West Virginia's Information Technology pathway prepares students for careers in IT support, network administration, systems management, and technology services. This comprehensive program provides foundational training in computer systems, networking, cybersecurity fundamentals, and IT service delivery. As organizations throughout West Virginia increasingly depend on reliable technology infrastructure—from healthcare systems to education to manufacturing operations—skilled IT professionals are essential across all economic sectors throughout the Mountain State.
The pathway covers core IT competencies including computer hardware and operating systems, networking protocols and infrastructure, cybersecurity basics, database fundamentals, cloud computing introduction, 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 West Virginia organizations.
West Virginia's Information Technology programs prepare students for industry certifications demonstrating technical competence and enhancing employability. The pathway benefits from West Virginia's commitment to expanding technology education and broadband infrastructure throughout the state. Graduates are prepared for entry-level IT positions including help desk support, IT technician, and junior network administrator roles. The pathway also provides foundation for advanced IT specializations and four-year information technology or computer science degree programs at West Virginia universities.
Information Technology at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
5
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
West Virginia's Information Technology standards align with CompTIA certification frameworks and emphasize IT fundamentals, computer hardware and software, operating systems, networking infrastructure, security fundamentals, database concepts, customer service, and IT professionalism. Standards prepare students for CompTIA certifications and entry-level IT employment while developing problem-solving, communication, and continuous learning abilities essential for technology careers in West Virginia's evolving digital economy.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course | Code |
|---|---|
| Information Technology Fundamentals | 1550 |
| Information Technology I: Hardware and Systems | 1551 |
| Information Technology II: Networking and Security | 1552 |
| Information Technology III: IT Support and Services | 1553 |
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: $45,640 - $69,900
Adjusted for cost of living: $50,841
IT Support Specialist
Entry LevelSalary range: $45,640 - $69,900
Adjusted for cost of living: $50,841
Network Administrator
ExperiencedSalary range: $58,830 - $98,700
Adjusted for cost of living: $81,798
Systems Administrator
ExperiencedSalary range: $58,830 - $98,700
Adjusted for cost of living: $81,798
IT Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $57,650 - $123,630
Adjusted for cost of living: $89,662
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students complete internships with IT departments of businesses, healthcare facilities, schools, and government agencies throughout West Virginia. Work-based learning includes providing technical support for school technology systems, participation in computer refurbishment programs serving community organizations, job shadowing IT professionals, and summer employment in technology support roles. Many programs partner with local business associations and healthcare systems for student IT opportunities.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), SkillsUSA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps West Virginia CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
West Virginia Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with West Virginia's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as West Virginia standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in West 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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