INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CAREER FIELD
Information Technology (IT) is a part of every industry including retail, design, insurance, banking, aerospace, energy, and healthcare. It provides the infrastructure and tools that industries need to operate and grow. How’s that for versatility? You can jump-start your career in IT through our cutting-edge career pathways. You’ll learn the ins and outs of IT and its components, develop the fundamental skills in computer technology, and discover the career paths you can take after high school.
- Explore the possibilities in information technology
- Learn how information technology impacts the world around you
- Develop an understanding of the fundamentals of IT security and infrastructure
EXPLORE IT PATHWAYS
Whether you’re a coder, a gamer, or really into the latest tech gadgets, you can explore your passion and advance into focused studies through an IT pathway. These pathways are designed to prepare you for a career in IT and help prepare you to earn industry-recognized certifications that show employers and colleges that you're serious about your future.
LEARN MORE ABOUT EARNING CERTIFICATIONS
Cybersecurity Pathway
Do you enjoy critical thinking, research, and analysis? Then the cyber security pathway could be for you. You’ll learn how to handle cyber threats of the future and enhance security for corporations and governments. A career in cyber security can include roles such as computer programmers, system administrators, and security architects.
- Learn to use digital technology efficiently and effectively
- Discover the building blocks of modern network design
- Learn to protect privacy and prevent security incidents and data breaches
| 9TH GRADE |
10TH GRADE |
11TH GRADE |
12TH GRADE |
CERTIFICATIONS |
POTENTIAL JOBS |
|---|
IT Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
|
Computer Literacy (PBL)
Computer Science
|
Security+ 1
Security+ 2
|
|
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
NOCTI Computer Networking Fundamentals
|
Information Security Analyst
Web Developer (associate's degree required)
Network and Computer Systems Administrator
|
9TH GRADE
IT Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
10TH GRADE
Computer Literacy (PBL)
Computer Science
11TH GRADE
Security+ 1
Security+ 2
CERTIFICATIONS
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
NOCTI Computer Networking Fundamentals
POTENTIAL JOBS
Information Security Analyst
Web Developer (associate's degree required)
Network and Computer Systems Administrator
Digital Design Pathway
How would you like to spend your day creating websites, computer-game graphics, animations, or special effects for movies? If any of those prospects excite you, you might be a good candidate for the digital design pathway. Here, you’ll put both your creative spirit and technical mind to work to create visual assets for the digital world. A career in digital design will allow you to work in a variety of industries including education, entertainment, and advertising.
- Discover the fundamentals and best practices of digital arts
- Learn the industry-standard software used in digital design
- Gain experience presenting your digital design work to others
| 9TH GRADE |
10TH GRADE |
11TH GRADE |
12TH GRADE |
CERTIFICATIONS |
POTENTIAL JOBS |
|---|
IT Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
|
Digital Arts 1 (PBL)
Digital Arts 2 (PBL–Spring 2020)
|
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe InDesign
|
|
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
Adobe Certified Associate (ACA)– Visual Communication Using Adobe Photoshop
ACA– Print and Digital Media Publication Using Adobe InDesign
|
3D Animator
Graphic Designer
Multimedia Artist
|
9TH GRADE
IT Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
10TH GRADE
Digital Arts 1 (PBL)
Digital Arts 2 (PBL–Spring 2020)
11TH GRADE
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe InDesign
CERTIFICATIONS
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
Adobe Certified Associate (ACA)– Visual Communication Using Adobe Photoshop
ACA– Print and Digital Media Publication Using Adobe InDesign
POTENTIAL JOBS
3D Animator
Graphic Designer
Multimedia Artist
Game Design and Programming Pathway
You might think you love playing video games, but nothing can beat building and playing your own. The game design and programming pathway can help you level up for a career in video game design and programming. BYOC (bring your own controller) because a career in video game design and programming can help you take the creative lead as a computer programmer, computer and information systems manager, or software developer.
- Learn the skills to develop video games through coding and design
- Explore the building blocks of game design and programming
- Understand computer programming languages and their relation to design
| 9TH GRADE |
10TH GRADE |
11TH GRADE |
12TH GRADE |
CERTIFICATIONS |
POTENTIAL JOBS |
|---|
IT Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
|
Computer Literacy (PBL)
Computer Science
|
Game Design 1
Game Design 2
|
Programming Logic and Design
|
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
Certiport–Game Design
|
Computer Programmer
Computer and Information Systems Manager
Software Developer
|
9TH GRADE
IT Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
10TH GRADE
Computer Literacy (PBL)
Computer Science
11TH GRADE
Game Design 1
Game Design 2
12TH GRADE
Programming Logic and Design
CERTIFICATIONS
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
Certiport–Game Design
POTENTIAL JOBS
Computer Programmer
Computer and Information Systems Manager
Software Developer
Networking Pathway
Are you a natural problem solver with a knack for technology? A career in computer networking would allow you to put your skills to use, making sure data can transfer securely, maintaining software and hardware, analyzing problems, and coming up with solutions. The courses in this pathway can put you on track to a career in computer network architecture, computer network engineering, and more.
- Learn the basic elements of computer networks and their function
- Explore how computers communicate and work together in a system
- Gain experience in diagnosing and analyzing computer issues
| 9TH GRADE |
10TH GRADE |
11TH GRADE |
12TH GRADE |
CERTIFICATIONS |
POTENTIAL JOBS |
|---|
IT Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
|
Computer Literacy (PBL)
Computer Science
|
Network+ 1
Network+ 2
|
|
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
NOCTI Computer Networking Fundamentals
|
Network Administrator
Computer Support Specialist
Computer Network Architect
Computer Systems Analyst
|
9TH GRADE
IT Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
10TH GRADE
Computer Literacy (PBL)
Computer Science
11TH GRADE
Network+ 1
Network+ 2
CERTIFICATIONS
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
NOCTI Computer Networking Fundamentals
POTENTIAL JOBS
Network Administrator
Computer Support Specialist
Computer Network Architect
Computer Systems Analyst
Programming Pathway
Do you dream of designing your own websites or software? Combine your creative flair with your mind for technology and learn to code in our computer programming pathway. With computer programming skills, you can be on track for a career in software development, web development, and more.
- Learn the fundamental coding languages such as JAVA, HTML3, and CSS3
- Understand algorithms and theories behind computer systems
- Gain experience in developing programs and applications
| 9TH GRADE |
10TH GRADE |
11TH GRADE |
12TH GRADE |
CERTIFICATIONS |
POTENTIAL JOBS |
|---|
IT Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
|
Computer Literacy (PBL)
Computer Science
|
Python
Programming Logic and Design
|
Additional language including JAVA, HTML3, CSS3
|
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
Certiport–Python
Certiport–JAVA, C++, HTML5, CSS3
|
Computer Programmer
Software Developer
Computer and Information Systems Manager
|
9TH GRADE
IT Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
10TH GRADE
Computer Literacy (PBL)
Computer Science
11TH GRADE
Python
Programming Logic and Design
12TH GRADE
Additional language including JAVA, HTML3, CSS3
CERTIFICATIONS
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
Certiport–Python
Certiport–JAVA, C++, HTML5, CSS3
POTENTIAL JOBS
Computer Programmer
Software Developer
Computer and Information Systems Manager
Web and Digital Communication Pathway
Businesses are always on the lookout for ways to make their digital presence stand out, and employees who can bring their vision to life. Through the web and digital communication pathway, you’ll prepare to design and produce interactive multimedia products and services. A career in web and digital communication can set you up for positions such as a web developer or graphic designer.
- Explore the fundamentals of web design
- Understand the building blocks of website design and software
- Learn industry standard software for designing websites
| 9TH GRADE |
10TH GRADE |
11TH GRADE |
12TH GRADE |
CERTIFICATIONS |
POTENTIAL JOBS |
|---|
IT Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
|
Digital Arts 1 (PBL)
Digital Arts 2 (PBL–Spring 2020)
|
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Dreamweaver
|
|
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
Adobe Certified Associate (ACA)–Web Authoring Using Adobe Dreamweaver
ACA– Graphic Design and Illustration Using Adobe Illustrator
|
Graphic Designer
Web Developer
|
9TH GRADE
IT Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
10TH GRADE
Digital Arts 1 (PBL)
Digital Arts 2 (PBL–Spring 2020)
11TH GRADE
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Dreamweaver
CERTIFICATIONS
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
Adobe Certified Associate (ACA)–Web Authoring Using Adobe Dreamweaver
ACA– Graphic Design and Illustration Using Adobe Illustrator
POTENTIAL JOBS
Graphic Designer
Web Developer
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT††
COMPUTER SUPPORT SPECIALISTS
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT††
COMPUTER SUPPORT SPECIALISTS
Computer Support Specialists provide help and advice to computer users and organizations. Most computer support specialists have full-time work schedules; however, many do not work typical 9-to-5 jobs. Because computer support is important for businesses, support services may need to be available 24 hours a day
2019 Median Salary
|
$54,760 |
Projected New Jobs from 2019–2029
|
67,300 |
Job Growth Rate 2019–2029
|
8% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Postsecondary nondegree / certificate |
Computer Support Specialists provide help and advice to computer users and organizations. Most computer support specialists have full-time work schedules; however, many do not work typical 9-to-5 jobs. Because computer support is important for businesses, support services may need to be available 24 hours a day
2019 Median Salary
|
$54,760 |
Projected New Jobs from 2019–2029
|
67,300 |
Job Growth Rate 2019–2029
|
8% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Postsecondary nondegree / certificate |
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT††
WEB DEVELOPERS
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT††
WEB DEVELOPERS
Web Developers design and build websites for a variety of uses from ecommerce to gaming to information sites. They select the most appropriate applications to use, design the site layout, and even write content.
2019 Median Salary
|
$73,760 |
Projected New Jobs from 2019–2029
|
14,000 |
Job Growth Rate 2019–2029
|
8% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Associate's degree |
Web Developers design and build websites for a variety of uses from ecommerce to gaming to information sites. They select the most appropriate applications to use, design the site layout, and even write content.
2019 Median Salary
|
$73,760 |
Projected New Jobs from 2019–2029
|
14,000 |
Job Growth Rate 2019–2029
|
8% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Associate's degree |
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT††
SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT††
SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS
Software Developers create the applications or systems that run on a computer or another device. Many software developers work for firms that deal in computer systems design and related services, manufacturing, or for software publishers.
2019 Median Salary
|
$107,510 |
Projected New Jobs from 2019–2029
|
316,000 |
Job Growth Rate 2019–2029
|
22% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Bachelor's degree |
Software Developers create the applications or systems that run on a computer or another device. Many software developers work for firms that deal in computer systems design and related services, manufacturing, or for software publishers.
2019 Median Salary
|
$107,510 |
Projected New Jobs from 2019–2029
|
316,000 |
Job Growth Rate 2019–2029
|
22% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Bachelor's degree |
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT††
COMPUTER SYSTEMS ANALYSTS
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT††
COMPUTER SYSTEMS ANALYSTS
Computer Systems Analysts study an organization’s current computer systems and find a solution that is more efficient and effective. Most computer systems analysts work full time. Some work more than 40 hours per week.
2019 Median Salary
|
$90,920 |
Projected New Jobs from 2019–2029
|
46,600 |
Job Growth Rate 2019–2029
|
7% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Bachelor's degree |
Computer Systems Analysts study an organization’s current computer systems and find a solution that is more efficient and effective. Most computer systems analysts work full time. Some work more than 40 hours per week.
2019 Median Salary
|
$90,920 |
Projected New Jobs from 2019–2029
|
46,600 |
Job Growth Rate 2019–2029
|
7% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Bachelor's degree |
Discover More About the IT Program
Find out what types of jobs are available in the IT field—and get advice from industry experts on the steps to take to land one of those jobs. During live virtual chats with professionals, you'll hear firsthand what it's like to work in various IT occupations. Watch the video to learn more.”
Connect with Industry Professionals
Hear from an IT Pathway Teacher
Webinar: Take a Deep Dive into the Field of IT
Webinar: Take a Deep Dive into the Field of IT
Visit our webinar library and watch the "Top 5 Career Tips from IT Experts at Google, Amazon, and Nomadic Learning" to get the inside scoop on a career in IT.
Visit our webinar library and watch the "Top 5 Career Tips from IT Experts at Google, Amazon, and Nomadic Learning" to get the inside scoop on a career in IT.
EXPLORE CAREERS IN YOUR AREA
EXPLORE CAREERS IN YOUR AREA
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Curious about IT careers or exploring education options?
Read some of the most common questions for your learner.
Curious about IT careers or exploring education options? Read some of the most common questions for your learner.
Do you need a college degree to be a computer programmer?
The degree requirements to be a computer programmer vary, though most employers require a bachelor’s degree. To be a computer programmer, you need extensive knowledge and skill in object-oriented programming languages including JavaScript, C++, and Python. Employers often rely on tests to measure a candidate’s aptitude for a job. Destinations is a great solution for learning these skills while completing high school, bringing students one step closer to their next step.
Do you need a college degree to be a game designer?
Most game design careers only require a high school diploma. In 2018, video game designers and graphic animators earned a median salary of $72,520 with job opportunities increasing by 4 percent by 2028.** At a career readiness high school like Destinations, students can take computer science, programming, and game design courses to learn the skills required to start a career in game design.*
**Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Website last modified date: Wednesday, September 4, 2019. This job may require additional education and certifications once a student graduates from high school.
Do you need a degree to work in IT?
Many information technology (IT) careers do not require a college education. Students at Destinations can choose an IT career pathway program that teachers them the skills required to work in IT. Through career-focused electives, students learn the technical skills that could lead to jobs in such areas as cybersecurity, programming, and game design.
Do you need a degree to work in cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity careers require a bachelor’s degree. Destinations students interested in cybersecurity can enroll in electives such as computer science and security plus courses which will start them on a cybersecurity career journey. Information Security Analyst jobs are projected to grow 32 percent between 2018 and 2028**—an encouraging statistic to students interested in starting this type of career.
**Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Website last modified date: Wednesday, September 4, 2019. This job may require additional education and certifications once a student graduates from high school.
HACK YOUR SCHEDULE
Enroll in high school IT classes you love that prepare you for careers like cryptography and security management
LEARN MORE ABOUT COURSE OFFERINGS IN THE OTHER CAREER FIELDS
LEARN MORE ABOUT COURSE OFFERINGS IN THE OTHER CAREER FIELDS
1http://archive.adaic.com/docs/present/engle/whyada/tsld003.htm
††Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Website last modified date: Wednesday, September 1, 2020. This job may require additional education and certifications once a student graduates from high school.
