High School Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathways and Course Options
Manassas City Public Schools offers students options to explore a wide range of career paths. Each path offers students a credential, certification, or state licensure and work -based learning experiences and options.
Manassas City Public School Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses and activities are open to all students without regard to race, color, creed, sex, religion, disabilities, or national origin. Lack of English Language skills is not a barrier to participation in any course.
Business and Marketing Pathway
Principles of Business and Marketing
Student will examine basic financial concepts of banking, insurance, credit, taxation, and investments to provide a strong background for making sound decisions as consumers, wage earners, and citizens.
Credits: 1
Students apply problem solving to real-life situations through database, spreadsheet, word processing, presentation software, charting, and integrated activities. Students work individually and in groups.
Credits: 1
Computer Information Systems, Advanced
Students apply problem-solving skills to real-life situations through advanced integrated software applications, including printed, electronic, and web publications. Students work individually and in groups to explore advanced computer maintenance activities, website development, programming, networking, emerging technology, and employability skills. Students use advanced integrated applications to create documents, publications, and websites including complex graphs, customized reports, and multimedia presentations. In addition to implementing programming and executing network activities, students also will practice the maintenance, management, and troubleshooting of systems; legal and ethical issues are explored; preparation is given for industry certifications; and employability skills are developed.
Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Computer Information Systems
Sports and Entertainment Marketing
Students will investigate the components of customer service, branding, product development, pricing and distribution, business structures, sales processes, digital media, sponsorships and endorsements. Marketing will be explored around sports and entertainment.
Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Principles of Business and Marketing
Students will explore trends, technology, the buying process, visual merchandising, nature and history of fashion and fashion designers, and the global impact of fashion on the economy.
Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Principles of Business and Marketing
Entrepreneurship (Dual Enrollment option)
This course introduces students to creating, owning, and launching their own business. Students will learn concepts and techniques for planning an innovative, successful business.
Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Principles of Business and Marketing
Business Management (Dual Enrollment option)
Student will learn basic management concepts and leadership styles as they explore business organization, planning, economics, international business, and human relations issues such as employee motivation and conflict resolution.
Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Principles of Business and Marketing
Design, Multimedia, and Web Technologies
Students will develop skills in applying principles of layout and design for both printed and web-based publications. Students will complete projects using a variety of software packages associated with Adobe’s Creative Suite and explore legal and ethical issues as they relate to design and publication.
Credits: 1
Advanced Design, Multimedia, and Web Technologies
Students will learn advanced skills for creating desktop published, interactive multimedia, and website projects applying these skills to real-world projects. Students will attempt certification with Adobe.
Credits:1
Prerequisite: Design, Multimedia, and Web Technologies
Career Strategies: Business and Marketing Pathway (Work Based Learning)
Students will write a resume, practice interview skills, and have an opportunity to learn and practice soft skills that are essential to become successful in the workplace. Students will participate in a high-quality work-based learning (HQWBL) while enrolled in this course related to Business and Marketing.
Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Two courses in the Business and Marketing pathway
Students learn to manicure, pedicure, install, and maintain artificial nails, and apply concepts associated with bacteriology, sanitation, nail disorders, anatomy and physiology, and safety. Completion prepares students for the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology state licensing examination in Nail Technician.
Credits: 1
Students learn to perform spa manicures and pedicures, install and maintain artificial and gel nails, and apply concepts associated with nail disorders and physiology while adhering to safety guidelines. Program completion prepares students for the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology Nail Technician licensing examination.
Credits: 2
Prerequisite: Nail Technician 1
This course emphasizes personal safety, professionalism, sanitation and disinfection of equipment and facilities. Students develop skills in shampooing and conditioning hair, styling, and cutting hair. They learn chemical texture services, hair color, manicure and pedicure skills, and skin treatments.
*Offered every other year - currently offered 24-25 school year
Credits: 2
Students build on their theoretical foundation from Cosmetology 1. Students are trained in safe chemical processes related to chemical texture services and advanced hair coloring techniques. They also develop skills with wigs and hair additions, learn to care for skin, hands, and feet, provide facials, manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancements. Competency completion and 840 hours of class time, prepares the student for the Virginia State Licensing Exam at the end of the term.
*Offered every other year - will be offered 25-26 school year
Credits: 4
Prerequisite: Cosmetology 1
Auto Technology 1 (Dual Enrollment Option)
A training program for developing the basic knowledge and skills to inspect, diagnose, and repair automotive vehicles. Manual skills are developed in the practical lab work, principles and theory developed through class assignments, discussions, and videos.
Credits: 1
Auto Technology 2 (Dual Enrollment Option)
Automotive instruction is given in the theory and manipulative skills required for doing major repairs to the engine, suspension, steering, and electrical systems of automotive vehicles of today and the future.
Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Automotive Technology I
Auto Technology 3 (Dual Enrollment Option)
Automotive instruction is given in the theory and manipulative skills required for doing major repairs to the engine, suspension, steering, and electrical systems of automotive vehicles of today and the future. Automotive Service Excellence industry certification. NATEF required additional hours will be earned through Internship Program.
Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Automotive Technology II
Career Strategies: Automotive Technology (WBL)
Students will write a resume, practice interview skills, and have an opportunity to learn and practice soft skills that are essential to become successful in the workplace. Students will participate in a high-quality work-based learning (HQWBL) while enrolled in this course related to Automotive Technology.
Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Automotive Technology I and II
Students apply problem solving to real-life situations through database, spreadsheet, word processing, presentation software, charting, and integrated activities. Students work individually and in groups.
Credits: 1
Advanced Computer Info Systems
Students apply skills to real-life situations through advanced integrated software applications, including printed, electronic, and web publications. Students work individually and in groups to explore advanced computer maintenance activities, website development, programming, networking, emerging technology, and employability skills.
Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Computer Information Systems
Students explore programming concepts, use algorithmic procedures, implement programming procedures with one or more standard languages, and master programming fundamentals. Graphical user interfaces may be used as students design and develop interactive multimedia applications, including game programs.
Credits: 1
Building on their foundation of programming skills, Advanced Programming students use object-oriented programming to develop database applications, interactive multimedia applications including game applications, mobile applications, and web applications. Students continue to develop their employability skills as they research pathways for continuing education and careers in the information technology industry and engage in various career-building activities. Contextual instruction and student participation in co-curricular career and technical student organization (CTSO) activities will develop leadership, interpersonal, and career skills.
Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Programming
Students will be introduced to the principles of cybersecurity, explore emerging technologies, examine threats and protective measures, and investigate the diverse career opportunities in the field of cybersecurity.
Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Computer Information Systems
Cybersecurity Operations is designed to teach computer and network administration and security. Students learn cybersecurity concepts, including the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks Students learn to establish, implement, and maintain security networks.
Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Computer Information Systems
Students engage in the study of computers and microprocessors and their applications to manufacturing, transportation, and communication systems. Problem-solving activities challenge students to design, program, and interface devices with computer systems. Learning activities include robotics, computer-aided design, computer-aided manufacturing and design, and control of electromechanical devices.
Credits: 1
Introduction to Engineering Design (PLTW)
Students use 3D solid modeling design software to help them design solutions to solve proposed problems. Students learn how to document their work and communicate solutions to peers and members of the professional community. The major focus is to expose students to the design process, research and analysis, teamwork, communication methods, global and human impacts, engineering standards and technical documentation.
Credits: 1
Introductory course where students design, sketch, and make technical drawings, models, or prototypes of real design problems while learning the language of technical drawing and design. The course introduces the language of graphic communication which will lay the foundation for all STEM classes.
Credits: 1
Architectural Drawing and Design
Students learn the principles of communicating architecture designs and increase their understanding of working drawings and construction techniques learned in Technical Drawing and Design. Experiences include residential and commercial building designs, rendering, model development, and structural detail developments. Students use computer-aided drawing and design (CADD) equipment and established standards or codes to prepare models for presentation. The course is especially beneficial to future architects, interior designers, or home builders.
Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Technical Drawing and Design
This course utilizes the latest PC-based associative, parametric solid modeling software (Inventor) and AutoCad to produce two and three-dimensional models of mechanical objects and assemblies. Topics include sketching a part feature, providing dimensions and constraints to tie the features together, converting a sketch into a solid object, and creating and editing full assemblies.
Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Introduction to Engineering
Civil Engineering & Architecture (PLTW)
In this specialization course for Project Lead the Way (PLTW), students collaborate on both the development of community-based building and design projects and conceptual design for project presentations. As part of the STEM Academy Engineering and Technology pathway students will integrate science, technology, engineering and math into the study of civil engineering and infrastructure systems.
Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Introduction to Engineering
Engineering Design/Development (PLTW)
In this capstone course in Project Lead the Way, teams of students, guided by community mentors, work together to research, design, and construct solutions to engineering problems. Students synthesize knowledge, skills, and abilities through an authentic engineering experience. Students are expected to develop and formally present an independent-study project and a team-oriented project that are critiqued by an evaluation committee.
Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Introduction to Engineering
Intro to Health and Medical Sciences
Students will understand the key elements of the U.S. healthcare system and learn basic healthcare terminology, anatomy and physiology for each body system. Students will learn basic diagnostic and clinical procedures, and the fundamentals of traumatic and medical emergency care. BLS CPR Certification.
Credits: 1
Students explore and apply the fundamentals of emergency medical services, anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology while demonstrating skills in assessing and managing patient care, including assessing the scene, understanding shock, resuscitation, and trauma. Level 2 builds on their knowledge and skills for providing basic life support by focusing on the areas of emergency medical services (EMS) operations, medical emergencies, and management of special patient populations. Certification opportunity for VA State Psychomotor Exam and the National Registry EMT cognitive exam.
*Local medical facilities and Fire and Rescue have additional requirements students will need to meet in order to complete their clinical rotations. These will be covered at the beginning of the course.
Credits: 2
Prerequisite: Introduction to Health and Medical) (Age Requirement: 16 years old)
Regulated by the Virginia Board of Nursing. Level 1 students study growth and development, body structure and function, medical terminology, infection prevention and disease processes. Level 2 students build on nurse aide skills, training and hands-on clinical experience in a healthcare setting. Successful completion of all course requirements and instructor endorsement will lead to a certification opportunity to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment (NNAAP) exam.
*Local medical facilities and the Virginia Board of Nursing have additional requirements students will need to meet in order to complete their clinical rotations. These will be covered at the beginning of the course.
Credits: 2
Prerequisite: Introduction to Health and Medical (Age Requirement: 17 years old)
The course introduces topics such as human anatomy and physiology, nutrition, biomechanics, kinesiology, medical terminology, injuries and illnesses, and legal and ethical issues in sports medicine. Students also examine prospective careers in the sports medicine field. Upon successful completion of this course, students are eligible to take Sports Medicine II and pursue certification as a personal trainer.
Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Introduction to Health and Medical
The course builds upon level I concepts. Students also examine prospective careers in the sports medicine field. Upon successful completion of this course, students are eligible to take the National Academy of Sports Medicine- Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT)
Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Sports Medicine I
Students plan, design, develop and market products useful in a 21st century marketplace. Students assess the relationship between production and society as they compose designs, construct production prototypes and evaluate their solutions to technological problems.
Credits: 1
Students will learn foundational knowledge for the design and build of structures, the hard and soft skills required for careers The class will examine the construction materials, construction process, types of structures, and careers.
Credits: 1
Introductory course where students design, sketch, and make technical drawings, models, or prototypes of real design problems while learning the language of technical drawing and design. The course introduces the language of graphic communication which will lay the foundation for all STEM classes.
Credits: 1
Architectural Drawing and Design
Students learn the principles of communicating architecture designs and increase their understanding of working drawings and construction techniques learned in Technical Drawing and Design. Experiences include residential and commercial building designs, rendering, model development, and structural detail developments. Students use computer-aided drawing and design (CADD) equipment and established standards or codes to prepare models for presentation. The course is especially beneficial to future architects, interior designers, or home builders.
Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Technical Drawing and Design
Introduction to Engineering (PLTW)
Students use 3D solid modeling design software to help them design solutions to solve proposed problems. The major focus is to expose students to the design process, research and analysis, teamwork, communication methods, global and human impacts, engineering standards and technical documentation.
Credits: 1
Career Strategies: Construction II (WBL)
Students will practice foundational knowledge for the design and build of structures. They will practice hard and soft skills learned in previous construction classes. The class will work on projects that support a community need here in the school building.
Credits: 1
Teachers for Tomorrow 1 (Dual Enrollment)
Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow fosters student interest, understanding, and appreciation of the teaching profession and allows secondary students to explore careers in education. Students build a foundation for teaching; learn the history, structure and governance of teaching; apply professional teaching techniques in the classroom and field experience; and reflect on their teaching experiences.
Credits: 1
Teachers for Tomorrow 2 (Dual Enrollment)
Students continue to explore careers in the education and training career cluster and related pathways. This course provides hands-on opportunities for students to examine careers in education, observe professional practice, and apply professional standards and educational theory. In an authentic practicum experience, students will be able to teach lessons, manage classrooms, create learning opportunities, and build their professional portfolio in the process. Para Pro Certification offered.
Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Teachers for Tomorrow I
Career Strategies: Teachers for Tomorrow
Students will write a resume, practice interview skills, and have an opportunity to learn and practice soft skills that are essential to become successful in the workplace. Students will participate in a high-quality work-based learning (HQWBL) while enrolled in this course. They will be placed with a teacher in a school to complete their experience.
Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Teachers for Tomorrow I and II
This course prepares students to learn the principles, techniques, and practices for pursuing careers within security and the criminal justice system, as well as entrance into postsecondary education. Specific training will be provided in criminal law, investigation, security training, emergency response, and police operations.
Credits: 1
Students will learn the legal foundations and processes, principles, techniques, and practices for exploring careers within the criminal justice system. Students combine classroom instruction and supervised practical experience in crime scene investigations, patrol operations, corrections, arrest procedures, and defensive tactics. 911 Dispatch Certification
Credits: 2
Prerequisite: Criminal Justice I
This course introduces materials, equipment, and concepts specific to Photography as a real-world profession. Students have access to a variety of technology including digital cameras, Adobe software, and other studio-shooting tools and will stage, shoot, process, print, and present professional-grade images throughout the year and compile a final web portfolio.
Credits: 1
Students will work with a variety of photographic technology in order to stage, shoot, process, print, and present professional-grade images. They will examine various career paths and practice photographic styles. They will examine business practices all photographers must observe, study intellectual property laws, exhibit their professional-quality work, and complete industry certification through SkillsUSA.
Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Commercial Photography 1
Advanced Photography Methods
Students explore advanced technical practices, including but not limited to analog, digital, and studio photography while furthering student professionalism through Work Based Learning (WBL) opportunities inside and outside of the school. Students will develop a professional web presence and portfolio throughout the year and participate in a course capstone photography exhibition. AP Studio Art is also offered for third or fourth year photography students who wish to concentrate their AP portfolio in a photographic medium.
Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Commercial Photo 2
Design, Multimedia, and Web Technologies
Students will develop skills in applying principles of layout and design for both printed and web-based publications. Students will complete projects using a variety of software packages associated with Adobe’s Creative Suite and explore legal and ethical issues as they relate to design and publication.
Credits: 1
Advanced Design, Multimedia, and Web Technologies
Students will learn advanced skills for creating desktop published, interactive multimedia, and website projects applying these skills to real-world projects. Students will use the Adobe Creative Suite software and will also attempt certification with Adobe.
Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Design, Multimedia, and Web Technologies
Career Strategies: Commercial Photography/Web Design (WBL)
Students will write a resume, practice interview skills, and have an opportunity to learn and practice soft skills that are essential to become successful in the workplace. Students will participate in a high-quality work-based learning (HQWBL) while enrolled in this course.
Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Commercial Photography I and II or Design, Multimedia, and Web Technologies and Advanced Design, Multimedia, and Web Technologies