INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT)
Charles Duell, Commissioner of the U.S. Patent Office in 1899, once said that "everything that can be invented has been invented."1 We can smile at that now, but with technology advancing at an incredible pace, how do you best prepare for success in a world where so much is going digital? Our IT pathways begin preparing you now for careers in software development, game design, and networking.* Being able to earn certifications from companies like Microsoft® and Adobe® will show employers and colleges that you're serious about a future in IT.
PATHWAYS OFFERED AND THEIR SAMPLE COURSE PROGRESSIONS
These samples show you what the journey might look like if you start a career pathway your freshman year. Your course progression will need to be accelerated if you start a career pathway your sophomore year or later.
Cybersecurity Pathway
| 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
| 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
| 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
| 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
| 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
| 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
2018 Median Salary
|
$53,470 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
83,100 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
10% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Post-Secondary, Non-Degree Award |
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
2018 Median Salary
|
$53,470 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
83,100 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
10% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Post-Secondary, Non-Degree Award |
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT**
WEB DEVELOPER
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT**
WEB DEVELOPER
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.
2018 Median Salary
|
$69,430 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
20,900 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
15% |
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.
2018 Median Salary
|
$69,430 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
20,900 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
15% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Associate's Degree |
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT**
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT**
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Graphic Designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. Many of these workers are employed in specialized design services, publishing, or advertising, public relations, and related services industries.
2018 Median Salary
|
$50,370 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
8,800 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
3% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Post-Secondary, Non-Degree Award |
Graphic Designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. Many of these workers are employed in specialized design services, publishing, or advertising, public relations, and related services industries.
2018 Median Salary
|
$50,370 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
8,800 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
3% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Post-Secondary, Non-Degree Award |
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT**
SOFTWARE DEVELOPER
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT**
SOFTWARE DEVELOPER
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.
2018 Median Salary
|
$105,590 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
284,100 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
21% |
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.
2018 Median Salary
|
$105,590 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
284,100 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
21% |
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.
2018 Median Salary
|
$88,740 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
56,000 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
9% |
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.
2018 Median Salary
|
$88,740 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
56,000 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
9% |
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
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.
LEARN MORE ABOUT COURSE OFFERINGS IN THE OTHER CAREER FIELDS
LEARN MORE ABOUT COURSE OFFERINGS IN THE OTHER CAREER FIELDS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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.
1http://archive.adaic.com/docs/present/engle/whyada/tsld003.htm
*Career fields and pathways vary by school. Check with your school for its current offerings.
**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.
