CTAE Pathway Guide
Aerospace Flight Operations
Aerospace/Flight Operations students will gain a fundamental knowledge base in aviation history and regulations, the basic principles of flight, aerospace careers, factors influencing work systems, aerospace technologies, and basic aviation meteorology. This pathway provides a foundation that enables the student to apply the basics of aircraft navigation and utilize efficient communication methods for safe aircraft operations.
Pathway Courses
- Fundamentals of Aerospace
- Flight Operations I
- Flight Operations II
Career Choices
- Aerospace Engineer
- Air Traffic Controller
- Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisor
- Airfield Operations Specialist
- Aviation Safety Specialist
- Avionics Inspector
- Commercial Pilot
- Flight Attendant
- Operations Technician
Computer Science
Computer Science students will prepare for entry-level, technical, and professional IT careers, including the design, development, implementation, and maintenance of computer systems and software. Students will gain knowledge of computer operating systems, programming languages, and cutting-edge technologies. Students build a solid understanding of computer science with an emphasis on computational thinking practices: connecting computing, developing computational artifacts, abstracting, analyzing problems, communicating, and collaborating.
Pathway Courses
- Introduction to Software Technology
- Computer Science Principles or AP CS Principles
- AP Computer Science A
Career Choices
- Computer Hardware Engineer
- Computer Network Architect
- Computer Programmer
- Computer System Analyst
- Database Administrator
- Information Security Analyst
- Information Systems Manager
- Network Administrator
- Software Developer
- Software Engineer
- Video Game Designer
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity students will learn to understand, communicate, and adapt to a digital world as it impacts their personal life, society, and the business world. The pathway is designed to provide students with the basic concepts and terminology of cybersecurity and to examine how security integrates into the importance of user involvement, security training, ethics, trust, application of cybersecurity practices, and best practices management.
Pathway Courses
- Introduction to Hardware Technology
- Introduction to Cybersecurity
- Advanced Cybersecurity
Career Choices
- Administrative Support Workers Network
- Computer Network Support Specialist
- Computer Operator
- Computer Support Specialist
- Computer System Administrator
- Computer User Support Specialist
- First-Line Supervisors of Office
- Information Systems Manager
- Network System Administrator
Drone Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Drone Unmanned Aircraft Systems provides students a fundamental knowledge base in aviation history and regulations, the basics of flight, aerospace careers, and factors influencing work. It provides students a foundation to earn a commercial license to pilot an unmanned aircraft system. Topics covered include the effects of weather on an unmanned aircraft, types and uses of unmanned aircraft, pre-flight planning and checks, FAA requirements, technology and remote instruction, and radio communications. Students have an opportunity to earn their remote pilot license by taking the FAA Part 107 Exam.
Pathway Courses
- Fundamentals of Aerospace
- Flight Operations I
- Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Career Choices
- Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle (UAV) Pilot
- Public Safety / Emergency Service
- Surveyors and Mapping Technician
- Television, Video, and Film Camera Operator and Editor
- Photographer
- Delivery Service
- Insurance and Claim Research
Education as a Profession
Education as a Profession students will learn to plan, manage, and provide education and training services, along with related learning support services such as administration, teaching/training, administrative support, and professional support services. They will engage in observations, interactions, and analyses of critical and contemporary educational issues, investigate factors influencing the social and political contexts of educational settings in Georgia and the U.S., and actively examine the teaching profession from multiple vantage points.
Pathway Courses
- Education as a Profession I
- Education as a Profession II
- Education as a Profession Practicum
Career Choices
- Adult Educator
- After-School Program Supervisor
- Coach
- Education Evaluator
- Educational and Teacher Aide
- K-12 School Teacher
- Media Specialist
- Post-Secondary Vocational Education
- Recreation Attendant
- School Administration
- Special Education Teacher
Financial Technologies (FinTech)
Financial Technologies (FinTech) students will explore what new financial technologies are emerging and how technological advances in data analytics are enabling innovation in the financial industry. Through this pathway, students examine new services and business models in various areas of banking, insurance, and financial asset management. Various forms of technologies and internet research will be highlighted to expose students to the resources available within financial technology.
Pathway Courses
- Introduction to Financial Technology
- Financial Technologies and Services
- Coding for FinTech
Career Choices
- Account Manager
- Analytics Specialist
- Business Development Manager
- Business Systems Analyst
- Data Scientist
- Database Administrator
- Email Marketing Specialist
- Product Manager
- Salesforce Administrator
- Senior .NET Developer
- Software Engineer/Developer
Fire Emergency Services - EMR
Fire and Emergency Services-EMR students will learn essential components needed for fire and emergency services. Students will be prepared for exploring firefighting, emergency medical responder roles, and public safety communications. After completing this course, the student will be able to sit for the exam to certify as a Firefighter I per National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001, Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications. This course is also based on the Basic Firefighting Training Program from the GA Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC).
Pathway Courses
- Introduction to Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security
- Essentials of Fire and Emergency Services
- Emergency Medical Responder
Career Choices
- Forest Fire Inspector
- Forest Fire Prevention Specialist
- Private Detectives and Investigator
- Fire Inspector
- Firefighter
- First Line Prevention Worker
- First Line Supervisor
Game Design
Game Design students will gain an understanding of the fundamental principles used at every stage of the game creation process. First, game genres and modes of play are explored in terms of the psychology of incentives, motivation to play, and social networking. Next, virtual characters and non-player characters are reviewed from concept drawing to 2D and 3D art, rigging, and animation. Finally, level design, storytelling, and animation are added to develop a virtual world around the characters.
Pathway Courses
- Introduction to Software Technology
- Computer Science Principles or AP CS Principles
- Game Design: Animation and Simulation
Career Choices
- Audio Engineer
- Computer Systems Manager
- Computer Game Designer
- Computer Programmer
- Information Systems Manager
- Multimedia Artists and Animator
- Software Developer
- Technology Support Specialist
- Video Game Tester
Graphic Design
Graphic Design students will learn processes involved in the technologies of printing, publishing, packaging, electronic imaging, and their allied industries. Students will also gain more experience in creative problem solving and the practical implementation of those solutions across multiple areas of graphic design and graphic communications. Content covers electronic systems and software programs used in graphic design, page composition, image conversion, and digital printing.
Pathway Courses
- Introduction to Graphics and Design
- Graphic Design and Production
- Advanced Graphic Design
Career Choices
- Advertising and Promotions Manager
- Art Director
- Commercial and Industrial Designer
- Creative Designer
- Fashion Design
- Film and Video Editor
- Graphic Designer
- Illustration
- Interior Designer
- Multimedia Artist and Animator
- Photography
- 3D Animation
Healthcare - Diagnostic Clinical Lab
Healthcare - Diagnostic Clinical Lab students will be provided career opportunities for persons with a strong interest in the initial phase of detecting health problems—the diagnostic phase. This phase includes procedures such as X-rays, fluoroscopies, sonograms, and clinical laboratory tests examining blood and other body fluids. Workers in this pathway discover "evidence" that physicians use to make correct diagnoses and administer appropriate treatment. Occupations are increasingly varied because of complex new technology seeking to explain how the human body works.
Pathway Courses
- Introduction to Healthcare Science
- Essentials of Healthcare
- Clinical Lab I
Career Choices
- Clinical Chemistry Technologist
- Clinical Laboratory Technician
- Immunology Technologist
- Medical Services Manager
- Medical Laboratory Technologist
- Ophthalmic Medical Technologist
- Medical and Health Services Manager
- Medical Lab Assistant
- Microbiology Technologist
- Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Healthcare - Emergency Medical Responder
Healthcare - Emergency Medical Responder students will be provided initial stabilizing care to the sick or injured prior to the arrival of Emergency Medical Services Professionals (EMS), and assist EMS personnel in transporting patients for definitive care at an appropriate hospital/facility. Major areas of instruction include Introductory Medical Terminology and Anatomy & Physiology, Responder Safety, Incident Command, Blood-borne Pathogen Training, Basic Physical Assessment, Treatment of Trauma and Medical Emergencies, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, and the use of Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs).
Pathway Courses
- Introduction to Healthcare Science
- Essentials of Healthcare Science
- Emergency Medical Responder
Career Choices
- Emergency Nurse
- EMT and Paramedic
- Firefighter
- Licensed Practical Nurse
- Paramedic Technologist
- Registered Nurse
Healthcare - Emergency Medical Technician
Healthcare - Emergency Medical Technician prepares students to provide basic emergency medical care and transportation for critical and emergent patients who access the emergency medical system. This individual possesses the basic knowledge and skills necessary to provide patient care and transportation. Emergency Medical Technicians perform interventions with the basic equipment typically found on an ambulance, acting as a link from the scene to the emergency health care system.
Pathway Courses
- Introduction to Healthcare Science
- Essentials of Healthcare Science
- Emergency Medical Technician
Career Choices
- Air Ambulance
- Clinic
- College and Universities
- Critical Care Transport Unit
- Fire Department
- Hospital Ambulance Service
- Hospital Emergency Department
- Law Enforcement Agencies
- Physician Practice
- Public and Private Ambulance Service
- Surgery Center
Hospitality, Recreation, and Tourism
Hospitality, Recreation, and Tourism students will learn about the basics of marketing and business in relation to the hospitality, recreation, and tourism industry in the U.S. and abroad. Students will study destination geography, world economies, and historical timelines related to major segments of the hospitality industry. The vital roles of group, convention and meeting planning, human relations, communications, and ethics will be discussed along with the recreation industry segment. Students will also demonstrate skills in handling legal and liability issues and human resources functions.
Pathway Courses
- Marketing Principles
- Hospitality, Recreation, and Tourism Essentials
- Hospitality, Recreation, and Tourism Management
Career Choices
- Catering Manager
- Country Club Management
- Cruise Director
- Entrepreneur
- Golf Course Management
- Hotel Management
- International Tourism
- International Hotel Management
- Sales Representative
- Social Media Marketer
- Tourism Director
- Travel Agent
- Travel Blogger
- Travel Planner
International Business
International Business provides students essentials for working in an international business environment, managing a business, and owning a business. Key concepts emphasized include global awareness, entrepreneurship, and cultural competency. Studies also include real, specific, historical cases from international businesses and analyze how those businesses have handled certain situations. The use of case studies allows students to use the knowledge gained to analyze and evaluate decisions made by real international businesses.
Pathway Courses
- Introduction to International Business
- Global Awareness and Cultural Competency
- International Business Concepts
Career Choices
- Economist
- Foreign Exchange Trader
- International Marketing Manager
- Logistics Manager
- International Trade/Customs Manager
- International Foreign Policy Advisor
- Foreign Service Officer
- Trade Specialist
- Import/Export Coordinator
- Supply Chain Manager
- Sales Executive
- International Accountant
Law Enforcement / Criminal Investigations
Law Enforcement / Criminal Investigations students will be provided with career-focused educational opportunities in various public safety fields. Each course has elements which cover tactics, methods, and skills utilized in law enforcement and other public safety organizations.
Pathway Courses
- Introduction to Law, Public Safety, Corrections, & Security
- Criminal Justice Essentials
- Criminal Investigations
Career Choices
- Bailiff
- Correctional Officer / Jailer
- Crime Scene Investigator
- Detective
- Dispatcher and Communications
- Parole Officer
- Police Officer
- Private Investigator
- Private Security Guard
- Probation Officer
- Sheriff's Deputy
- State Trooper
Law Enforcement / Forensic Science
Law Enforcement / Forensic Science students will examine the basic concepts of law related to citizens' rights and responsibilities, receiving instruction in critical skill areas including communicating with diverse groups, conflict resolution, ethics, CERT, basic firefighting, report writing, terrorism, and civil and criminal law. Students will learn investigative techniques and crime scene investigation skills using the scientific method.
Pathway Courses
- Introduction to Law, Public Safety, Corrections, & Security
- Criminal Justice Essentials
- Forensic Science and Criminal Investigations
Career Choices
- Coroner
- Detective
- Evidence Technician
- Fingerprint Technician
- Forensic Investigator
- Forensic Pathologist
- Forensic Psychologist
- Medical Examiner
- Police Officer
- Sheriff's Officer
- Special Agent
Legal Services - Applications of Law
Legal Services - Applications of Law students will be provided with an overview of the judicial process and its role in our constitutional system of government. This course focuses on substantive law, both criminal and civil law, as well as the application of the law to factual scenarios. Students will learn the basic concepts of criminal law in order to analyze factual scenarios and apply criminal law to justify an appropriate criminal charge and the presence of possible defenses.
Pathway Courses
- Introduction to Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security
- Essentials of Legal Services
- Applications of Law
Career Choices
- Attorney
- Correction Officer & Jailer
- Court Reporter
- Criminal Investigator
- Information Security
- IT Specialist
- Paralegals and Legal Assistant
- Police Officer
- Public Safety Communication
- Security and Protective Service
Mechatronics
Mechatronics students will be introduced to direct current concepts and applications, pneumatic system fundamentals, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs). Topics include electrical laws and principles, magnetism, series, parallel, and simple combination DC circuits, pneumatic system principles and components, and PLC installation and programming. They will also learn about alternating current theory and applications of varying sine wave voltages and current, motor theory and operating principles, control devices, symbols and schematic diagrams, preventative maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Pathway Courses
- Introduction to Mechatronics
- AC Theory, Electric Motors, and Hydraulic Systems
- Semiconductors Mechanical Sys, & Pump and Piping Systems
Career Choices
- Chemical Plant and System Operator
- Commercial Equipment Repairer
- Computer User Support Specialist
- Electrical and Electronics Repairer
- Electronics Engineering Technician
- Industrial Engineer
- Industrial Engineering Technician
- Industrial Equipment Repairer
- Industrial Machinery Mechanic
