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STEM

The high school CTE Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Career Cluster focuses on planning, managing, and providing scientific research and professional and technical services, including laboratory and testing services, and research and development services.

STEM
Test, tinker, repeat

pathway 01

Biomedical Science

The Biomedical Science program of study focuses on the study of biology and medicine in order to introduce high school CTE learners to the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the healthcare field. This program covers researching and diagnosing diseases, pre-existing conditions, or other determinants of health. Students may also practice patient care and communication.

Work-Based Learning

  • Join Health Occupations Students of America
  • Intern at a lab
  • Shadow a healthcare or medical professional

High School Certifications

  • Biotechnician Assistant Credentialing Exam (BACE)
  • Medical Laboratory Assistant
  • Medical Laboratory Technician

Biomedical Science Salary Information

OccupationAverage Salary ↕
Medical and Laboratory Technicians$37,981
Biological Technicians$42,931
Forensic Science Technicians$48,152
Chemical Technicians$49,733
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists$58,760
Download the Biomedical Science guide ↓

pathway 02

Cybersecurity

The high school CTE Cybersecurity program of study includes the occupations and educational opportunities related to planning, implementing, upgrading, or monitoring security measure for the protection of computer networks and information. The Cybersecurity program of study may also include exploration into responding to computer security breaches and viruses and administering network security measures.

Work-Based Learning

  • Join TSA
  • Job shadow a computer system analyst or information security analyst
  • Obtain a cybersecurity IBC

High School Certifications

  • Cisco 100-490 RSTECH Supporting Cisco Routing and Switching Network Devices
  • Cisco 200-201 CBROPS - Understanding Cisco Cybersecurity Operations Fundamentals
  • Cisco CCNA (200-301) Implementing and Administering Ciisco Solutions
  • CodeHS Cybersecurity Level 1 Certification
  • CompTIA A+ Certification
  • CompTIA Network+
  • CompTIA Security+
  • Computer Networking Fundamentals- Job Ready
  • Cybersecurity Fundamentals
  • Information Technology Specialist: Java
  • Information Technology Specialist" JavaScript
  • Information Technology Specialist: Networking
  • Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals
  • Microsoft 365 Fundamentals
  • Oracle Certified Associate Java SE 8 Programmer

Cybersecurity Salary Information

OccupationAverage Salary ↕
Information Security Analysts$91,915
Network and Computer System Administrators$82,597
Computer System Analysts$87,568
Download the Cybersecurity guide ↓

pathway 03

Engineering

The Engineering CTE program of study focuses on the design, development, and use of engines, machines, and structures. High school CTE learners will learn how to apply science, mathematical methods, and empirical evidence to the innovation, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of different manufacturing systems.

Work-Based Learning

  • Participate in Skills USA competitions
  • Intern at an engineering firm
  • Shadow a machinist

High School Certifications

  • Autodesk Associate (Certified User) AutoCAD
  • Autodesk Associate (Certified User) & Professional Fusion 360
  • Autodesk Associate (Certified User) & Professional Inventor for Mechanical Design
  • Autodesk Associate (Certified User) & Professional Revit Architecture
  • Autodesk Associate (Certified User) & Professional Revit for Electrical
  • Autodesk Associate (Certified User) & Professional Revit for Structural Design
  • Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD for Design and Drafting
  • Autodesk Certified Professional in Civil 3D for Infrastructure Design
  • Autodesk Certified Professional in Revit for Architectural Design
  • Autodesk Certified User& Professional in Inventor
  • C-103 Certified Industry 4.0 Associate - Robot System Operations
  • Engineering Technology Foundations
  • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification
  • Pre-Engineering/Engineering Technology - Job Ready
  • Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate (CSWA) - Electrical
  • Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate (CSWA) - Academic
  • Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate (CSWA) - Mechanical Design
  • Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate (CSWA) - Simulation
  • Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate (CSWA) - Sustainability
  • Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional (CSWP) - Model Based Definition
  • Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional (CSWP) - Academic
  • Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional (CSWP) - Simulation
  • Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional (CSWP) - Mechanical Design
  • Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional (CSWPA) - Drawing Tools

Engineering Salary Information

OccupationAverage Salary ↕
Aerospace Engineers$110,843
Industrial Engineers$97,074
Mechanical Engineers$91,107
Chemical Engineers$112,819
Electrical Engineers$98,405
Download the Engineering guide ↓

pathway 04

Programming and Software Development

The high school CTE Programming and Software Development program of study explores the occupations and education opportunities associated with researching, designing, developing, and testing operating systems-level software, compilers, and network distribution software for medical, industrial, military, communications, aerospace, business, scientific, and general computer applications. The Programming and Software Development program may also include exploration into creating, modifying, and testing the codes, forms, and script that allow computer applications to run.

Work-Based Learning

  • Join TSA
  • Participate in coding club at school
  • Obtain an industry-based certification

High School Certifications

  • Apple App Development with Swift
  • C++ Certified Associate Programmer
  • Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer (PCEP)
  • Certified Professional Programmer
  • Certified User Programmer
  • CompTIA Linux+
  • CodeHS Python Level 1 Certification
  • Information Technology Specialist: Java
  • Information Technology Specialist: JavaScript
  • Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals
  • Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals Oracle Certified Associate Java SE 8 Programmer
  • Oracle Database SQL Certified Associate

Programming and Software Development Salary Information

OccupationAverage Salary ↕
Software Developer, Systems Software$103,334
Software Developers, Application$104,499
Computer Programmers$79,893
Download the Programming and Software Development guide ↓

pathway 05

Renewable Energy

The Renewable Energy program of study helps high school CTE learners discover how to assemble, inspect, maintain, and repair different equipment required for renewable energy. It introduces students to solar photovoltaic equipment and wind turbines and the systems and processes used to maintain and manage these types of equipment.

Work-Based Learning

  • Join Skills USA or a local science club
  • Research renewable energy companies and compare them

High School Certifications

  • C-200 Certified Industry 4.0 Automation Systems Specialist I - 201 Electrical Systems 1
  • Industrial Technology Maintenance (ITM) - Electrical Systems
  • NCCER Core
  • NCCER Electronic System Technician Level I
  • NCCER Electronic System Technician Level II

Renewable Energy Salary Information

OccupationAverage Salary ↕
Wind Turbine Services Technician$51,334
Solar Photovoltaic Installer$43,957
Download the Renewable Energy guide ↓
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