occupations

Computer User Support Specialists

• Median Wage: $51,411
• Annual Openings: 5,757
• 10-Year Growth: 21%

Software Developers

• Median Wage: $111,705
• Annual Openings: 15,324
• 10-Year Growth: 36%

Computer Programmers

• Median Wage: $87,997
• Annual Openings: 1,176
• 10-Year Growth: 4%

Aligned Industry-Based Certifications Offered in LCISD

• CodeHS Python Level 1 Certification
• Information Technology Specialist: Java

Additional Information

Successful completion of the Programming and Software Development program of study fulfills requirements of the Business and Industry endorsement or the STEM 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