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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 24-25 Law and Public Service Career Cluster Packet (PDF).
Programs of study
Expand AllFire Science
The Fire Science 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 | Principles of Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security | |
| 2 | Disaster Response | |
| 3 | Anatomy & Physiology | Firefighter I Emergency Medical Technician - Basic |
| 4 | Firefighter II Practicum in Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security-Firefighter |
Note: Level 3 and 4 classes are advanced CTE courses.
Aligned Occupations
| Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighters | $52,353 | 2,294 | 14% |
| Fire Inspectors and Investigators | $67,014 | 203 | 14% |
| Emergency Medical Technicians | $34,091 | 1,590 | 19% |
Industry-Based Certifications
- Basic Structure Fire Protection
- 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 | Principles of Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security |
| 2 | Law Enforcement I |
| 3 | Law Enforcement II Correctional Services |
| 4 | Forensic Science Practicum in Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security - Law Enforcement |
Note: Level 3 and 4 classes are advanced CTE courses.
Aligned Occupations
| Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $64,373 | 5,424 | 13% |
| Detective and Custom Inspectors | $82,090 | 1,536 | 8% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $97,571 | 5,461 | 12% |
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 | CCM Principles of Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security - Paralegal |
| 2 | Court Systems & Practices Business Law |
| 3 | Legal and Research & Writing Advanced Legal Skills and Professions |
| 4 | Practicum in Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security - Paralegal Business Law - Paralegal |
Note: Level 3 and 4 classes are advanced CTE courses.
Aligned Occupations
| Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyers | $134,158 | 3,915 | 19% |
| Paralegal and Legal Assistants | $56,310 | 4,046 | 23% |
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
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