CATN School Counseling - Career Clusters

Career Clusters organize industries and occupations based on shared technical skills, common interests, and economic sectors. Exploring these clusters allows students to discover high-demand professions they may not have previously considered, while providing a clearer understanding of the diverse educational and training pathways available to them.

Explore Career Clusters to discover how personal interests connect directly to specialized program offerings, industry credentials, higher education options, and local employment opportunities.

The Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources cluster focuses on the production, processing, marketing, distribution, financing, and development of agricultural commodities and resources. This includes food, fiber, wood products, natural resources, horticulture, and other plant and animal products/resources.

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Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education (CASE): This pathway equips students with progressive agriscience knowledge, emphasizing safe practices, scientific inquiry, sustainable resource management, and land and wildlife management. It fosters stewardship, resilient communities, and pathways for success in modern agriculture—while also recognizing the importance of protecting natural landscapes, safeguarding forests and waterways, and balancing conservation efforts with the recreational use of public lands.

Learn more about the Agricultural Career Cluster.

The Arts, Entertainment, & Design cluster focuses on creative expression, visual communication, performance, media production, and design. Students develop artistic and technical skills used to create, produce, and share experiences that inform, entertain, inspire, and engage audiences across a variety of industries.

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Graphic Communications: This pathway equips students with the creative and technical skills essential for careers in visual design and digital media. Students learn the principles of design, color theory, typography, digital imaging, and visual communication while gaining hands-on experience with industry-standard software such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Through real-world projects, portfolio development, and career exploration activities, students build the knowledge and experience needed for success in graphic design, advertising, marketing, publishing, and digital media careers.

Learn more about the Arts, Entertainment, & Design Career Cluster.

The Construction cluster focuses on the design, planning, building, maintenance, and management of residential, commercial, and industrial structures. Students develop technical, problem-solving, and hands-on skills while learning how construction professionals work together to create safe, functional, and sustainable buildings and infrastructure.

Related CAT North Programs

Learn more about the Construction Career Cluster.

The Digital Technology cluster focuses on the design, implementation, management, and security of computer systems, networks, and digital infrastructure. Students develop technical skills in networking, cybersecurity, hardware, software, and information technology while learning how digital systems connect people, organizations, and data across the world.

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Networking: This pathway prepares students for careers related to the design, implementation, and management of computer and information networks. Students learn how to configure, maintain, troubleshoot, and secure local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), wireless networks, and other communication systems. Through hands-on experiences and industry-recognized certifications, students develop the technical skills needed to support modern business, healthcare, government, and technology environments.

Learn more about the Digital Technology Career Cluster.

The Education cluster focuses on teaching, learning, training, and supporting the academic, social, and emotional development of individuals across the lifespan. Students explore instructional methods, child and adolescent development, educational technology, leadership, and communication skills while preparing for careers in schools, colleges, businesses, and community organizations. This field promotes lifelong learning and offers opportunities to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.

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Teacher Academy of Maryland (TAM): This pathway prepares students for careers in education by exploring teaching and instructional design from PreK–12 through adult learning environments. Students develop knowledge of child development, learning theories, classroom management, lesson planning, and educational technology while gaining hands-on experience working with students. Through field experiences and real-world applications, students build the skills needed to support learners and pursue careers in education and related fields.

Learn more about the Education Career Cluster.

The Health & Human Services cluster focuses on promoting health, wellness, personal care, and quality of life through medical, therapeutic, and consumer services. Students develop technical, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills while exploring careers dedicated to improving the physical, emotional, and social well-being of individuals and communities. This cluster includes pathways in healthcare, nursing, pharmacy, personal care services, and human services professions.

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Barbering
Cosmetology
Healthcare
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Pharmacy Technician

Learn more about the Health & Human Services Career Cluster.

The Hospitality, Events & Tourism cluster focuses on creating exceptional guest experiences through food service, lodging, tourism, recreation, event planning, and customer service. Students develop culinary, hospitality, leadership, and business skills while learning how organizations manage operations, serve customers, and create memorable experiences in restaurants, hotels, resorts, entertainment venues, and tourism destinations.

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These pathways provide students with hands-on experience in food preparation, baking, pastry production, hospitality operations, customer service, sanitation, and restaurant management. Students learn industry-standard techniques while developing creativity, professionalism, teamwork, and leadership skills. Through real-world experiences and industry-recognized certifications, students prepare for careers in the culinary, hospitality, and tourism industries.

Learn more about the Hospitality, Events & Tourism Career Cluster.

The Transportation cluster focuses on the maintenance, repair, operation, and management of vehicles and transportation systems that keep people and goods moving safely and efficiently. Students develop technical, diagnostic, and problem-solving skills while learning how modern transportation systems support industries such as automotive service, trucking, logistics, manufacturing, and fleet operations.

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These pathways provide students with hands-on experience in vehicle repair, refinishing, diagnostics, maintenance, and transportation technologies. Students learn industry-standard techniques, safety procedures, diagnostic processes, and customer service skills while working with modern tools and equipment. Through real-world applications and industry-recognized certifications, students prepare for careers in the automotive, diesel, collision repair, and transportation industries.

Learn more about the Transportation Career Cluster.

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