What is Program of Study?

A Program of Study is one of the most important structural concepts in career and technical education. Defined under Perkins V, a POS is a coordinated, non-duplicative sequence of academic and technical content at the secondary and postsecondary levels that incorporates challenging academic standards, addresses both academic and technical knowledge and skills, progresses in specificity, and leads to an industry-recognized credential, certificate, or degree.

Programs of Study go beyond simple course sequences by requiring intentional connections between secondary and postsecondary education. A well-designed POS shows students a clear path from high school CTE courses through postsecondary programs to employment. This includes articulation agreements that allow students to earn college credit for high school coursework, dual enrollment opportunities, and stackable credentials that build value over time.

Perkins V requires that each eligible recipient offer at least one program of study. The law defines specific elements that a POS must include: incorporation of challenging academic standards, CTE content aligned to industry standards, a coherent sequence from secondary through postsecondary, opportunities to earn postsecondary credit, and the culmination in an industry-recognized credential or degree.

Developing a POS requires collaboration between secondary and postsecondary partners, industry representatives, and often state education agency staff. Secondary and postsecondary institutions must agree on course equivalencies, credit transfer policies, and shared expectations for student learning. Industry partners provide input on the competencies and credentials that make graduates employable.

For CTE administrators, the POS framework provides a strategic planning tool. By mapping the full continuum of a student's CTE experience from introductory courses through credential attainment and employment, administrators can identify gaps, eliminate redundancies, and ensure that every element of the program serves the student's progression toward career readiness.

Why Program of Study Matters for CTE Programs

Programs of Study are a Perkins V requirement, meaning CTE administrators must develop, maintain, and document at least one POS for each career pathway they offer with federal funds. This represents both a compliance obligation and a program improvement opportunity.

Strong programs of study produce better student outcomes across multiple Perkins V accountability indicators. When secondary and postsecondary programs are genuinely aligned, students experience smoother transitions, higher postsecondary enrollment rates, and better credential attainment. These outcomes directly affect a district's performance on federal and state accountability measures.

Developing programs of study also strengthens partnerships. The required collaboration between secondary and postsecondary institutions, along with industry input, creates relationships that support student success beyond the formal POS framework. These partnerships often lead to expanded dual enrollment offerings, shared facilities, and coordinated professional development for teachers.

Key Components

State Variations

States vary in how prescriptive they are about Program of Study design. Some states develop and approve POS templates at the state level, providing local districts with standardized frameworks to implement. Others give districts significant flexibility to design their own POS with general state guidelines.

The depth of postsecondary integration also varies. States with strong community college systems and established articulation frameworks tend to have more robust postsecondary connections in their programs of study. In states where secondary and postsecondary CTE are governed by different agencies, building seamless programs of study can be more challenging due to differing administrative structures and priorities.

Common Misconceptions

Related Terms