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Career & Technical Education Programs of Study

Career & Technical Education Programs of Study

  • Career & Technical education provides opportunities to understand the consumer and technical, occupational, managerial, social, and historical aspects of industry and technology.  

    • In order to complete the requirements for graduation, students who choose a Career and Technical Focus Area must earn three credits from the same cluster.  Clusters are grouped by category with the listing of individual courses that meet the required credits within each cluster.  Some courses may have additional costs for supplies.
  • Welding II

    Welding II is designed to provide students with opportunities to effectively perform cutting and welding applications of increasingly complexity used in the advanced manufacturing industry. Proficient students will build on the knowledge and skills of the Welding I course and apply them in novel environments, while learning additional welding techniques not covered in previous courses. Specifically, students will be proficient in (1) fundamental safety practices in welding, (2) gas metal arc welding (GMAW), (3) flux cored arc welding (FCAW), (4) gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), and (5) quality control methods. Upon completion of the Welding II course, proficient students will be eligible to complete the American Welding Society (AWS) Entry Welder or the AWS SENSE Advanced Welders qualifications and certifications.

    Welding I

    Welding I is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge to effectively perform cutting and welding applications used in the advanced manufacturing industry. Proficient students will develop proficiency in fundamental safety practices in welding, interpreting drawings, creating computer aided drawings, identifying and using joint designs, efficiently laying out parts for fabrication, basic shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), mechanical and thermal properties of metals, and quality control. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be able to sit for the AWS SENSE Entry Level Welder certification and will be prepared to undertake more advanced welding coursework.

    Principles of Manufacturing

    Principles of Manufacturing is designed to provide students with exposure to various occupations and pathways in the Advanced Manufacturing career cluster, such as Machining Technology, Electromechanical Technology, Mechatronics, and Welding. In order to gain a holistic view of the advanced manufacturing industry, students will complete all core standards, as well as standards in two focus areas. Throughout the course, they will develop an understanding of the general steps involved in the manufacturing process and master the essential skills to be an effective team member in a manufacturing production setting. Course content covers basic quality principles and processes, blueprints and schematics, and systems. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will advance from this course with a nuanced understanding of how manufacturing combines design and engineering, materials science, process technology, and quality.

     

  • Veterinary & Animal Science

    Course 1 Course 2 Course 3 Course 4
    Agriscience Small Animal Science Large Animal Science Veterinary Science

     

    Horticulture Science

    Course 1 Course 2 Course 3
    Agriscience Principles of Plant Science & Hydroculture Greenhouse Management

     

    Agriculture, Food, and Resources

     

    Principals of Agricultural Mechanics

    Principles of Agricultural Mechanics is an intermediate course introducing students to basic skills and knowledge in construction and land management for both rural and urban environments. This course covers topics including project management, basic engine and motor mechanics, land surveying, irrigation and drainage, agricultural structures, and basic metalworking techniques. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be prepared for more advanced coursework in agricultural mechanics.

    Agriscience

    Agriscience is an introductory laboratory science course that prepares students for biology, subsequent science and agriculture courses, and postsecondary study.  This course helps students understand the important role that agricultural science and technology serves in the 21st century.  

    Dual Credit Introduction to Agriculture Business

    Topics covered in this class include:  Different types of U.S. Agribusinesses;  Macro and microeconomics terms related to Agribusiness; Common agribusiness organizational, budgeting, accounting, and legal structures; Basic economic principles and apply them to agribusiness;  Management, human resources, and issues related to both areas;  Agriculture’s role in the American and global economic systems; Current political and economic Agribusiness issues;  Agricultural marketing issues & develop marketing plans.

    Dual Credit Plant Science

    Topics covered in this class include: Plant Anatomy and Physiology; Plant Reproduction/Propagation; Plant Injuries and Their Control/Integrated Pest Management; Plant Nutrition and Culture; Plant Classifications (Forage/Food); Cropping/Growing Systems; Greenhouse Growing Structures/Production Techniques; Beginning and Promoting an Ornamental Horticulture Business/Career; Human Relations/Personnel Management. 

    Greenhouse Management

    Greenhouse Management is an applied-knowledge course designed to prepare students to manage greenhouse operations. This course covers principles of greenhouse structures, plant health and growth, growing media, greenhouse crop selection and propagation, and management techniques. It provides students with the technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in horticulture production. 

    Large Animal Science

    Large Animal Science is an applied course in veterinary and animal science for students interested in learning more about becoming a veterinarian, vet tech, vet assistant, or pursuing a variety of scientific, health, or agriculture professions. This course covers anatomy and physiological systems of different groups of large animals, as well as careers, leadership, and history of the industry. 

    Small Animal Science

    Small Animal Science is an intermediate course in animal science and care for students interested in learning more about becoming a veterinarian, vet tech, vet assistant, or pursuing a variety of scientific, health, or agriculture professions. This course covers anatomy and physiological systems of different groups of small animals, as well as careers, leadership, and history of the industry. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be prepared for more advanced coursework in veterinary and animal science.

    Veterinary Science

    Veterinary Science is an advanced course in animal science and care for students interested in learning more about becoming a veterinarian, vet tech, vet assistant, or pursuing a variety of scientific, health, or agriculture professions. This course covers principles of health and disease, basic animal care and nursing, clinical and laboratory procedures, and additional industry-related career and leadership knowledge and skills. 

  • Course 1 Course 2 Course 3 Course 4
    Fundamentals of Construction Residential & Commercial Construction I Residential & Commercial Construction II Construction Practicum

    Architecture & Construction Courses Offered

    Fundamentals of Construction

    Fundamentals of Construction is a foundational course in the Architecture & Construction cluster covering essential knowledge, skills, and concepts required for careers in construction. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be able to describe various construction fields and outline the steps necessary to advance in specific construction careers. Students will be able to employ tools safely and interpret construction drawings to complete projects, demonstrating proper measurement and application of mathematical concepts. Standards in this course also include an overview of the construction industry and an introduction to building systems and materials.

    Residential & Commercial Construction I

    Residential & Commercial Construction I is the second course in the Residential & Commercial Construction program of study intended to prepare students for careers in construction by developing an understanding of the different phases of a construction project from start to finish. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and skill in the earlier phases of building construction, including site layout, foundation systems, concrete, framing systems, and electrical systems. Students will be able to perform concrete work; frame walls, ceilings, and floors of a structure; and install proper wiring while safely employing tools and interpreting construction drawings to complete projects. Emphasis is placed on demonstrating proper measurement and application of mathematical concepts.

    Residential & Commercial Construction II

    Residential & Commercial Construction II is the third course in the Residential & Commercial Construction program of study intended to prepare students for careers in construction by developing an understanding of the different phases of a construction project from start to finish. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and skill in the later phases of building construction including roofing systems, exterior finishing, stair framing systems, masonry systems, and plumbing systems. Students will be able to perform masonry work; frame roofs; install shingles on roofs; apply exterior finishes; and install piping for plumbing systems while safely employing tools and interpreting construction drawings to complete projects.

    Construction Practicum

    Construction Practicum is a capstone course intended to provide students with the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge learned in previous Architecture & Construction courses within a professional, working environment. In addition to developing an understanding of the professional and ethical issues encountered by tradesmen and contractors in the workplace, students learn to refine their skills in problem solving, communication, teamwork, and project management in the completion of a course-long project. Due to the importance of on-the-job training in the construction industry, a principle aim of the practicum is to assist students with placements where on-the-job training occurs, if available, so they can begin to log hours on a worksite and gain experience prior to entering the job market, such as in pre-apprenticeships. Additionally, students are exposed to the great range of postsecondary opportunities in today’s construction fields as well, in order to prepare them to make an informed decision regarding their post-high school plans. The course is highly customizable to meet local system needs. Instruction may be delivered through work-based learning arrangements such as internships, cooperative education, service learning, mentoring, and job shadowing or through school laboratory training with industry-driven projectbased learning. For all projects undertaken in this course, students are expected to continue building skills related to their chosen program of study (Residential & Commercial Construction, Structural Systems, or Mechanical, Electrical, & Plumbing Systems), while also refining skills previously acquired to achieve deeper levels of mastery. In the course, students may pursue additional training and certification in a specialized area such as masonry, concrete, electricity, plumbing, HVAC, or carpentry. Upon completion of the practicum, proficient students will be prepared to pursue further study in architecture or construction, or seek additional training and employment with the aid of a portfolio documenting student work completed throughout high school.professional, working environment. In addition to developing an understanding of the professional and ethical issues encountered by tradesmen and contractors in the workplace, students learn to refine their skills in problem solving, communication, teamwork, and project management in the completion of a course-long project. Due to the importance of on-the-job training in the construction industry, a principle aim of the practicum is to assist students with placements where on-the-job training occurs, if available, so they can begin to log hours on a worksite and gain experience prior to entering the job market, such as in pre-apprenticeships. Additionally, students are exposed to the great range of postsecondary opportunities in today’s construction fields as well, in order to prepare them to make an informed decision regarding their post-high school plans. The course is highly customizable to meet local system needs. Instruction may be delivered through work-based learning arrangements such as internships, cooperative education, service learning, mentoring, and job shadowing or through school laboratory training with industry-driven projectbased learning. For all projects undertaken in this course, students are expected to continue building skills related to their chosen program of study (Residential & Commercial Construction, Structural Systems, or Mechanical, Electrical, & Plumbing Systems), while also refining skills previously acquired to achieve deeper levels of mastery. In the course, students may pursue additional training and certification in a specialized area such as masonry, concrete, electricity, plumbing, HVAC, or carpentry. Upon completion of the practicum, proficient students will be prepared to pursue further study in architecture or construction, or seek additional training and employment with the aid of a portfolio documenting student work completed throughout high school.

     

  • Office Management

    Course 1 Course 2 Course 3 Course 4
    Computer Applications Business Communications Advanced Computer Applications Work Based Learning Career Practicum

    Business Management

    Course 1 Course 2 Course 3 Course 4
    Intro to Business & Marketing Business Communications DC Intro to Business Work Based Learning

    Business Management & Administration Courses

    Advanced Computer Applications

    Advanced Computer Applications prepares students to continue postsecondary training in business related programs, provides advanced training for students pursuing a career in administrative and information support, and supports obtaining an industry certification in specific software applications (such as the Microsoft Office Suite). Course content and projects are meant to simulate workplace scenarios and draw on skills related to communications, operations, management, and teamwork in order to accomplish information management goals. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be fluent in a variety of information management software applications and will be prepared to sit for the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS).

    Business Communications

    The course will address the use of Internet developing concepts, particularly those related to web browsers, navigators, search engines, online communication methods, home and website design concepts, transfer of data, downloading files, security procedures, and internet navigational tools. The student will choose and use appropriate tools when completing internet applications using the internet for research and validation of research data for written and oral business communications. Emphasis will be placed on electronic research, security issues, ethics, business report writing, business correspondence, enhancement of oral presentations with electronic media and communications applying current technology.

    Computer Applications

    This course is designed to develop computer technology skills. Students will use a variety of computer software and hardware tools and features of an electronic information network. Students will explore the social, business, and ethical issues of using computer technology. The students will develop skills that will assist them with efficient production of word processing documents, spreadsheets, databases, and presentations. 

    Introduction to Business & Marketing

    Introduction to Business and Marketing is an introductory course designed to give students an overview of the Business Management and Administration, Marketing, and Finance career clusters. The course helps students prepare for the growing complexities of the business world by examining basic principles of business, marketing, and finance in addition to exploring key aspects of leadership, ethical and social responsibilities, and careers. Students’ academic skills in communications, mathematics, and economics are reinforced with activities modeled in the context of business topics. Upon completion of Page 2, of this course, proficient students will be equipped with the foundational skills to succeed in any of the Business, Marketing, or Finance programs of study and will be prepared to make an informed decision regarding which pathways they would like to pursue in high school.

    State Dual Credit Introduction to Business

    Topics covered in this course are:  Accounting and Finance; Business Ethics, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Legal Environment;  Career Paths, Tracks, & Planning;  Economics; Human Resource Management; Leadership; Logistics and Supply Chain Management;  Management; Marketing and Digital Marketing; Operations;  Business and Entrepreneurship; and World and Global Business Learning.  

    Work-Based Learning Career Practicum

    Work-Based Learning: Career Practicum is a capstone course intended to provide students with opportunities to apply the skills and knowledge learned in previous CTE and general education courses within a professional work environment. The course allows students to earn high school credit for select models of work-based learning, which allow students to interact with industry professionals in order to extend and deepen classroom work and support the development of postsecondary and career readiness knowledge and skills. Work-Based Learning: Career Practicum is a capstone course intended to provide students with opportunities to apply the skills and knowledge learned in previous CTE and general education courses within a professional work environment. The course allows students to earn high school credit for select models of work-based learning, which allow students to interact with industry professionals in order to extend and deepen classroom work and support the development of postsecondary and career readiness knowledge and skills. 

    Career Practicum activities may take one of two forms:

    1. Workplace-Based: Students participate in individual work-based learning experiences in professional settings when they meet the hours required for full time course equivalent. These experiences include registered apprenticeships, cooperative education (co-op), and internships.
    2. Classroom-Based: Students are immersed in a classroom-based experience where they learn through targeted industry involvement that may take the form of industry-driven projectbased learning, school-based enterprise, and virtual enterprise. This model should incorporate industry engagement through activities like tours, informational interviewing, job shadows, community service projects, and technical mentoring to achieve learning standards at professional-level expectations.

    Upon completion of the practicum, students will be prepared for postsecondary and career opportunities aligned with their interests and demonstrate professional-quality employability skills relevant to their chosen career paths.

     

  • Course 1 Course 2 Course 3 Course 4
    Health Science Education Medical Therapeutics Anatomy & Physiology

    Health Science Courses

    Health Science Education

    Health Science Education is an introductory course designed to prepare students pursuing careers in biotechnology research, therapeutics, health informatics, diagnostics, and support services. Upon completion of this course, a proficient student will be able to identify careers in these fields, compare and contrast the features of healthcare systems, explain the legal and ethical ramifications of the healthcare setting, and begin to perform foundational healthcare skills.

    Medical Therapeutics

    Medical Therapeutics is an applied course designed to prepare students to pursue careers in therapeutic and nursing services. Upon completion of this course, a proficient student will be able to identify careers in therapeutics services; assess, monitor, evaluate, and report patient/client health status; and identify the purpose and components of treatments.

    Anatomy & Physiology

    Health Science Education Anatomy and Physiology is a course in which students will examine human anatomy and physical functions. They will analyze descriptive results of abnormal physiology and evaluate clinical consequences. A workable knowledge of medical terminology will be demonstrated.

     

  • Social Health Services

    Course 1 Course 2 Course 3 Course 4
    Introduction to Human Studies Lifespan Development Family Studies Human Services Practicum and/or Psychology and/or Sociology

    Dietetecis & Nutrition

    Course 1 Course 2 Course 3

    Introduction to Human Studies

    Nutrition Across the Lifespan Human Services Practicum and/or Psychology and/or Sociology

    Cosmetology 
    Course 1 Course 2 Course 3
    Cosmetology 1 Cosmetology 2 Cosmetology 3

    Human Services Courses

    Cosmetology I

    The first level of cosmetology prepares students with work-related skills for advancement into the Design Principles of Cosmetology course.  Content provides students the opportunity to acquire basic fundamental skills in both theory and practical applications of leadership and interpersonal skill development.  Content stresses safety, environmental issues, and protection of the public and designers as integrated with principles of hair design, nail structure, and cosmetic procedures.  Laboratory facilities and experiences simulate those found in the cosmetology industry.  There is an additional cost for supplies.

    Cosmetology II

    The second level of cosmetology prepares students for work-related skills and advancement into the Chemistry of Cosmetology course.  Content provides students the opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills in both theory and practical application.  Advanced knowledge and skills in hair design, nail artistry, and cosmetic applications will be enhanced in a laboratory setting, which duplicates cosmetology industry standards.  Upon completion and acquisition of 300 hours, students are eligible to take the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology Shampoo examination for a Tennessee Shampoo Technician License.  There is an additional cost for supplies.

    Cosmetology III

    The advanced level of cosmetology prepares students to perform work-related services using chemicals in the cosmetology industry. Content provides students the opportunity to acquire foundation skills in both theory and practical applications. Laboratory facilities and experiences will be used to simulate cosmetology work experiences. Students completing this portion of the course of cosmetology will acquire the necessary hours to transfer to a post-secondary course of study to complete the hours needed to be eligible to take the Tennessee State Board of Cosmetology examination for the Tennessee Cosmetology License. Upon completion and acquisition of 300 hours, students are eligible to take the Tennessee State Board of Cosmetology Shampooing examination for a Shampoo Technician License.  

    Family Studies

    Family Studies is an applied knowledge course that examines the diversity and evolving structure of the modern family. Upon completion of the course, proficient students will have knowledge of the demographic, historical, and social changes of interpersonal relationships, as well as parenting, and the effect of stressors on the family. 

    Human Service Practicum

    Human Services Practicum is a capstone course in the Human Services career cluster that provides a practicum experience for students as they develop an understanding of professional and ethical issues. The capstone course will be based on the knowledge and skills from previous courses in the human services cluster. Upon completion of the course, students will be proficient in components of communication, critical thinking, problem solving, information technology, ethical and legal responsibilities, leadership, and teamwork. Instruction may be delivered through school-based laboratory training or through work-based learning arrangements such as cooperative education, mentoring, and job shadowing.

    Introduction to Human Studies

    Introduction to Human Studies is a foundational course for students interested in becoming a public advocate, social worker, dietician, nutritionist, counselor, or community volunteer. Upon completion of this course, a proficient student will have an understanding of human needs, overview of social services, career investigation, mental health, and communication.

    Lifespan Development

    Lifespan Development builds basic knowledge in human growth and development. Upon completion of the course, proficient students will have knowledge of developmental theory, principles of growth, behavior of children from conception through adolescence, adult development and aging, and death and dying.

    Nutrition Across the Lifespan

    Nutrition Across the Lifespan is for students interested in learning more about becoming a dietitian, nutritionist, counselor, or pursuing a variety of scientific, health, or culinary arts professions. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will understand human anatomy and physiological systems, nutrition requirements, as well as social, cultural, and other impacts on food preparation and integrity.

    Psychology

    Sociology

  • Criminal Justice & Correction Services
    Course 1 Course 2 Course 3
    Criminal Justice I Criminal Justice II Criminal Justice III

    Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security Courses

    Criminal Justice I

    Criminal Justice I serves as a comprehensive survey of how the law enforcement, legal, and correctional systems interact with each other in the United States. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will understand the context of local, state, and federal laws, have investigative skills pertaining to basic crime scenes and incident documentation, and understand the importance of communications and professionalism in law enforcement.

    Dual Credit Criminal Justice II

    Criminal Justice II is an integrated survey of the law and justice systems for students interested in pursuing careers in law enforcement and legal services. From initial crisis scenario management to arrest, transport, trial, and corrections, procedures and laws governing the application of justice in the United States are examined in detail, with special emphasis on the best practices and professional traits required of law enforcement and legal professionals. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be prepared for advanced work in crime scene analysis and forensic science, and have strong knowledge and skill preparation for postsecondary or career opportunities in associated fields.  This course includes an opportunity to take a challenge exam for college credit.  

    Criminal Justice III

    Criminal Justice III: Investigations is the final course designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to be successful in the sciences of criminal investigations. Students will learn terminology and investigation skills related to the crime scene, aspects of criminal behavior, and applications of the scientific inquiry to solve crimes. By utilizing the scientific inquiry method, students will obtain and analyze evidence through simulated crime scenes and evaluation of case studies. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be able to identify careers in forensic science and criminology, summarize the laws that govern the application of forensic science, and draw key connections between the history of the forensic science system and the modern legal system.

  • Culinary Arts
    Course 1 Course 2 Course 3
    Culinary Arts 1 Culinary Arts 2 Culinary Arts 3

    Hospitality & Tourism Courses

    Culinary Arts I

    Culinary Arts I equips students with the foundational knowledge and skills to pursue careers in the culinary field as a personal chef, caterer, executive chef, and food and beverage manager. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will have knowledge in the components of commercial kitchen safety and sanitation, history of the foodservice industry, careers, nutrition, recipe basics, proper kitchen tools and equipment, and kitchen staples. Throughout the course students will gain experience in commercial food production and service operations, while preparing for further training at the postsecondary level.

    Culinary Arts II

    Culinary Arts II is an applied-knowledge course to prepare students for careers in the culinary field as a personal chef, caterer, executive chef, and food and beverage manager. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will have an understanding of commercial kitchen safety and sanitation, menu planning, food presentation, purchasing and inventory, preparation skills, cooking principles, and food preparation. Students will gain experience in commercial food production and service operations, while preparing for further training at the postsecondary level.

    Culinary Arts III

    Culinary Arts III is an advanced course intended to further equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a variety of careers in the culinary field. Upon completion of the course, students will be proficient in components of commercial kitchen safety and sanitation, dining room service, food preparation and presentation, bakeshop preparation skills and equipment, and advanced cooking principles. Students will gain experience in commercial food production and service operations, while preparing for further training at the postsecondary level.