Programs of Study

*A note on coherent sequences of courses in a Program of Study

A student in grades 9-12 who is enrolled in a CTE Program of Study must have a 4-year plan to take 3 or more CTE courses for 4 or more credits within that career pathway.

All information on this program guide is taken from the TEA website at

https://tea.texas.gov/academics/college-career-and-military-prep/career-and-technical-education/approved-cte-programs-of-study

Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources

The Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (AFNR) Career Cluster focuses on the essential elements of life—food, water, land, and air. This career cluster includes a diverse spectrum of occupations, ranging from farmer, rancher, and veterinarian to geologist, land conservationist, and florist. It also includes non-traditional agricultural occupations like wind energy, solar energy, and oil and gas production.

Architecture and Construction

The Architecture and Construction Career Cluster focuses on designing, planning, managing, building, and maintaining the built environment. Principles of Architecture provides an overview to the various fields of architecture, interior design, and construction management.

Arts, Audio Visual Technology, and Communications

The Arts, A/V Technology and Communications (AAVTC) Career Cluster focuses on careers in designing, producing, exhibiting, performing, writing, and publishing multimedia content including visual and performing arts and design, journalism, and entertainment services. Careers in the AAVTC career cluster require a creative aptitude, a strong background in computer and technology applications, a strong academic foundation, and a proficiency in oral and written communication.

Business, Marketing, and Finance

The Business, Marketing, and Finance Career Cluster focuses on careers in planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating business functions essential to efficient and productive business operations.

Education and Training

The Education and Training Career Cluster focuses on planning, managing, and providing education and training services and related learning support services. All parts of courses are designed to introduce learners to the various careers available within the Education and Training career cluster.

Health Science

The Health Science Career Cluster focuses on planning, managing, and providing therapeutic services, diagnostics services, health informatics, support services, and biotechnology research and development. To pursue a career in the health science industry, students should learn to reason, think critically, make decisions, solve problems, communicate effectively, and work well with others.

Hospitality and Tourism

The Hospitality and Tourism Career Cluster focuses on the management, marketing, and operations of restaurants and other food/beverage services, lodging, attractions, recreation events, and travel-related services. Students acquire knowledge and skills focusing on communication, time management, and customer service that meet industry standards. Students will explore the history of the hospitality and tourism industry and examine characteristics needed for success.

Law and Public Service

The Law and Public Service Career Cluster focuses on planning, managing, and providing legal services, public safety, protective services, and homeland security, including professional and technical support services. Students will examine the roles and responsibilities of police, courts, corrections, private security, and fire and emergency services.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Career Cluster focuses on planning, managing, and providing, scientific research and professional and technical services, including laboratory and testing services, and research and development services.

Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics

The Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics Career Cluster focuses on careers in planning, management, and movement of people, materials, and goods by road, pipeline, air, rail, and water. It also includes related professional support services such as transportation infrastructure planning and management, logistics services, mobile equipment and facility maintenance.