Information Technology:
CS, IT Services, & CyberSecurity
Information Technology:
CS, IT Services, & CyberSecurity
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CS, IT Services, & CyberSecurity
Endorsement: Science, Tech, Engineering, & Mathematics
and Business & Industry
CTE Pathway: Programming & Software Development,
IT Services and Cybersecurity
and Business & Industry
CTE Pathway: Programming & Software Development,
IT Services and Cybersecurity
IT & CS Pathway?
IT & CS Pathway?
Our courses at WAIS focus mostly on the computer science pathway, which as of Fall 2024 is contained within the Information Technology cluster (previously contained in the STEM pathway). However, our courses also supports the IT Support & Services and the Cyber Security pathways. connects to other areas and disciplines- especially science, technology, engineering, arts, medical, and mathematics fields. Computer Science itself is the study of computation, information, and automation; this may seem narrow, but the application of these concepts has affected all other fields and industries.
Computer science includes both the theoretical and academic, as well as real-world applications. As such, it is a strong series of courses for both those looking to pursue a degree after high school, as well as those looking to immediately join the workforce.
Students in computer science will learn both about computers and software, as well as how to design and implement algorithms to create their own websites, programs, and software. They will also learn to create and maintain a portfolio and repository throughout the CS pathway.
Pathway Options
Pathway Options
Students interested in this pathway can take related courses every year from 7th through 12th grade.
In 9th grade, students in the pathway typically take Computer Science 1, in which they can earn a professional-level certification for Python. After Computer Science 2, typically 10th grade, students would then choose whether to take IB Diploma-level Computer Science at WAIS, or to take Networking & Cybersecurity at Guthrie for 11th and 12th grade. This decision will determine whether the student completes the Programming & Software Development or the Cybersecurity pathway, both within the Texas STEM high school graduation endorsement. The STEM endorsement includes Math & Science requirements; if these are not met, students instead earn the Business & Industry Endorsement.
Students more interested in computer hardware instead of programming can choose to start taking Computer Maintenance at the Guthrie Center for 10th Grade. This choice can result in a student completing the IT Support and Services pathway, and earning the Texas Business & Industry high school graduation endorsement.
Students who take Principles of IT, and enjoy working with documents, spreadsheets, and presentations more than programming or hardware may also be interested in our Business courses with Mrs. Wismer. While the course is not specifically part of the pathway, there is some overlap and they could look into switching to the Accounting and Financial Services pathway when available to them.
What about Engineering?
What about Engineering?
While not directly related in Texas Education documentation, Computer Science courses will help prepare students for Engineering programs at the university level. Some of the concepts and software programs we work with are used in the engineering field, including spreadsheets, 3D design software, programming, and more. This will give these students an advantage if pursuing engineering at the university level.
Majority of engineering programs also require students to take computer science and/or programming to earn their degree. Additionally, the process of planning and designing software in Computer Science is similar to the process in Engineering, and relates to the subfield of Software Engineering. Likewise, understanding the internal components of computers is part of Computer Science and also relates to subfields of Computer and Electrical Engineering.
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