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 Technology at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
5
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Virginia'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 preparing students for CompTIA certifications and entry-level IT employment developing problem-solving, communication, and continuous learning abilities essential for technology careers.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course | Code |
|---|---|
| Information Technology Fundamentals | 6620 |
| Information Technology I: Systems and Hardware | 6621 |
| Information Technology II: Networking and Security | 6622 |
| Information Technology III: IT Support and Services | 6623 |
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: $48,940 - $82,580
IT Support Specialist
Entry LevelSalary range: $48,940 - $82,580
Network Administrator
ExperiencedSalary range: $81,910 - $134,110
Cloud Support Specialist
ExperiencedSalary range: $105,550 - $168,570
IT Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $77,790 - $174,120
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students complete internships with IT departments of businesses, government contractors, healthcare facilities, and agencies throughout Virginia. 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. Northern Virginia programs often access government contractor IT opportunities while other regions connect with healthcare, education, and business IT departments.
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 Virginia CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
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Virginia Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with Virginia's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Virginia standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in Virginia
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.
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?
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