Career and Technical Education (CTE) | Academics| John Paul II High School | Texas

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, and research and development.

Innovation meets application.

Master the languages of the future through coding, robotics, and design. Whether you are building in Unity or prototyping engineering solutions, these pathways emphasize problem-solving and algorithmic thinking.

Careers

Programmer, Cybersecurity, Manufacturing Engineer, Computer Engineer, Game Programmer, and/or Software Developer.

College Majors/Degrees

• Bachelor's: Engineering, General, Robotics Technology, Computer Programming, Computer Engineering, and/or Data Science
• Master's, Doctoral, and Professional: Electrical Engineering and/or Computer Software Engineering

Courses

• Principles of Computer Science: Introduces programming, problem-solving, and foundational computer science concepts.
• Computer Science Honors: Covers all principles of Computer Science, plus preparation for the PCEP certification. No coding experience needed.
• AP Computer Science A: Teaches object-oriented programming and algorithmic thinking using the Java language.
• AP Computer Science-Principles: Explores how computing, programming, and digital information impact real-world
  innovation.
• Advanced Graphics Programming: Builds advanced software development skills through graphics, animation, and interactive programming projects.
• Principles of Applied Engineering: Introduces engineering concepts such as design, prototyping, and problem-solving using hands-on tools and technology.
• Game Development with Unity: Students learn to design, code, and build interactive games using the Unity game engine.
• STEAM EPICS: Students collaborate on real-world engineering challenges, integrating science, technology, art, and design.
• Robotics & CAD / Honors: Teaches robot design, coding, and
  engineering through hands-on building and
  programming challenges.

The Arts, A/V Technology and Communications (AAVTC) career cluster focuses on careers in designing, producing, exhibiting, performing, writing, and publishing multimedia content, including the visual and performing arts, 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.

Creativity with a purpose.

Turn your artistic vision into professional media. This cluster utilizes industry-standard technology for graphic design, video production, and architectural modeling.

Careers

Graphic Designer, Publication Editor, Broadcaster, Music Producer, Digital Illustrator, Art Director, and/or Multimedia Artist.

College Majors/Degrees

• Bachelor's: Cinematography & Film/Video Production, Recording Arts Technology, and/or Graphic Design & Illustration
• Master's, Doctoral, and Professional: Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, Communications Technology, and/or Game & Character Design

Courses

• Principles of AV Technology & Communications: Introduces students to careers and industry-standard technologies in graphic design, broadcasting, photography, media production, and communication.
• Graphic Design I: Students learn the essentials of digital design, layout, typography, and image creation using industry-standard software.
• Principles of Architecture: Introduces architectural design, drawing, 3D modeling, and construction concepts.
• Introduction to Music Production: Explores audio recording, digital music creation, and sound editing using modern production tools.
• Debate I & Honors: Introduces argumentation, public speaking, and competitive debate skills.
• AV Production I & II: Explores journalism, media writing, broadcasting, video production, and digital storytelling across various communication platforms.
• Yearbook I & Honors: Teaches students to plan, design, photograph, and produce a professional yearbook publication.

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

Lead with integrity and insight.

Gain a comprehensive overview of how businesses operate, from managing financial portfolios to executing marketing strategies in sports and entertainment.

Careers

Financial Advisor, Accounting, Entrepreneur, Administrative Service, Manager, General Operations Manager, Marketing Specialist, and/or Non-profit Operations Manager.

College Majors/Degrees

• Bachelor's: Accounting and Business, Marketing (General), Finance, Applied Economics, and/or Business Management
• Master's, Doctoral, and Professional: Business Administration & Management, Organizational Leadership, and/or Marketing Management

Courses

• Principles of Business, Marketing & Finance: Provides an overview of how businesses operate, market products, and manage financial decisions.
• Personal Finance: Teaches students how to budget, manage money, understand credit, and make informed financial choices.
• Sports & Entertainment Marketing: Focuses on how marketing strategies are used in sports, entertainment, events, and promotional industries.
• Social Innovation Lab: Students design and develop creative solutions to real-world problems through entrepreneurship and innovation.
• Professional Communications: Develops speaking, writing, and presentation skills used in academic and workplace settings.
• Business Calculus: Business Calculus uses calculus to analyze and solve real-world problems involving cost, revenue, profit, and economic change.

The Health Science career cluster focuses on planning, managing, and delivering therapeutic, diagnostic, health informatics, support, and biotechnology research and development services. 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.

Compassion through care and cure.

Prepare for a future in medicine with a curriculum focused on the human body, therapeutic services, and diagnostic skills.

Careers

Medical Assistant, Pharmacist, Nutritionist, Athletic Trainer, Rehabilitation Therapist, and/or Physician.

College Majors/Degrees

• Bachelor's: Nutrition Science, Exercise Science & Kinesiology, Registered Nursing, Veterinary Science
• Master's, Doctoral, and Professional: Exercise Science & Kinesiology, Physical Therapy, Nursing Administration

Courses

• Principles of Health Science: Introduces health care careers, medical systems, and the basic skills required in the health sciences field.
• Anatomy & Physiology: Examines the structure and function of the human body and its major systems.
• Small Animal Management: Focuses on the care, health, and handling of small animals, with an emphasis on veterinary practices, animal welfare, and basic medical skills.
• Sports Medicine: (Coming 27-28) Focused on athletic training and rehabilitation.

The Law & Public Service career cluster explores how laws are created, interpreted, and enforced at the local, state, and federal levels. Students examine the history and structure of the U.S. legal system, including constitutional law, criminal law, and the functions of law enforcement agencies. The program also introduces legal research and writing, case management, legal ethics, and key areas of practice, including family, criminal, and contract law, preparing students for a wide range of careers in law, public service, and justice.

Justice, service, and analysis.

Explore the American legal system and the science of investigation. From the courtroom to the crime scene, students examine laws, ethics, and evidence.

Careers

Forensic Scientist, Law Enforcement, Detective, Customs Inspector, and/or Law Enforcement Supervisor.

College Majors/Degrees

• Bachelor's: Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, and/or Law Enforcement
• Master's, Doctoral, and Professional: Criminal Justice and Criminology

Courses

• Foundations of Law: Provides an introduction to the American legal system, rights, responsibilities, and careers in law and justice.
• Forensic Science: Applies scientific principles to crime scene investigation and evidence analysis.
• Court Systems & Practices: (Coming 27-28) Legal research and case management.

• STEM: Computer Software Engineering, Robotics Technology, Data Science.
• Arts: Cinematography, Graphic Design, Architecture.
• Business: Finance, Applied Economics, Marketing Management.
• Health: Nursing, Kinesiology, Pre-Med/Biology.
• Law: Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, Criminology.

• STEM: Software Developer & Cybersecurity Analyst.
• Physical Therapist & Athletic Trainer.
• Forensic Scientist & Detective.
• Financial Advisor & Entrepreneur.