Tennessee's Information Technology pathway prepares students for careers in IT support, network administration, systems management, cloud computing, and technology services. This comprehensive program provides foundational training in computer systems, networking, cybersecurity fundamentals, database management, and IT service delivery. As organizations throughout Tennessee depend on reliable technology infrastructure, skilled IT professionals are essential across all economic sectors from healthcare to manufacturing to government.
The pathway covers core IT competencies including computer hardware and operating systems, networking protocols and infrastructure, cloud services, virtualization, database fundamentals, and IT customer service. Students develop both technical troubleshooting skills and professional communication abilities essential for effective IT support roles. The curriculum integrates hands-on labs where students configure systems, diagnose problems, manage networks, and implement technology solutions mirroring real-world IT environments.
Tennessee's Information Technology programs prepare students for industry certifications demonstrating technical competence and enhancing employability. Strong partnerships with Tennessee businesses and government agencies provide work-based learning opportunities and employment pathways. Graduates are prepared for entry-level IT positions including help desk support, IT technician, junior network administrator, and cloud support roles. The pathway also provides foundation for advanced IT specializations and four-year information technology or computer science degree programs.
Information Technology at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
5
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Tennessee's Information Technology standards align with CompTIA certification frameworks and incorporate cloud computing and virtualization competencies. State standards emphasize IT fundamentals, computer hardware and software, operating systems, networking infrastructure, security fundamentals, cloud services, database concepts, customer service, and IT professionalism. The framework prepares students for CompTIA certifications and entry-level IT employment while developing problem-solving, communication, and continuous learning abilities essential for technology careers.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course | Code |
|---|---|
| Information Technology Fundamentals | C12120 |
| Information Technology I: Systems and Hardware | C12121 |
| Information Technology II: Networking and Cloud | C12122 |
| Information Technology III: IT Support and Services | C12123 |
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.
Help Desk Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $45,760 - $66,640
Adjusted for cost of living: $49,460
IT Support Specialist
Entry LevelSalary range: $45,760 - $66,640
Adjusted for cost of living: $49,460
Network Administrator
ExperiencedSalary range: $69,750 - $127,640
Adjusted for cost of living: $97,795
Cloud Support Specialist
ExperiencedSalary range: $95,060 - $134,890
Adjusted for cost of living: $126,827
IT Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $65,880 - $161,270
Adjusted for cost of living: $111,165
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students complete internships with IT departments of businesses, schools, healthcare facilities, and government agencies throughout Tennessee. Work-based learning includes providing technical support for school technology systems, participation in computer refurbishment programs serving community organizations, job shadowing IT professionals, summer employment in technology support roles, and assistance with technology projects at local businesses. Many programs partner with Tennessee Chamber of Commerce organizations connecting students with IT employers.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in Technology Student Association (TSA), SkillsUSA, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Tennessee CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
Tennessee Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with Tennessee's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Tennessee standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in Tennessee
Computer Science
Tennessee's Computer Science pathway prepares students for careers in software development, web programming, mobile app development, and technology innovation. This comprehensive program provides rigorous training in computational thinking, programming languages, algorithm development, and software engineering practices. With Tennessee's growing technology sector—particularly in Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, and the emerging tech corridors—computer science skills are increasingly valuable across all industries. The pathway emphasizes both foundational computer science concepts and practical application development. Students learn multiple programming languages including Python, Java, JavaScript, and SQL while developing problem-solving abilities and logical thinking skills essential for software development. The curriculum integrates contemporary practices including agile development methodologies, version control systems, collaborative coding, and software testing that reflect professional development environments. Tennessee's Computer Science pathway prepares students for immediate employment as junior developers or IT professionals, pursuit of advanced computing certifications, or continuation to four-year computer science degree programs. The state's technology industry partnerships provide authentic learning experiences and employment pathways. Graduates develop computational thinking and technical skills applicable across STEM careers and the modern digital economy.
Information TechnologyCybersecurity
Tennessee's Cybersecurity pathway prepares students for careers in information security, network defense, digital forensics, and cyber operations. As cyber threats continue to escalate and organizations prioritize data protection, cybersecurity professionals are in exceptional demand throughout Tennessee and nationally. This specialized program provides comprehensive training in security fundamentals, ethical hacking, incident response, and security operations that protect organizations' digital assets. The pathway emphasizes both defensive security concepts and hands-on technical skills using virtual labs, security tools, and realistic cyber scenarios. Students learn operating system security, network infrastructure protection, cryptography, security policies and governance, threat intelligence, and incident response procedures. The curriculum develops critical thinking and problem-solving abilities essential for identifying vulnerabilities, analyzing threats, and implementing security controls. Students also study cybersecurity ethics, legal frameworks, and privacy considerations. Tennessee's growing technology sector, including major corporations in Nashville and emerging tech hubs throughout the state, creates substantial career opportunities for cybersecurity graduates. The pathway prepares students for immediate employment in security operations centers, continuation to advanced cybersecurity degree programs, or pursuit of specialized security certifications commanding premium compensation. Tennessee's cybersecurity education initiative provides resources and support for programs statewide.
Information TechnologyRelated 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.
ProgrammaticProgram of Study
A Program of Study (POS) is a coordinated, non-duplicative sequence of academic and CTE courses that spans secondary through postsecondary education. Required under Perkins V, a POS integrates academic content with CTE instruction, includes work-based learning, and leads to an industry-recognized credential or postsecondary degree.
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.
AssessmentCompetency-Based Education
Competency-Based Education (CBE) is an instructional approach where students advance by demonstrating mastery of specific knowledge and skills rather than by accumulating seat time. In CTE, CBE aligns naturally with industry expectations, as employers value demonstrated competency over time spent in training.
AssessmentReady to Build Information Technology Programs at Scale?
See how Sage can help you create standards-aligned curriculum for Information Technology in Tennessee.