Image
Law and Public Service
Learn about the Law and Public Service career cluster.
Serve your community
The Law and Public Service Career Cluster® focuses on planning, managing, and providing legal services, public safety, protective services, and homeland security, including professional and technical support services. Students will examine the roles and responsibilities of police, courts, corrections, private security, and fire and emergency services.
Need a hard copy? See the 23-24 Law and Public Service Career Cluster Packet (PDF).
Programs of study
Expand AllEmergency Services
The Emergency Services program of study focuses on training CTE learners to respond to emergency situations, namely medical emergencies and fire-based emergencies. Students will learn how to prevent emergencies, respond appropriately and in accordance with rules and regulations during crises, and investigate and delineate the source of the emergency.
Course pathway
Note: This pathway is available through the College and Career Magnet at Lakeview Centennial HS(LCHS) campus. Advanced classes are at the GRCTC.
| Level | LCHS Pathway | GRCTC pathway |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
8L600 CCM LCHS |
|
| 2 | 8L100 Disaster Response |
8L905 DC (GRCTC) |
| 3 |
8H310, 8H311H 8L240 |
8L905 DC 8H975 DC |
| 4 |
8L915 DC 8L925 DC |
Note: Level 3 and 4 classes are advanced CTE courses.
Aligned Occupations
| Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighters | $50,149 | 2,309 | 13% |
| Fire Inspectors and Investigators | $54,787 | 161 | 14% |
| Emergency Medical Technicians | $34,091 | 1,880 | 31% |
Industry-Based Certifications
- Basic Structure Fire Protection
- Emergency Medical Responder
- Emergency Medical Technician - Basic
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this program of study.
| Education level | Options |
|---|---|
| Associate's Degree |
|
| Bachelor's Degree |
|
*Additional industry-based certification information is available on the TEA CTE website.
For more information on post-secondary options for this program of study, visit the TXCTE website.
Expanded learning opportunities
One of the best ways to acquire experience in your chosen career is by engaging in exploration activities, work-based learning, or by joining a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO).
Exploration activities
- Attend local emergency awareness events
- Join the Texas Public Service Association
Work-based learning activities
- Volunteer at a hospital or a fire station
Law Enforcement
The Law Enforcement program of study teaches CTE learners about the development of, adherence to, and protection of various branches of law. Students may learn how to appropriately and legally respond to breaches in the law according to statutory rules and regulations as well as investigate how and why the breaches occurred.
Course pathway
Note: This pathway is available through the College and Career Magnet at Lakeview Centennial HS(LCHS) campus.
| Level | CCM LCHS pathway |
|---|---|
| 1 |
8L600 CCM, 8L105 DC |
| 2 |
8L620 CCM, 8L615 DC |
| 3 |
8L630 CCM, 8L635 DC 8L640 CCM, 8L675 DC |
| 4 |
8L240 8L300 8L660 CCM, 8L695 DC |
Note: Level 3 and 4 classes are advanced CTE courses.
Aligned Occupations
| Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $60,112 | 5,241 | 13% |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Officers | $44,054 | 793 | 9% |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | $40,186 | 4,683 | 9% |
| Immigration and Custom Inspectors | $78,104 | 1,236 | 9% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $91,312 | 253 |
25% |
Industry-Based Certifications
- Non-Commissioned Security Officer Level II
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this program of study.
| Education level | Options |
|---|---|
| Associate's Degree |
|
| Bachelor's Degree |
|
| Master's/Doctoral Degree |
|
*Additional industry-based certification information is available on the TEA CTE website.
For more information on post-secondary options for this program of study, visit the TXCTE website.
Expanded learning opportunities
One of the best ways to acquire experience in your chosen career is by engaging in exploration activities, work-based learning, or by joining a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO).
Exploration activities
- Join the Texas Public Service Association
- Join local criminal justice clubs
Work-based learning activities
- Attend court hearings and other legal procedures
Legal Studies - Paralegal
The Legal Studies program of study introduces CTE learners to the occupations and educational opportunities related to representing clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, as well as assisting lawyers and preparing legal documents. This program of study explores possible specializations in a single area of law.
Course pathway
Note: This pathway is available through the College and Career Magnet at Lakeview Centennial HS (LCHS).
| Level | CCM LCHS pathway |
|---|---|
| 1 |
8L605 CCM DC |
| 2 |
8L643 CCM, 8L645 CCM DC |
| 3 |
8L622 CCM, 8L625 CCM DC 8L655 CCM DC |
| 4 |
8L660 CCM, 8L665 CCM DC |
Note: Level 3 and 4 classes are advanced CTE courses.
Aligned Occupations
| Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyers | $126,131 | 2,801 | 19% |
| Paralegal and Legal Assistants | $50,544 | 2,837 | 19% |
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this program of study.
| Education level | Options |
|---|---|
| Associate's Degree |
|
| Bachelor's Degree |
|
| Master's/Doctoral Degree |
|
*Additional industry-based certification information is available on the TEA CTE website.
For more information on post-secondary options for this program of study, visit the TXCTE website.
Expanded learning opportunities
One of the best ways to acquire experience in your chosen career is by engaging in exploration activities, work-based learning, or by joining a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO).
Exploration activities
- Attend court hearings and other legal procedures
- Join the Texas Public Service Association
Work-based learning activities
- Intern with a local attorney
- Script and conduct a mock trial
Graduation planning
Endorsement: Public Services
See course descriptions and additional information on the course descriptions page.
Contact us
For more information, contact: