The Information Technology cluster uses your love of technology to learn how to design, develop and manage different types of software and hardware programs. Though this field requires a solid foundation in math
and science as well as strong technical skills, there are careers in information technology in virtually every part of the economy.
Employment of computer and information research scientists is expected to increase. The demand for new and better technology will continue to grow, which will increase the employment of such workers. These professionals also will be needed to combat cyber-attacks, which are posing a larger threat to society. There should be a greater need for database administrators in the next decade. As companies store more data, these workers will be needed to manage the data so that analysts and stakeholders can understand it. Software developers also should see good job prospects. Mobile devices and tablets are becoming more popular, so software developers are increasingly needed to develop and upgrade mobile applications. Overall, more consumer products use software, which will drive the need for developers.
Information Technology Career Cluster PDF
Middle School Courses
- Digital Applications: #6617
- Discovering Business & IT: #6608
- Exploring Business Skills and Keyboarding: #6148
- Exploring Computer Science: #6670MS
- Introduction to Coding: #6607
- Introduction to Game Design and Coding: #6642MS
High School Course
- Computer Systems Technology I & II: #8622, #8623 (ACE)
- Cybersecurity Systems Technology I & II: #8628, #8629 (ACE)
- Exploring Computer Science: #6670
- Digital Applications: #6617
Do You Like…
- Design and develop computer hardware, software, and systems?
- Use your math and computer skills proficiently?
- Pay attention to detail?
- Use your problem-solving abilities to serve others?
- Practice patience and stay on task?
Sample Careers
- Web Designer or Webmaster
- Network Administrator or Technician
- Telecommunications Technician
- Data Communications Analyst
- Security or Database Administrator
- Application Integrator
- Computer or Game Programmer
- Software Applications Architect
- 3D Animator
- Virtual Reality Specialist
- Graphic Artist
- Help Desk Specialist
- Technical Writer
High school certifications, licenses and related college majors:
High School/Industry Certifications | Certificate/License | College Degree Examples |
CompTIA A+ Essentials 901 | Technical Writing | |
CompTIA A+ Practical Application 902 | Computer Science | |
Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science A Examination | Computer Systems Analyst | |
Information Technology |
In Demand Careers
Education Needed | Occupation | Median Salary | Job Growth Over next 10 years | Job Openings Projected over next 10 years |
Associates Degree | Web Developers | $73,760 per year | 8% (Much faster than average) | 14,000 |
Associates Degree | Computer Support Specialists | $54,760 per year | 8% (Much faster than average) | 67,300 |
Bachelor’s Degree or more | Database Administrators | $93,750 per year | 10% (Much faster than average) | 12,800 |
Bachelor’s Degree or more | Software Developers | $107,510 per year | 22% (Much faster than average) | 316,000 |
Bachelor’s Degree or more | Information Security Analysts | $99,730 per year | 31% (Much faster than average) | 40,900 |
Bachelor’s Degree or more | Computer and Information Systems Managers | $146,360 per year | 10% (Much faster than average) | 48,100 |
Student Leadership Organizations
The Technology Student Association (TSA) enhances personal development, leadership, and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), whereby members apply and integrate these concepts through intra-curricular activities, competitions, and related programs.
Work-Based Learning
Work-Based Learning (WBL) is comprised of experiences related to students’ career interests, based on instructional preparation, and undertaken in partnership with local businesses or organizations. WBL enables students to apply classroom instruction in a real-world work environment. Work-Based Learning promotes Career Awareness, Career Exploration, and Career Preparation.
Career Ambassadors
The Career Ambassador Program offers high school seniors an opportunity to represent and share their experiences with career exploration and our CTE programs to prospective students and community supporters through elementary school Career Fairs, middle school Career Clubs, and district-wide events.