Business & Information Technology

Within each cluster, there are multiple career pathways that represent a common set of skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a full range of career opportunities within that pathway. Career Clusters that relate to instruction in business and information technology include:

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Arts, A/V Technology & Communications

Arts, A/V Technology & Communications allows you to apply your creativity in a variety of areas. This industry allows you to learn about advanced technologies used in venues ranging from corporate boardrooms, hotels, and convention centers, to classrooms, theme parks, stadiums and museums.

Career Pathways
Students may begin to follow a sequence of courses in a pathway that will allow them to specialize in a field of interest.

A/V Technology & Film Pathway

Manufacture, sell, rent, design, integrate, operate and repair audiovisual equipment for a range of venues such as hotels, stadiums and theme parks.

Journalism & Broadcasting Pathway

Gather information, prepare stories and release broadcasts that inform the public about current issues. Work with high-tech equipment to record and transmit various broadcasts.

Performing Arts Pathway

Play a range of roles in theatrical or musical performances. Work in any aspect of the performing arts industry from production and set design to script writing and voice instruction.

Printing Technology Pathway

Work in a rapidly-evolving industry that is advancing with technology. Apply creativity and technical skills to transform text and graphics into finished products.

Telecommunications Pathway

Manage sophisticated technology and equipment that communicate and deliver a range of information such as data and video. Assist with installation, maintenance and repair of equipment.

Visual Arts Pathway

Use creativity to turn abstract ideas into real-life concepts. Communicate ideas and emotions through visually-compelling mediums – such as paintings, sculptures, or illustrations.

Business Management & Administration

Business Management & Administration prepares you for careers in which you plan, organize, direct and evaluate operations in order to run a successful business. There are a variety of career opportunities available that require skills in organization, time management, customer service and communication.

Career Pathways
Students may begin to follow a sequence of courses in a pathway that will allow them to specialize in a field of interest.

Administrative Support Pathway

Aid in the day-to-day business operations through a variety of duties including information and communication management, data processing and customer service.

Business Information Management Pathway

Apply technology to bridge data and business needs to assist in making important analytical decisions and help a company reach its goals.

General Management Pathway

Plan, organize, direct and assess operations of a business or organization to run efficiently and productively. Manage financial, human and material resources to maximize a company’s success.

Human Resources Management Pathway

Recruit, hire and train the most qualified individuals for the best jobs in a company. Cultivate an environment where people like to work.

Operations Pathway

Plan and organize the resources needed to produce a business’s goods and/or services. Ensure the quality and timeliness of all the business’s goods/services.

Finance

Finance prepares you for careers in financial and investment planning, banking, insurance, and business financial management. Every sector of the economy offers a career in this field. Many career opportunities require specialized skills in organization, time management, customer service and communication.

Career Pathways
Students may begin to follow a sequence of courses in a pathway that will allow them to specialize in a field of interest.

Accounting Pathway

Record, classify, summarize, analyze and communicate a business’s financial information and transactions. Assist with bookkeeping, analysis and interpretation of accounting information.

Banking Services Pathway

Help customers by accepting deposits and lending funds. Provide services with cash management, investments, mortgages and bill payments.

Business Finance Pathway

Help manage a business’s budget, plans and funds. Guide a company to make smart investments based upon analysis of the economy and data.

Insurance Pathway

Protect individuals and businesses from financial losses. Deliver services that transfer risk from an individual or business to an insurance company.

Securities & Investments Pathway

Support the flow of funds from investors to companies and institutions. Assist with a company’s financial planning or serve as hedge fund manager.

Government & Public Administration

Government & Public Administration prepares you for the diverse careers found in our government. Virtually every occupation can be found within this field. You may help our nation defend against foreign aggression, represent our interests abroad, or pass and enforce local laws.

Career Pathways
Students may begin to follow a sequence of courses in a pathway that will allow them to specialize in a field of interest.

Foreign Service Pathway

Serve in U.S. embassies or other diplomatic missions to help Americans at home and abroad. Manage operations of an embassy or analyze political and economic issues.

Governance Pathway

Serve in the federal, state or local government. Create and execute public policy for a variety of issues that affect the way we live and govern our society.

National Security Pathway

Join the U. S. military. Develop a variety of skills and work experience while serving and protecting our nation through one of eight military branches.

Planning Pathway

Help plan and revitalize urban, suburban and rural communities. Provide insight that helps officials make important decisions about how to develop residential, commercial and recreational land.

Public Management & Administration Pathway

Help maintain and regulate the policies that govern our public policies and resources. Serve as a city manager, county clerk or on your city council.

Regulation Pathway

Protect citizens’ health and safety by regulating what takes place in industry, the environment or technology. Ensure the integrity of industries ranging from financial to transportation.

Revenue & Taxation Pathway

Help ensure that businesses and citizens properly contribute to government revenue. Collect tax dollars, review tax returns and conduct audits.

Information Technology

Information Technology gives you the opportunity to design, develop, and manage different types of software programs and hardware. This field requires a solid foundation in mathematics and science as well as high technical skills. Information technology workers can be found in virtually every sector of the economy, providing assistance at a multitude of levels.

Career Pathways
Students may begin to follow a sequence of courses in a pathway that will allow them to specialize in a field of interest.

Information Support & Services Pathway

Implement computer systems and software, provide technical assistance and manage information systems. Provide technical support to companies of all sizes.

Network Systems Pathway

Connect people and information. Design, install, maintain and manage network systems for businesses and various other facilities.

Programming & Software Development Pathway

Design, develop, implement and maintain computer systems and software. Create innovative products applying knowledge of computer operating systems, programming languages and software development.

Web & Digital Communications Pathway

Design, create and produce interactive multimedia products and services, including digitally-generated or computer-enhanced media used in business, training, entertainment, communications and marketing.

Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security

Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security prepares you for service in public safety and security. Responsibilities include prevention of and protection from harm such as crime or natural disasters. Career opportunities range from public safety to legal services to homeland security.

Career Pathways
Students may begin to follow a sequence of courses in a pathway that will allow them to specialize in a field of interest.

Correction Services Pathway

Protect citizens from crime and disaster. Manage offenders serving jail sentences by helping to rehabilitate, educate and reintegrate them into society.

Emergency & Fire Management Services Pathway

Help protect the public by being the first to respond to emergencies including fires, traffic accidents, medical emergencies and other crises.

Law Enforcement Services Pathway

Help protect public safety by maintaining order and enforcing laws. Prevent crime, control traffic violations and conduct investigations.

Legal Services Pathway

Create and uphold the laws that govern our society and protect people. Provide critical legal support to a team committed to a strict ethics code.

Security & Protective Services Pathway

Provide security by monitoring routine operations including the inspection of people and packages. May serve as guard for private information and data.

Marketing

Marketing prepares you for careers in advertising, public relations, sales, and planning. This Career Cluster allows you to demonstrate your creativity through promotional campaigns, event planning and new sales techniques.

Career Pathways
Students may begin to follow a sequence of courses in a pathway that will allow them to specialize in a field of interest.

Marketing Communications Pathway

Plan, coordinate and implement marketing strategies including promotional and communication campaigns to increase a product or an organization’s visibility.

Marketing Management Pathway

Direct the management operations of a business or organization through oversight of marketing, promotions, sales and public relations.

Marketing Research Pathway

Collect and analyze information to better understand economic trends that will guide product designs, predict future sales and allow for a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Merchandising Pathway

Get the merchandise into the hands of customers through buying, selling and displaying the newest and most popular trends and products.

Professional Sales Pathway

Meet and fuel demand for various products and services by providing them for businesses as well as individual clients.

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics prepares you for careers using science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills. Jobs within this career cluster conduct in-depth research to provide solutions to a variety of technical problems within many different fields. A postsecondary degree and relevant work experience are necessary to succeed in this field.

Career Pathways
Students may begin to follow a sequence of courses in a pathway that will allow them to specialize in a field of interest.

Engineering & Technology Pathway

Apply engineering and technical concepts to develop solutions for problems that exist throughout a broad range of fields from building bridges to flying airplanes to working in the medical industry.

Science & Mathematics Pathway

Apply mathematics and science to real-world situations. Career possibilities range from science and math teachers to lab technicians and NASA astronauts.

Transportation, Distribution & Logistics

Transportation, Distribution & Logistics prepares you for careers in which you plan, manage and move everything from people to company products through a range of transportation services. Individuals in this field are involved in the logistics of all types of transportation from road to rail and air to water.

Career Pathways
Students may begin to follow a sequence of courses in a pathway that will allow them to specialize in a field of interest.

Sales & Service Pathway

Market, sell and manage transportation services to new and existing customers. Ensure that all customer needs are met. Provide excellent customer service.

Through the Business and Information Technology program, students are provided opportunities to complement their academic preparation while exploring a variety of careers and learning skills and concepts in the areas of word processing; computer applications and solutions; finance and accounting; business law and management; programming; database design and management; design, multimedia and web technologies; entrepreneurship; and principles of business and marketing.

Intensive preparation for business and information technology careers is available at the secondary level. Courses enable students to investigate opportunities in business, prepare for entry and advancement on the job, develop management skills and identify further education and training necessary within a chosen career cluster.

Course Revisions

The following courses were revised for implementation during the 2019-2020 school year. All curriculum frameworks are available through VERSO from the CTE Resource Center:

Accounting (6320)
Accounting, Advanced (6321)
Business Law (6131, 6132)
Computer Information Systems (6612, 6614)
Computer Information Systems, Advanced (6613, 6615)
Computer Solutions (6606, 6607, 6608, 6609, 6610)
Legal Administration 6735, 6736)
Medical Administration (6730, 6731)
Programming (6640)
Programming, Advanced (6641)

Safety Best Practice Guide for CTE

The Safety Best Practice Guide for CTE-This is a Word document. is a collection of best practice resources used to assist school divisions in the development of a local safety school safety plan.

Instructional Resources

Business & Information Technology Course Listing-This is a Word document.
Essential Competency List for Business and Information Technology – Virginia's CTE Resource Center

Career and Technical Student Organization

Virginia Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)

Prepares students for leadership and careers in business through business-related education and entrepreneurial skill development, community service and partnerships with the professional sector. For more information, visit the CTSO web page.

High-Quality Work-Based Learning

Career and Technical Education Work-Based Learning Guide is based on the redesigned High-Quality Work-Based Learning (WBL) methods of instruction effective July 1, 2021. This implementation guide focuses on the twelve types of High-Quality Work-Based Learning (WBL) methods of instruction used in Virginia; job shadowing, service learning, mentorship, externship, school-based enterprise, internship, entrepreneurship, clinical experience, cooperative education, youth registered apprenticeship, registered apprenticeship and supervised agricultural experience, along with opportunities for students to earn one credit toward graduation in addition to any credit earned through the associated CTE course in cooperative education, internship, entrepreneurship, youth registered apprenticeship, and supervised agricultural experience for completing 280 hours of work experience and one half credit for 140 hours of work experience in mentorship. It includes Virginia regulations and guidelines for the administration of WBL and provides training materials for High Quality Work-Based Learning coordinators. School divisions should use this guide to implement WBL offerings locally.

Federal and State Labor Laws for Youth Work-Based Learning – Know the Rules is a resource that compares federal and state labor laws for nonagricultural and agricultural occupations, parental exemption, and prohibited and hazardous occupations as they relate to youth work-based learning.

Additional Resources

Outside Resources

Virginia CTE Business & Information Technology Listserv

If you are not on the Virginia CTE Business and Information Technology Listserv, contact Judith Sams to be added.

Top of Page

Business & Information Technology

News & Announcements

Student Competency Record for Keyboarding 6150-18 weeks

Course Revisions

Safety Best Practice Guide for CTE

Instructional Resources

Career and Technical Student Organization

High-Quality Work-Based Learning

Additional Resources

Outside Resources

Virginia CTE Business & Information Technology Listserv