Business and Information Technology in Virginia
Virginia's Business and Information Technology pathway prepares students for careers spanning business operations, management, entrepreneurship, and technology applications in business contexts. This comprehensive program develops essential business competencies including financial literacy, business communication, project management, and technology skills. With Virginia's diverse economy including major corporations, small businesses, government contractors, and thriving entrepreneurship ecosystem, business skills are valuable across all industries.
The pathway integrates traditional business principles with contemporary digital business practices including e-commerce, digital marketing, data analytics, and business technology applications. Students develop both business acumen and technical proficiency, learning to use enterprise software, analyze business data, and apply technology to solve business challenges. The curriculum includes hands-on projects, business simulations, entrepreneurship ventures, and interactions with Virginia business leaders providing authentic business learning.
Virginia's Business and Information Technology pathway emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical application. Strong industry partnerships throughout Virginia—particularly in Northern Virginia's business corridor, Richmond's corporate sector, and Hampton Roads' business community—provide work-based learning and employment opportunities. Graduates are prepared for entry-level business positions, business certifications, or continuation to four-year business administration or information systems degree programs.
Business and Information Technology at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
5
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Virginia's Business and Information Technology standards align with national business education standards and emphasize business fundamentals, financial literacy, management principles, entrepreneurship, business communication, technology applications, data analysis, and professional development. Standards prepare students for business certification assessments and postsecondary business education while developing competencies valued by Virginia employers across industries.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course | Code |
|---|---|
| Business and Information Technology Foundations | 6610 |
| Business Management and Entrepreneurship | 6630 |
| Business Technology Applications | 6640 |
| Business Practicum and Capstone | 6650 |
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.
Business Operations Specialist
Entry LevelSalary range: $59,690 - $121,290
Administrative Services Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $95,580 - $171,910
Business Analyst
ExperiencedSalary range: $81,990 - $140,840
Marketing Coordinator
Entry LevelSalary range: $58,120 - $113,390
IT Business Analyst
ExperiencedSalary range: $81,990 - $140,840
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students participate in internships with businesses throughout Virginia including corporate offices, government contractors, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations. Work-based learning includes job shadowing business executives, participation in business mentorship programs, development of business plans for real organizations, leadership in school-based enterprises, and FBLA/DECA chapter activities providing entrepreneurship and professional development experiences.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), DECA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
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Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Virginia standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in Virginia
Information Technology
Virginia'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 Virginia depend on reliable technology infrastructure—from government contractors in Northern Virginia to healthcare systems to manufacturing operations—skilled IT professionals are essential across all economic sectors. 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 in Virginia organizations. Virginia's Information Technology programs prepare students for industry certifications demonstrating technical competence and enhancing employability. Strong partnerships with Virginia businesses, government contractors, and 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 degree programs at Virginia universities.
Information TechnologyMarketing
Virginia's Marketing pathway prepares students for careers in advertising, digital marketing, sales management, marketing research, merchandising, and retail operations. This dynamic program teaches students to analyze consumer behavior, develop marketing strategies, create promotional campaigns, and build customer relationships. With Virginia's diverse business community—from Northern Virginia's corporate headquarters to Richmond's business sector to Hampton Roads' port commerce—marketing skills are essential across all industries. The pathway integrates traditional marketing principles with contemporary digital marketing strategies including social media marketing, content marketing, search engine optimization, marketing analytics, and e-commerce. Students develop both creative and analytical abilities, learning to craft compelling marketing messages while using data to measure campaign effectiveness. The curriculum includes hands-on projects where students create marketing plans, develop promotional materials, conduct market research, and execute campaigns for real clients providing authentic marketing experience. Virginia's Marketing programs often operate school stores, student-run businesses, or marketing agencies providing authentic marketing and sales experiences. Students participate in DECA competitions testing marketing knowledge, professional skills, and business acumen at state and international levels. Strong partnerships with Virginia businesses provide work-based learning opportunities and employment pathways. Graduates are prepared for entry-level marketing and sales positions, continuation to four-year marketing degree programs, or entrepreneurial ventures.
MarketingRelated 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.
ProgrammaticCareer and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs)
Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) are national organizations that provide CTE students with opportunities for leadership development, competitive events, community service, and career preparation. Recognized CTSOs include DECA, FBLA, FFA, HOSA, SkillsUSA, and TSA, each serving students in specific career cluster areas.
ProgrammaticEmployability Skills
Employability skills, also called soft skills, workplace readiness skills, or 21st-century skills, are the non-technical competencies that employers consistently identify as essential for workplace success. These include communication, teamwork, problem-solving, time management, professionalism, and adaptability, which CTE programs are expected to develop alongside technical skills.
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