- Barnstable High School
- Follow a Career Path
Follow a Career Path
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Career Pathways take students on a journey into possible careers they would like to pursue after high school. Barnstable High School’s programs offer students a rigorous curriculum coordinated with strategically designed opportunities that connect classroom instruction to real-life career choices. In some cases, students who successfully complete the requirements for their selected Pathway can graduate with industry certification and/or transferable college credits. Career Pathways may culminate in a Senior Internship experience.
NOTE: All Pathway students should consider taking World Languages courses. A Four year study of a World Language with proficiency, supported by receipt of the Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy in the target language, is recommended to enhance employability in all career pathways.
Explore Our Career Pathways
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Business, Entrepreneurship, & Finance
Business, Entrepreneurship, & Finance Pathway: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, thirty-five percent of all jobs will be in business, marketing, finance, and sales by 2026. Students in this Innovation Pathway will be well-prepared to further their education, to start their own business, or both. The courses in this Pathway will help students develop an “entrepreneurial mindset” along with many technical skills necessary for success in the business world. Students who are interested in joining the small-business economy of the Cape Cod region upon graduation as well as students who are interested in becoming future CEOs will benefit from participation in this Pathway. Through various courses in this Pathway, students will have opportunities to earn college credit at Cape Cod Community College, be mentored by CEOs and business graduate students, and achieve multiple relevant certifications such as CLEP, Digital Badges, COAs, OSHA, Certiport, National Testing, and others.
Pathway Courses:
- Business & Community Leadership
- Money Management
- Introduction to Business
- Entrepreneurship
- Applied Entrepreneurship
- Marketing and Finance Strategies
- Business Management & Leadership
Complimentary Courses:
- World Languages
- AP Economics
- Economics & Personal Finance
- Courses in Computer Science, Culinary Arts & Hospitality, Early Education & Care, Engineering, Environmental Science & Technology, Health Careers, Law, Society & Criminal Justice, Music, and/or Creative Careers Pathway, depending on interest.
Careers:
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Computer Science
Computer Science Pathway: Computer Science jobs are among the highest paid and have the highest job satisfaction. There actually are more computing jobs than qualified people to fill them in the United States. According to recent research, there will be about 1,000,000 unfilled programming jobs by 2021. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects growth rates between 12% and 37% in computing and information technology occupations from 2012 through 2022. With this expected growth in computing, it’s easy to see that companies simply need more computer science graduates. With the growing demand for computer science professionals, our school wanted our students to be college and career ready in computer science. Students should not miss out on this opportunity that will be available when they graduate from college.
The goal of the pathway is to provide students with the fundamental knowledge of computer programming including basics of game design. This pathway also serves both as college preparatory courses for potential computer science majors and a foundation course for students planning to study in other majors, like engineering, physics, chemistry, and geology that require significant involvement with computing. Computer Science improves critical thinking skills and teaches you how to solve problems in a new way.
Pathway Courses:
- Computer Science Essentials
- Cybersecurity
- AP Computer Science Principles
- AP Computer Science A
Complementary Courses:
- Statistics
- Applied Art
- PLTW Engineering
- Physics, Design Squad (8) or Robotics (8)
- Street Law & Society
- Business & Finance
- Digital Media
- World Languages
Careers:
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Creative Careers
Creative Careers Pathway: Creative careers are an important part of the growing global economy and consist of both fine and performing arts. Students electing to participate in the Creative Careers Pathway will have opportunities to engage in innovation, invention, explore new ideas, create, design, and produce works of art. Several routes are offered within the Creative Careers pathway including fashion design, studio art, journalism, art therapy, art education, graphic design, animation, and film & television.
Careers:
Fashion Design
Pathway Courses:
- Fashion I
- Fashion II
- Fashion III
- Independent Study
Recommended:
- AP Studio Art
- Fine Arts
- Graphic Design
- Art Internship
Studio Arts (Fine Arts & Ceramics)
Fine Arts Pathway:
- Fine Arts I
- Fine Arts II
- Fine Arts III
- Fine Arts IV
Recommended:
- Art Integration
- AP Studio Art
- Art Internship
Ceramics Pathway:
- Ceramics I
- Ceramics II
- Ceramics III
- Ceramics IV
Recommended:
- Art Integration
- AP Studio Art
- Art Internship
Art Education
Pathway:
- Any Creative Career Pathway
- Teaching Internship with an Art Teacher
Recommended:
- Early Childhood Education
- Art Integration
Graphic Design
Pathway Courses:
- Graphic Design I
- Graphic Design II
- Graphic Design III
- Graphic Design IV
Recommended:
- AP Studio Art
- Art Internship
Cartooning and Animation
Pathway Courses:
- Cartooning & Animation I
- Cartooning & Animation II
- Cartooning & Animation III
- Independent Study
Recommend:
- Digital Media
- AP Studio Art
Film & Television
Pathway Courses:
- Digital Media
- Digital Media 2: B2BTV NEWS
- Digital Media 2: FILM
With Either:
- Production Assistant B2BTV
- Independent Study
Recommended:
- Animation I
- Digital Photography
Journalism
Pathway Courses:
- Introduction to Journalism
- Newspaper and Journalism Studies
With Either:
- Digital Media I
- Digital Media II: B2BTV NEWS
Or
- Digital Photography I
- Digital Photography II
Recommended:
- Graphic Design I
- Yearbook
Careers:
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Culinary Arts & Hospitality
Culinary Arts & Hospitality Pathway: Courses in this Pathway are designed to develop transferable workplace and practical skills in the fields of culinary arts and the hospitality industry. Students have opportunities to earn National Restaurant Association certifications in safe food handling, food preparation, and allergens. They learn about tourism and the retail industry along with business, entrepreneurship, and marketing through the ProStart curriculum. Students apply course content and practice skills in Barnstable High School’s full-service on-site restaurant, The Bistro Café, as well as our own mobile food trailer which is fully equipped with a commercial kitchen. Students gain experience in multiple food service and hospitality roles and responsibilities as they plan and prepare for a variety of dining options, including casual dining and grab and go. Projects include menu development, cooking, baking, job scheduling, inventory, teamwork, budgets, nutrition…just to name a few. See the Wellness department section for specific course sequences and descriptions.
Pathway Courses:
- Intro to Culinary Arts
- Culinary Arts
- Hospitality
- Hospitality Internship
Complementary Courses:
- World Languages
Careers:
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Education
Early Education & Care Pathway: Courses in this Pathway are designed as an interactive, hands-on experience. Students learn in the classroom and practice their skills first at the Cape Cod Child Development preschool located on-site at Barnstable High School and move on to elementary schools within the district or local preschools. Students prepare career portfolios which include competency-based skills checks, writing samples, lesson plans, and certification documentation. Training in the growth and development of children from birth to five years and child psychology is put into action. Students learn the art of writing resumés, how to prepare for an interview with a potential employer, and marketable skills necessary for success in life. Upon successful completion of child development 3 students are eligible to apply for the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care teacher certification and college credit through our post-secondary articulation agreement with Cape Cod Community College. See the Wellness department section for course sequence and descriptions.
Pathway Courses:
- Child Development I
- Child Development II
- Child Development III
- Child Development Internship
Complementary Courses:
- Psychology
- Integrated Physical Education
- Integrated Art
- World Languages
Careers:
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Engineering
Engineering Pathway: From launching space explorations to delivering safe, clean water to communities, engineers find solutions to pressing problems and turn their ideas into reality. The PLTW Engineering pathway offers students the opportunity to learn real-world skills and solve real-world problems. These hands-on courses allow students to apply math, science, computer science, and design skills. All courses offered in the pathway count as advanced coursework in Massachusetts. All courses also offer students the opportunity to earn college credit and scholarships based on their coursework. Credit and scholarship opportunities are available based on course & pathway completion.
Pathway Courses:
- PLTW Intro to Engineering and Design
- PLTW Principles of Engineering
- PLTW Computer Integrated Manufacturing
- PLTW Engineering Design and Development
Complementary Courses:
- Grade 8 Design Squad and/or Robotic
- PLTW Computer Science
- Statistics
- Physics
- World Languages
Careers:
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Environmental Science & Technology
Environmental Science and Technology Pathway: At Barnstable High School this pathway is a project-oriented, field-based curriculum designed to develop skills in collecting, analyzing, and communicating environmental data through authentic workplace experiences. Areas of concentration include Aquaculture/Hydroponics, Geographic Information System (GIS) digital mapping, water chemistry, energy efficiency, laboratory procedures, and natural resource conservation. This inquiry-based, hands-on program will prepare students to continue their education and/or enter the workforce in an environmental lab designed to model the operation of wastewater and drinking water treatment facilities. Student outcomes of the program include CPR/First Aid Training and certification, 40-hour HAZWOPER certification, and preparation to sit for the Massachusetts Water/Wastewater Operator Certification tests. In addition, students who successfully complete this pathway may be awarded up to 13 credits (4 Environmental Science courses) at Cape Cod Community College.
Pathway Courses:
- Intro to Environmental Science and Tech
- Environmental Science and Tech/Water Tech I
- Environmental Science and Tech/Water Tech II - Environmental Impact
- Environmental Science and Tech/Water Tech III - Independent Study/Internship
Complementary Courses:
- Biology (CP/H) required
- AP Biology
- Chemistry (CP/H, AP)
- Physics (CP/H, AP)
- Statistics
- Marine Biology
- AP Environmental Science
- PLTW Computer Science
- World Languages
Careers:
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Careers
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
- Fishing and Hunting Workers
- Conservation Scientists and Foresters
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Health Careers
Health Careers Pathway: This pathway is the perfect opportunity to gain experience in the medical profession. This is a rigorous program that aligns the world of science to the world of healing. Anatomy & Physiology, Medical Terminology, Biotechnology, along with site-based healthcare safety and health practices prepare students to work with real patients at an off-site facility. Barnstable students who successfully complete their CNA coursework and medical terminology requirements can receive certification as a nursing assistant. This credential can lead to a career immediately after graduation or be the beginning of a medical career as a doctor, nurse, lab technician, and more! The knowledge gained in the science course of human anatomy and physiology contributes to success in the program, and is, therefore, a recommended course for this Pathway.
Pathway Courses:
- Biology - required
- Health Careers and CNA
Complementary Courses:
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Pathology & Biotechnology
- AP Biology
- Chemistry (CP/H, AP)
- Physics (CP/H, AP)
- Statistics
- Psychology
- World Languages
- PLTW Computer Science
Careers:
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Law, Society & Criminal Justice
Law, Society & Criminal Justice Pathway: This Pathway prepares students for careers in law and law enforcement, criminal justice, the military, firefighting, and many other public service occupations and is capped in senior year with the course Introduction to Criminal Justice (formerly known as Street Law and Society). There is considerable flexibility in this pathway as students create their own program within the domains of the Social Sciences (U.S. Government and Politics, AP U.S. Government and Politics, Psychology, AP Psychology, U.S. History), Science (Forensics and Biotechnology, Advanced Forensics), Wellness (Beginning Fitness, Intermediate Strength Training and Fitness, Advanced Strength Training and Fitness), ELA (Writing for College, Creative Writing, Understanding Diversity, Senior Experience, Journalism), and World Language. Students in their senior year will have the opportunity to earn both CPR and Stop the Bleed certifications.
Emergency Services
Pathway Courses:
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- US History
- Wellness fitness classes
Complementary Courses:
- AP U.S Government & Politics
- Psychology/AP Psychology
- Forensics and Biotechnology
- Advanced Forensics
- Cybersecurity
- World Language
Psychology and Investigations
Pathway Courses:
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- US History
- Psychology/AP Psychology
- Biological/Physical Forensics
Complementary Courses:
- Biology
- AP U.S Government & Politics
- Cybersecurity
- Forensics and Biotechnology
- Advanced Forensics
- World Language courses
Law
Pathway Courses:
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- US History
Complementary Courses:
- AP U.S. Government & Politics
- Psychology/AP Psychology
- Cybersecurity
- Statistics/AP Statistics
- World Language courses
NOTE:
- All Law, Society & Criminal Justice Pathway students should focus on strengthening their writing skills.
- All Law, Society & Criminal Justice Pathway students should consider taking 4 years of a World Language.
Careers:
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Music
Music Pathway: The Barnstable High School music pathway provides students with the opportunity to prepare for a career in music and/or enhance their understanding of music through the sequential study of performance and technology. A variety of courses and extracurriculars are recommended for each pathway to ensure students receive a comprehensive and diverse experience. Each pathway also provides students with the opportunity to connect with our school and local community through performance opportunities as a member of an ensemble and/or music technology pathway. All students interested in pursuing a music pathway are encouraged to be an active member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society.
Ensemble Performance
Pathway 5 years in at least one the following ensembles:
- Band
- Chamber Choir
- Concert Chorale
- String Orchestra
Recommended:
- 5 consecutive years in the same ensemble
- Audition for out-of-district SEMMEA/CCMEA Festivals
- Piano
- Jazz Band
- Vocal Jazz
- Marching Band
- *Tri-M Music Honor Society
Music Technology
Pathway:
- Music Technology 1
- Music Technology 2
Recommended:
- Grade 8 Music Technology
- Grade 8 Guitar
- Hip Hop: Influences and Trends
- Piano
- *Tri-M Music Honor Society
Guitar
Pathway:
- Guitar 1
- Guitar 2
- Guitar Ensemble
Recommended:
- Grade 8 Guitar
- Piano
- Hip Hop: Influences and Trends
- * Tri-M Music Honor Society
NOTE: * Tri-M Music Honor Society is an after-school, non-credit, extra-curricular ensembles
Careers:
