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Find A Destinations Career Academy Near You

Outside the U.S.?

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

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CYBERSECURITY PATHWAY

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

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DIGITAL DESIGN PATHWAY

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

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE GAME DESIGN PATHWAY

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

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NETWORKING PATHWAY

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

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAMMING PATHWAY

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

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DIGITAL COMMUNICATION PATHWAY

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

Participate in eSports

 

 

 
 

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.

GO NOW
GO NOW

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.

READ ALL FAQs

HACK YOUR SCHEDULE

Enroll in high school IT classes you love that prepare you for careers like cryptography and security management 

EXPLORE YOUR PATHWAY TO CYBERSECURITY

LEARN MORE ABOUT COURSE OFFERINGS IN THE OTHER CAREER FIELDS

LEARN MORE ABOUT COURSE OFFERINGS IN THE OTHER CAREER FIELDS

AGRICULTURE, FOOD, AND NATURAL RESOURCES

BUSINESS
 

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

MANUFACTURING AND THE TRADES

AGRICULTURE, FOOD, AND NATURAL RESOURCES

BUSINESS

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

MANUFACTURING AND THE TRADES

 

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.

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*Opportunities vary by school; please visit your school page or check with your school counselor.

**Destinations Career Academies are for grades 9–12; however, we may have other online public schools in your area that offer lower grades.

†Many Microsoft® Office certificates can be earned after completing one course. Other certificates require more classes to be better prepared, and students who attend Destinations for at least two years will have further exposure to career readiness education courses to be prepared for certification testing.

Families do not pay tuition for a student to attend a K12-powered online public school. Common household items and office supplies like printer ink and paper are not provided. Our enrollment consultants can help address your technological and computer questions and needs.

K12 Inc.’s corporate name change to Stride, Inc., is effective as of December 16, 2020. Stride trades on the NYSE under the symbol LRN.
Copyright © 2021 Stride, Inc. All rights reserved. The Stride word mark, logo and other marks referenced herein are trademarks of Stride, Inc. and its subsidiaries, and other company names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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*Opportunities vary by school; please visit your school page or check with your school counselor.

**Destinations Career Academies are for grades 9–12; however, we may have other online public schools in your area that offer lower grades.

Families do not pay tuition for a student to attend a K12-powered online public school. Common household items and office supplies like printer ink and paper are not provided. Our enrollment consultants can help address your technological and computer questions and needs.

Copyright © 2020 K12 Inc. All rights reserved. K12 is a registered trademark of K12 Inc. The K12 logo and other marks referenced herein are trademarks of K12 Inc. and its subsidiaries, and other marks are owned by third parties.

 

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