CTE Course Descriptions

High School Pathway Course Descriptions

Ag Science

Agricultural and Natural Resources (ANR) is a pathway to introduce the student to the broad field of agriculture and natural resources management, including the production of plants and animals and managing the sustainability of our natural resources. Students in the pathway will participate in active learning exercises, including integral activities of the National FFA organization and supervised agricultural experiences.

Business

The course of study for the business, marketing, and finance pathway emphasizes hands-on experiences to prepare students in the areas of basic fiscal responsibility, entrepreneurship, career preparation, and/or continuing education in the field of business. This curriculum will also provide students with a strong understanding of what it means to be contributing, responsible, and productive members of society now and as they mature.

Culinary Arts

Culinary Arts is a pathway in the Hospitality and Events Career Cluster. This program is designed for students who wish to pursue a career or higher education in the foodservice industry. Through this program, students will learn safety and sanitation in the workplace, basic culinary skills and knowledge, and basic management and financial operations for various parts of the food service industry.

Educator Preparation

The Educator Preparation pathway introduces high school students to careers in education through classroom instruction and hands-on field experiences. Students develop the knowledge, skills, and professional portfolio needed to prepare for postsecondary education and future careers in teaching and related fields.

Engineering

The Engineering pathway introduces students to pre-engineering, robotics, and automated manufacturing through hands-on, real-world applications. Students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, technical, and workplace skills that prepare them for postsecondary education and careers in engineering and STEM fields.

Health Science

Health Science Core pathway is the foundational course for students in the Health Sciences Career Cluster and is required before advancing into Healthcare and Clinical Services or Sports Medicine. Students build essential knowledge and skills in safety, infection control, legal and ethical practices, communication, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, common diseases and disorders, and healthcare careers.

Healthcare and Clinical Services (HCCS) builds on this foundation through classroom instruction and hands-on experiences. These courses prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry by developing practical skills and a deeper understanding of healthcare professions and services.

Law and Public Safety

The Law and Public Safety (LPS) pathway prepares students for careers and further education in law enforcement, legal services, emergency services, and the military through classroom and hands-on experiences. Students explore criminal and constitutional law, law enforcement operations, emergency management, ethics, safety, career opportunities, and real-world job-shadowing experiences.

Multimedia

The Multimedia pathway introduces students to the multimedia production realm, equipping students with key principles of design, digital citizenship, and 21st-century skills crucial for industry success. Students engage in hands on learning through photo and video editing, camera operations, and targeted content creation, culminating in the publication of their work on diverse multimedia platforms. These courses lay a strong foundation for digital literacy, ethical media production, and career readiness, fostering both technical proficiency and adaptability to the ever-changing multimedia landscape.

PLTW Engineering (non-CTE)

PLTW Engineering engages high school students in hands-on, project-based learning that applies engineering design, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills to real-world challenges. Students explore engineering concepts, technologies, and career pathways while developing skills that prepare them for college and STEM-related careers.

Sports Medicine

The Sports Medicine and Therapeutic Services pathway is an option for students in the health sciences career cluster who have successfully completed the health science core class. The courses build on Health Science Core by introducing students to the prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of sports-related injuries. Students also explore sports medicine careers, emergency care, therapeutic techniques, and essential workplace skills.

Work Based Learning

Work-Based Learning (WBL) provides high school students with authentic, hands-on career experiences that connect classroom learning with the workplace. Through opportunities such as internships, apprenticeships, job placements, clinical or worksite experiences, school-based enterprises, entrepreneurship, and simulated worksites, students develop technical and employability skills while working with business and industry professionals.  WBL is offered through embedded CTE experiences, credit-bearing WBL courses, and career academies, with experiences aligned to students’ Individual Success Plans and supported through business and industry partnerships.

Enhancement and Computer Science Course Descriptions

Cyber Foundations I/II

The Cyber Foundations programs are designed to provide students with essential skills in computer science, digital literacy, and cybersecurity, laying the groundwork for more advanced studies in the IT field.

Computer Science and Engineering

Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) is a project-based course designed to instruct students through activities that require modeling, physical design, and coding, leading them to discover how computing and engineering work together to solve problems.

Exploring Computer Science

Exploring Computer Science (ECS) is a survey course that introduces students to the breadth of the computer science field. The course lays a foundation in problem-solving, critical thinking, and algorithmic development and then introduces students to the basics of web development, programming, robotics, data science, and artificial intelligence.

Contemporary Health

Contemporary Health helps students develop the knowledge and skills needed to make healthy decisions and promote lifelong wellness. Topics include personal and mental health, human development, disease and substance-abuse prevention, nutrition, environmental health, safety, and first aid.

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship prepares students to develop, launch, and manage a business by exploring idea development, business planning, marketing, finance, accounting, and management. Students also learn about business models, legal concepts, and current entrepreneurial practices.

Exploration of Agriscience

Exploration of Agriscience introduces middle school students to agriscience. The course focuses on providing an opportunity for students to explore the different fields in agricultural sciences, including Mississippi-based agriculture, and develop foundational skills and knowledge needed for advancement in other courses and programs.

Exploring Careers

Exploring Careers introduces students to career pathways, self-development, decision-making, and financial planning. Students explore career clusters and pathways through interactive learning experiences designed to help them make informed choices about their future.

Family and Consumer Science

Family and Consumer Science (FCS) courses prepare students for life and careers by developing essential skills in leadership, problem-solving, decision-making, communication, and critical thinking. Students also explore career pathways and build skills for employment, postsecondary education, and lifelong learning.

Principles of Agriscience

Principles of Agriscience introduces students to the science, technology, and practices of modern agriculture through hands-on learning. Students explore agricultural fields while developing foundational knowledge and skills for advanced agriscience courses and careers.