


Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
Learn about the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math career cluster.

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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.
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, as well as their Project Lead the Way program.
Level | North Garland HS |
---|---|
1 | 8H780 MST PLTW MST Principles of Biomedical Science |
2 |
8O790 MST 8H790 MST PLTW |
3 |
8H740 MST 8H792 MST PLTW |
4 |
8H770 MST, 8H775 MST DC 8H794 MST PLTW 8O713 MST |
Potential careers
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 | 25% |
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this program of study.
Education Level | Options |
---|---|
HS/Industry Certification |
|
Certificate/License* |
|
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
- Future Healthcare Professionals (HOSA)
Work-based learning activities
- Lab internship
- 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
Note: This pathway is only available at the GRCTC.
Level | GRCTC |
---|---|
1 |
80056 (Middle School) 8K100, 8K105 8O140 |
2 |
8O110 8O130 |
3 |
8K932, 8K933 DC GRCTC |
4 |
9O985 DC GRCTC (Fall) 8O995 DC GRCTC (Spring) |
Potential careers
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% |
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this program of study.
Education level | Options |
---|---|
HS/Industry Certification |
|
Certificate/License* |
|
Associate's Degree |
|
Bachelor's Degree |
|
Master's/Doctoral Degree |
|
*Additional industry-based certification information is available on the TEA CTE website.
**Offered at the GRCTC
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 an 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.
Level | HS Campus | GRCTC | North Garland MST & PLTW magnet |
---|---|---|---|
1 | 8O100 Principles of Applied Engineering |
8O100 Principles of Applied Engineering |
8O100 8O740 MST PLTW |
2 | 8O230 Engineering Design and Presentation I |
8O230 Engineering Design and Presentation I |
8O230 8O770 MST PLTW |
3 | 8O310 Engineering Design and Problem Solving |
8O960 (GRCTC) Engineering Design and Presentation II |
8O310 8O760 MST PLTW 8O716 MST |
4 | 8O340 Scientific Research and Design |
8O970 (GRCTC) |
8O780 MST PLTW 8O340 |
Potential careers
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% |
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this program of study.
Education Level | Options |
---|---|
HS/Industry Certification |
|
Certificate/License* |
|
Associate's Degree |
|
Bachelor's Degree |
|
Master's/Doctoral Degree |
|
*Additional industry-based certification information is available on the TEA CTE website.
**Offered at GISD campuses
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 competitions like Skills USA
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
Note: This pathway is available at all GISD high school campuses.
Level | Campus pathway |
---|---|
1 |
8O056 (Middle school) 8O130 AP |
2 |
8O110 (H), 8O115 DC, 8O118 IB |
3 |
8O200 AP |
4 |
8O300 (H) 8O430 |
Potential careers
Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
---|---|---|---|
Computer Programmer | $79893 | 1,454 | 9% |
Software Developer, Systems Software | $103,334 | 2,985 | 25% |
Software Developer, Applications | $104,499 | 6,311 | 30% |
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this program of study.
Education level | Options |
---|---|
HS/Industry Certification |
|
Certificate/License* |
|
Associate's Degree |
|
Bachelor's Degree |
|
Master's/Doctoral Degree |
|
*Includes Level I and Level II certificates. Additional industry-based certification information is available on the TEA CTE website.
**Added, offered at the GRCTC
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 Megatronics
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 8O260, 8O265 DC |
3 |
8O400, 8O405 DC |
4 |
8O410 |
Potential careers
Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
---|---|---|---|
Wind Turbine Services Technician | $51,334 | 387 | 108% |
Solar Photovoltaic Installer | $43,957 | 47 | 81% |
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this program of study.
Education level | Options |
---|---|
HS/Industry Certification |
|
Certificate/License* |
|
Associate's Degree |
|
Bachelor's Degree |
|
Master's/Doctoral Degree |
|
*Includes Level I and Level II certificates. 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.