Start prepping NOW for your dream job or work-anywhere trade skills!
Plug Into a Pathway that Will Wire You for Tech Success
We’re all wired differently. Do you dream of a career as a software designer? Long to develop cutting-edge websites or game-changing apps? View yourself as a budding data scientist? If this sounds like you, then you might want to plug into a career in Information Technology (IT) and programming. The VUSD Software and Systems Development pathway offers computer-driven and tech-savvy students a strong entryway into both a college degree and a career path in this well-paying, always-expanding industry. Students can choose from a wide range of courses available to help build and strengthen an array of skills needed in the IT and programming environment of today…and tomorrow.
What You'll Learn
From 9th grade upward, enroll in A-G approved courses to start preparing for your career in the IT/programming industry. Classes include:
- CTE Concentrator Structured Programming or CTE Concentrator Honors Structured Programming (Year 1)
- CTE Capstone Honors Object Oriented Programming and Applied Design (Year 2)
What You’ll Do
Take what you’re learning in the classroom into the real world and experience for yourself all that awaits you in the always-interesting and ever-evolving IT/programming industry. Immersive and insightful experiences include:
- Guest speakers
- Field trips to local industry partners and colleges to explore potential career paths
- Interactive opportunities with industry partners
Who You Can Be
Kickstart your career path with top-tier academic instruction and industry-leader insights. The Software & Systems Development pathway prepares you for potential careers such as:
- Programmer
- Software Developer
- Software Designer
- Web Developer
- Application Developer
- Data Scientist
Industry Average Wages: $76,000-$187,000
Projected Industry Growth: 6-21%
CE Teacher:
What You Need to Know
VUSD’s Software and Systems Development Pathway offers intensive courses designed to give students a strong foundation in IT/Programming — and a head start on a degree and career in this always-interesting and ever-expanding field.
Students (9th grade and up) who enroll in these courses will build core competencies and confidence while enhancing their abilities in highly valued skills such as project planning and development, algorithmic thinking, structured programming, object-oriented programming, C++, Java, and Javascript. They’ll also benefit from insights and connections afforded by guest speakers, field trips to local colleges, and visits to industry partners.
The program is based at Foothill Technology High School and consists of two sequenced year-long courses, a concentrator with the option of honors credit, followed by a capstone that earns honors credit.
Once you have gained the skills and knowledge in this pathway, there are many options for your next steps after high school - some you can even begin pursuing before you graduate!
1 year
Computer Networking Information Technology Certificate - Oxnard College
Cybersecurity Certificate - Oxnard College
Game Design Certificate - Oxnard College
2 Year
Associate in Science, Computer Networking Information Technology - Oxnard College
Associate in Science, Game Design - Oxnard College
Associate in Science for Transfer, Computer Science - Moorpark College
Associate in Science, Cybersecurity - Moorpark College
4 Year
Bachelor of Science, Computer Science - California State University, Channel Islands