Ohio's Information Technology pathway prepares students for careers in one of the state's fastest-growing sectors. The program covers networking, cybersecurity, software development, database management, and IT support through hands-on, project-based learning with enterprise-level hardware and software.
Students learn networking fundamentals, programming languages, cloud computing, and information security while developing problem-solving and customer service skills essential for IT professionals. Many Ohio programs partner with local businesses to provide authentic IT service experiences, from help desk support to network infrastructure projects.
Ohio's technology sector—including major employers in Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati—creates abundant IT career opportunities. The state has prioritized cybersecurity workforce development given increasing threats to critical infrastructure, healthcare systems, and business operations throughout Ohio.
Information Technology at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
5
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Ohio's Information Technology pathway follows the state's IT Career Field Technical Content Standards updated for 2025-2026. The framework aligns with CompTIA, Cisco, and Microsoft certification requirements while emphasizing computational thinking, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies. Ohio's standards require integration of academic content with applied IT skills and preparation for multiple industry certifications recognized by Ohio employers.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course | Code |
|---|---|
| IT Fundamentals | IT001 |
| Networking and Infrastructure | IT002 |
| Cybersecurity Fundamentals | IT003 |
| Advanced IT Applications | IT004 |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Network Administrator
ExperiencedSalary range: $75,080 - $116,860
Adjusted for cost of living: $101,536
IT Support Specialist
Entry LevelSalary range: $45,380 - $67,830
Adjusted for cost of living: $49,428
Cybersecurity Analyst
ExperiencedSalary range: $83,480 - $137,430
Adjusted for cost of living: $117,166
Help Desk Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $45,380 - $67,830
Adjusted for cost of living: $49,428
Systems Administrator
ExperiencedSalary range: $75,080 - $116,860
Adjusted for cost of living: $101,536
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Help desk support for school districts and local businesses. Internships with IT service providers and corporate IT departments. Participation in CyberPatriot and other cybersecurity competitions. Summer employment with managed service providers. Cooperative education with Ohio technology companies.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in Business Professionals of America (BPA), SkillsUSA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Ohio CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
Ohio Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with Ohio's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Ohio standards and industry needs evolve
Related Glossary Terms
CTE Pathways
CTE Pathways are structured sequences of courses within a Career Cluster that prepare students for a specific group of related occupations. Pathways combine academic and technical instruction, providing a clear roadmap from introductory courses through advanced, specialized training aligned with industry standards and postsecondary opportunities.
ProgrammaticStandards Alignment
Standards alignment in CTE refers to the process of ensuring that curriculum, instruction, and assessments directly connect to and address state-adopted CTE standards, academic standards, and industry-recognized competencies. Proper alignment ensures students develop the specific knowledge and skills their state requires for career readiness.
ProgrammaticWork-Based Learning
Work-Based Learning (WBL) encompasses a range of educational strategies that connect classroom instruction with real workplace experiences. Activities include internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, clinical rotations, and cooperative education, all designed to help CTE students apply technical skills in authentic industry settings.
ProgrammaticIndustry Certifications in CTE
Industry certifications in CTE are credentials issued by industry organizations or third-party bodies that validate a student's mastery of specific technical skills and knowledge. Examples include CompTIA A+, AWS Certified Welder, and ServSafe, which demonstrate career readiness to employers in ways that transcend state and district boundaries.
AssessmentReady to Build Information Technology Programs at Scale?
See how Sage can help you create standards-aligned curriculum for Information Technology in Ohio.