Career Program Descriptions

Piscataway Magnet School is committed to working collaboratively to ensure all students succeed in a safe and productive environment. We believe in the delivery of rigorous and relevant instruction to guide students as individual learners on their path to becoming critical thinkers, leaders, professionals, and active citizens. With the partnership of our parents, neighboring communities, affiliations with industry professionals, and articulation agreements with local colleges, we provide a foundation to succeed in the workplace or post-secondary educational path. It is our ultimate mission to prepare our students to achieve optimal success in a diverse and changing world.

We offer year-round support for English, Math, Science, and History in addition to social and emotional after-school learning programs, including but not limited to: art, music, yoga, reading, and film. Dual credit courses are available through Middlesex County College, including English 11 and 12 Honors, Public Speaking, and Precalculus. Additional opportunities are available for students through the County High School Scholars Program.

AGRISCIENCE 

AgriScience provides students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience within the field of agriculture, including: greenhouse  management, floriculture, plant science, and biotechnology. The AgriScience program follows the Curriculum for Agricultural Science  (CASE) Plant Pathway. Once completing the CASE Plant Pathway, students will complete OSHA 10 certification and can graduate with  college credits determined by articulation agreements. The diversity of this course, along with their involvement in the Career and  Technical Student Organization, FFA, will prepare students for employment within the field of agriculture or to continue on to college.  

ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN 

Architecture and Design is designed to challenge students interested in Residential & Commercial Building Design, Interior Design,  Product Design, and Engineering. Students transform their designs into 3D models and working drawings through the use of the latest  Computer-Aided Design software. With the help of our 3D printers and laser cutting equipment, students are able to produce prototypes  of their designs. The Architecture Technology program provides students with a strong foundation in Architecture, Engineering, Interior,  and Industrial Design, which will prove to be instrumental as they pursue post-secondary education. Students will complete OSHA 10 and  Autodesk certification. Graduates may also pursue employment as CAD technicians in the fields of Architecture, Construction, Surveying,  Manufacturing, and Engineering. 

AUTOBODY REPAIR AND REFINISHING 

Highly skilled automotive collision repair technicians and refinishers are needed to meet current and future labor market demands.  Technical instruction to prepare students includes basic auto collision repair, alignment parts, panel replacement, glasswork, custom trim  and painting. Students will gain knowledge of mechanical and suspension components, engine accessory systems, emission control  systems, drive systems and climate control systems. Graduates enter employment in the trade area or enroll in post-secondary education. 

AUTOMOTIVE MAINTENANCE AND LIGHT REPAIR 

This program introduces students to the jobs, operations, and skills needed in the servicing, diagnosis and repair of automobiles.  Students will gain a thorough knowledge of tools, materials, and equipment used by automotive technicians. The curriculum includes  automotive engine operations, vehicle maintenance and repair, steering and suspension systems, computerized engine controls, brake  systems, electrical systems, fuel and ignition systems and front end alignment. Students will complete OSHA 10, and test for up to 7  Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification examinations. Each program partners with automotive manufacturers such as Toyota  and Mercedes Benz to complete specific industry certifications. Graduates of the program are employed as dealer preparation  mechanics, brake specialists, tune-up mechanics, service mechanics and parts distributors.  

BAKING AND PASTRY ARTS 

Graduates of the Baking and Pastry Arts program prepare for culinary careers as bakers, pastry chefs, production workers,  merchandising/marketing sales personnel, managers, supervisors, and business owners. Instruction is provided in production, mixing,  molding, bench makeup, oven work, cake decorating, sales and delivery, sanitation, and safety engineering. Students participate in  storefront, buffet and banquet operations. Students in this program will earn certifications in OSHA 10, ServeSafe Food Handler, and  ServeSafe Manager. Students have the opportunity to earn articulated credit from Atlantic Cape Community College and Middlesex  College. 

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT 

The Business Administration and Management program of study prepares students for careers in marketing, finance, human resources,  and project management. Instruction includes word processing and fiscal management software, financianal reporting, market analysis,  customer service, project management and entrepeneurship. Students will earn certifications in OSHA 10, Word and Excel. Additionally,  student will have the opportunity to earn dual credit with Middlesex College. 

CARPENTRY AND CONSTRUCTION TRADES 

Students in this program learn the safety required as well as the basic skills and knowledge needed in the areas of carpentry and  cabinetmaking incorporating the use of hand and power tools, and the operation of common trade equipment and their accessories.  Instruction includes the basics of home construction, planning, design, millwork, framework, cost estimates, mathematics, and related  drawing. Carpentry students learn the use of hand tools and the operation of all common woodworking machines. Students in this  program will complete OSHA 10 certification. Graduates of this program are prepared to work as carpenter helpers, cabinet makers,  sheathers, framers, panel installers, flooring installers, and roofers. Students will be exposed to many local construction businesses  including the Carpenter’s Union, Liuna (Laborers International Union) and the Roofer’s Union. 

COMPUTER SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY 

Computer systems technology prepares students to develop the capabilities to design, construct, install and trouble-shoot a broad range  of computer systems and networks. Students will prepare and take the CompTIA Certification Exam. Graduates may continue their studies  in post-secondary school. 

CONSTRUCTION MAINTENANCE AND DESIGN 

Students prepare for careers in the building services industry through the study of maintenance, design, construction trades and grounds  keeping operations. Students learn to use power and hand tools, apply materials used in cleaning procedures, painting, spray buffing,  design as well as basic carpentry, electricity, plumbing, and landscaping skills. Students in this program will complete OSHA 10  certification. Graduates enter the labor force as sanitation technicians, custodians, landscapers, groundskeepers, carpenter’s helpers, and  plumber’s helpers. Students will be exposed to many local construction businesses including the Carpenter’s Union, Liuna (Laborers  International Union) and the Roofer’s Union. 

COSMETOLOGY 

Students in the Cosmetology program of study will learn the theory and practical components of barbering, manicuring, hairstyling,  coloring, facials, and makeup. This program includes individuals who share their talents as makeup artists or stylists for performing arts  and editorial projects. These diverse settings enable individuals to find their niche and develop their unique skill sets. Social media  provides increased opportunities to share those talents with an even broader audience, which can open doors to new business  endeavors. The beauty industry is a big business, which continues to grow and remain strong even during periods of economic downturn.  Students in this course will complete their OSHA 10 certifiction and successful completion of this course provides students with the  required hours to prepare them for the examination requirements for licensure by the State Board of Cosmetology. 

CULINARY ARTS 

This course develops skills in the culinary arts and prepares students for the many occupations available in the restaurant industry.  Instruction emphasizes understanding essential cooking techniques, which can then be adapted to create innovative new food items.  Instruction also includes food sanitation, nutrition and use of equipment. In a simulated restaurant, students prepare and execute a daily  lunch menu and learn front and back operations in a restaurant. Employment opportunities range from sous chef, working chef, pantry  worker, garde manager, pastry assistant and kitchen sanitation worker. Students in this program will earn certifications in OSHA 10,  ServeSafe Food Handler, and ServeSafe Manager. Students have the opportunity to earn articulated credit from Atlantic Cape Community  College and Middlesex College. 

FINANCE 

The Finance programof study prepares students for a variety of careers in financial services, including investment, personal and  commercial banking, brokerage, trading, insurance and investment management. By the end of the 4-year program, successful students  will earn QuickBooks and Microsoft Excel certification. Students that complete this program may be eligible for college credits. Graduates  of the program are preapared to pursue employment in industry or continue their studies with a post-secondary education. 

GLOBAL LOGISTICS / SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT 

The Global Logistics/Supply Chain Management program will prepare students to provide managerial support in the operation of  warehouses and the control of inventory. Students learn record-keeping and supply logistics as well as customer and supplier relations. It  is recommended that graduates of this program pursue post-secondary education in Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management.  Students who successfully complete the program may be eligible for articulated credit through the Rutgers Business School. 

GRAPHIC DESIGN 

Graphic Design students learn skills such as layout and design, computer graphics, color theory, typography, photography, composition,  image creation and editing. Students use programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. Graduates of the program work  as graphic artists, display workers, illustrators, or paste-up artists for publishers, advertising agencies and communication industries, or  pursue post-secondary education. Successful students in this program have the opportunity to earn certification in Adobe Photoshop and  dual credit at Kean University. 

HEALTH CAREERS 

This program will prepare students for certification and state licensing programs that include, but are not limited to, nursing studies, LPN,  physical/occupational therapy, etc. Instruction will include first aid, AED training, CPR, anatomy and physiology, safety, sterilization, blood  draw technique, nutrition, patient care, and more. Students will also prepare to take the Patient Care Technician (PCT) Exam during this  course. Graduates enter the healthcare profession with their Basic Life Saving (BLS) and PCT license or continue their education at a  university. 

HEALTH TECHNOLOGY / SERVICES 

This program will prepare students for entry into licensing programs such as Licensed Practical Nurse, physical or occupational therapist,  dietitian, radiologist, or nursing studies. Instruction will include first aid, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, disease, clinical  diagnostics, safety and sanitary procedures, nutrition, patient care, communication, and more. Students will also prepare to take the  Certified Medical Assistant (CMAC) Exam during this course. Graduates enter the healthcare profession with their Basic Life Saving (BLS)  and CMAC license or continue their education at a university. 

KINESIOLOGY - PHYSICAL THERAPY & EXERCISE SCIENCE 

This program will prepare you for an educational journey in kinesiology. The program includes rigorous learning focued in anatomy and  physiology, exercise science, kinesiology, neurology and ethics. Real-world clinical scenarios are incorporated into the curriculum that  include all areas of physical therapy practice, such as sports, neurology, wound care, cardiopulmonary, geriatrics, orthopedics, women’s  health, and pediatrics. Upon graduation from Middlesex County Magnet Schools, students can enter industry as a physical therapy aide  or personal trainer. Students interested in pursuing post-secondary eduction can go on to earn degrees in kinesiology including a  Doctorate in Physical Therapy. 

WELDING 

Welding students learn blue print reading, metallurgy, electric, oxygen acetylene, manual and automatic oxygen, acetylene cutting, and  inert gas welding using both the tungsten and metal inert gas methods. Students build structures and repair broken or cracked parts  according to specification. Students take the American Welding Society D1.1 Structural Welding-Steel Exam their senior year. Graduates  enter employment in the trade, begin an apprenticeship, or pursue post-secondary training.