Virginia's Securities & Investments pathway develops expertise in securities markets, investment analysis, portfolio management, and financial trading—preparing students for careers in investment and securities industries.
Students study securities principles, market analysis, investment strategies, portfolio construction, trading mechanisms, and regulatory requirements. They analyze investment opportunities, construct portfolios, and track market data through simulations and case studies.
Graduates work as investment advisors, securities traders, financial analysts, portfolio managers, or investment account managers. Virginia's financial services sector creates significant opportunities. Advanced students pursue finance and business at major universities.
Securities & Investments at a Glance
4
Courses
6
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Virginia's securities and investments standards address investment analysis, market mechanisms, trading, and regulatory compliance. Standards align with SEC regulations and investment industry practices.
Students demonstrate competency through investment analysis projects, portfolio management simulations, and market analysis. The state integrates investment analysis tools.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Securities and Markets Fundamentals |
| Investment Analysis and Strategies |
| Portfolio Management and Trading |
| Advanced Investment Management |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓W!SE Financial Literacy Certification
- ✓QuickBooks Certified User
- ✓Intuit Certified Bookkeeping Professional
- ✓Microsoft Office Specialist - Excel
- ✓Microsoft Office Specialist Expert - Excel
- ✓National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC)
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.
Investment Advisor
Entry LevelSalary range: $80,480 - $137,490
Securities Analyst
ExperiencedSalary range: $81,990 - $140,840
Portfolio Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $77,790 - $174,120
Investment Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $131,890 - $216,280
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students intern at investment firms, brokerage companies, and financial institutions throughout Virginia, particularly in Northern Virginia.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in DECA, 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
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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
Accounting
Virginia's Accounting pathway develops expertise in financial record-keeping, accounting principles, financial analysis, and auditing—preparing students for careers as accountants, bookkeepers, and financial professionals. This pathway combines mathematics with financial principles. Students study accounting principles, bookkeeping, financial statement analysis, tax basics, auditing concepts, and accounting software. They maintain accounting records, prepare financial statements, and analyze financial information through hands-on practice and simulations. Graduates work as bookkeepers, junior accountants, accounting clerks, tax preparers, or accounting specialists. Every Virginia business requires accounting. Advanced students pursue accounting at Virginia Tech, University of Virginia, and other universities.
FinanceBusiness Finance
Virginia's Business Finance pathway develops expertise in corporate finance, investment analysis, financial planning, and business financial management—preparing students for careers in finance and investment fields. Students study financial analysis, investment principles, corporate finance, financial planning, risk management, and financial modeling. They analyze financial data, develop financial plans, and evaluate investment opportunities through case studies and simulations. Graduates work as financial analysts, investment advisors, financial planners, corporate finance specialists, or loan officers. Virginia's strong financial services sector in Northern Virginia creates significant opportunities. Advanced students pursue finance at major universities.
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