Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
Learn about the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math career cluster.
Make solutions to future problems
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 services, and research and development services.
Need a hard copy? See the 23-24 STEM Career Cluster Packet (PDF).
Programs of study
Expand AllBiomedical Science
The Biomedical Science program of study focuses on the study of biology and medicine in order to introduce students to the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the healthcare field, such as researching and diagnosing diseases, pre-existing conditions, or other determinants of health. CTE Learners may also practice patient care and communication.
Course pathway
Note: This pathway is only available as a part of North Garland's Math, Science, Technology Magnet. There are currently no Level 1 Biomedical Science classes.
Level | North Garland HS |
---|---|
2 |
8O790 MST |
3 |
8H740 MST |
4 |
8H770 MST 8O713 MST |
Note: Level 3 and 4 classes are advanced CTE courses.
Aligned occupations
Occupations | Median Wage | Annual Openings | % Growth |
---|---|---|---|
Medical and Laboratory Technicians | $37,981 | 1,159 | 28% |
Biological Technicians | $42,931 | 452 | 17% |
Forensic Science Technicians | $48,152 | 171 | 35% |
Chemical Technicians | $49, 733 | 672 | 10% |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists | $58,760 | 1,166 | 35% |
Industry-Based Certifications
- Medical Laboratory Assistant
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 Health Occupations Students of America
Work-based learning activities
- Intern at a lab
- Shadow a healthcare or medical professional
Cybersecurity
The Cybersecurity program of study includes the occupations and educational opportunities related to the planning, implementing, upgrading, or monitoring security measure for the protection of computer networks and information. This program of study may also include exploration into responding to computer security breaches and viruses and administering network security measures.
Course pathway
Level | Campus pathway | NGHS pathway | GRCTC |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
8O056 (Middle School) 8K100, 8K105 8O140 |
8O056 (Middle School) 8K700 MST 8O140 |
|
2 |
8O110 8O130 |
8O110 8O130 |
8K906S GRCTC, 8K907S GRCTC Computer Maintenance |
3 |
|
8K930S, 8K935S DC GRCTC Networking |
|
4 |
|
9O985 DC GRCTC (Fall) 8O995 DC GRCTC (Spring) |
Note: Level 3 and 4 classes are advanced CTE courses.
Aligned occupations
Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
---|---|---|---|
Information Security Analysts | $91,915 | 814 | 29% |
Network and Computer System Administrators | $82,597 | 2,814 | 19% |
Computer Systems Analyst | $87,568 | 5,937 | 29% |
Industry-Based Certifications
- CompTIA A+ Certification
- IT Fundamentals (ITF+)
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 Technology Student Association (TSA)
- Job shadow a computer system analyst or information security analyst
Work-based learning activities
- Obtain a cybersecurity industry-based certification
Engineering
The Engineering program of study focuses on the design, development, and use of engines, machines, and structures. CTE learners will learn how to apply science, mathematical methods, and empirical evidence to the innovation, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of different manufacturing systems.
Course pathways
Note: This pathway is offered at all GISD campuses and the Gilbreath-Reed Career and Technical Center (GRCTC).This pathway also has a specialized version as part of North Garland HS' Math, Science and Technology Magnet.
There are no Level 2 classes.
Level | HS Campus | North Garland MST & PLTW magnet | GRCTC |
---|---|---|---|
1 | 8O100 Principles of Applied Engineering |
8O100 8O740 MST PLTW |
|
3 |
8O230 |
8O230 8O716 MST 8O750 (PLTW) 8O760 MST PLTW 8O770 MST PLTW 8O780 PLTW
|
8O960 (GRCTC) Engineering Design and Presentation II |
4 |
8O310 8O340 |
8O730 MST 8O340 |
8O960 GRCTC 8O970 GRCTC |
Note: Level 3 and 4 classes are advanced CTE courses.
Aligned occupations
Occupations | Median Wage | Annual Openings | % Growth |
---|---|---|---|
Aerospace Engineers | $110,843 | 481 | 9% |
Industrial Engineers | $97,074 | 1,263 | 10% |
Mechanical Engineers | $91,707 | 1,535 | 11% |
Chemical Engineers | $112,819 | 474 | 9% |
Electrical Engineers | $98,405 | 1,137 | 10% |
Industry-Based Certifications
- Autodesk Associated (Certified User) Fusion 360
- Autodesk Associated (Certified User) Inventor for Mechanical Design
- Pre-Engineering/Engineering Technology - Job Ready
- Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate
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
- Participate in Skills USA competitions
Work-based learning activities
- Get an engineering internship
- Shadow a machinist
Programming and Software Development
The Programming and Software Development program of study explores the occupations and education opportunities associated with researching, designing, developing and testing operating systems-level software, compilers and network distribution software for medical, industrial military, communications, aerospace, business, scientific and general computer applications. This program of study may also include exploration into creating, modifying and testing the codes, forms and script that allow computer applications to run.
Course pathway
Level | Campus pathway |
---|---|
1 |
8O056 (Middle school) |
2 |
8O110 (H), 8O115 DC 8O130 AP |
3 |
8O118 IB 8O200 AP 8O430 |
4 |
8O300 (H) |
Note: Level 3 and 4 classes are advanced CTE courses.
Aligned occupations
Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
---|---|---|---|
Computer Programmer | $79,893 | 1,454 | 9% |
Software Developer, Systems Software | $103,334 | 2,985 | 25% |
Software Developer, Applications | $104,499 | 6,311 | 30% |
Industry-Based Certifications
- C++ Certified Associate Programmer
- Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer (PCEP)
- CodeHS Python Level 1
- Certified Professional Programmer
- Information Technology Specialist: Java
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 Technology Student Association (TSA)
- Participate in a coding club at school
Work-based learning activities
- Obtain an industry-based certification
Renewable Energy and Mechatronics
The Renewable Energy program of study helps CTE learners discover how to assemble, inspect, maintain and repair different equipment required for renewable energy. It introduces students to solar photovoltaic equipment and wind turbines, the systems and processes used to maintain and manage these types of equipment and help students develop the skills needed to do so.
Course pathway
Note: This pathway is only available at South Garland HS (SGHS).
Level | SGHS pathway |
---|---|
1 |
8O100 |
2 |
8O250, 8O255 DC |
3 |
8O405 DC |
4 |
8O260 8O370, 8O375 DC 8O415S DC 8O410 |
Note: Level 3 and 4 classes are advanced CTE courses.
Aligned occupations
Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
---|---|---|---|
Wind Turbine Services Technician | $51,334 | 387 | 108% |
Solar Photovoltaic Installer | $43,957 | 47 | 81% |
Industry-Based Certifications
- C-200 Certified Industry 4.0 Automation Systems Specialist I - 201 Electrical Systems 1
- Industrial Technology Maintenance (ITM) - Electrical Systems
- NCCER Electronic System Technician Level I
- NCCER Electronic System Technician Level II
IBCs sunsetting on 8/31/24:
- Certified Electronics Systems Associate
- Industrial Technology Maintenance (ITM) - Electronic Control Systems
- ISCET Certified Electronics Technicians
- OSHA 30-Hour General
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 SkillsUSA
- Join a Science Club
Work-based learning activities
- Research four renewable energy companies and compare them
Graduation planning
Endorsements
- Biomedical Science: Public Service or STEM
- Cybersecurity: Business and Industry or STEM (if math and science requirements are met)
- Engineering: Business and Industry or STEM
- Programming and Software Development: Business and Industry or STEM
- Renewable Energy: Business and Industry or STEM
See course descriptions and additional information on the course descriptions page.