PLAnning YOuR CAREER
WH

AT

A

RE
Career Clusters
& Programs of Study
?
In Texas, TAPs (Texas Achievement Plans) will guide students’ high school and
college experiences (see next page). As part of this process, students focus their
studies within a chosen career cluster and program of study.
A
career cluster is a group of occupations and broad industries career. It will allow you to follow a seamless course of study from
that share certain features. The Arts, A/V Technology & high school into college or other postsecondary education or
Communications cluster, for example, includes fashion training. The electives you choose can complement your core
designer and musician. Texas has adopted 16 career clusters (see academic classes to prepare you for the challenges of the real
back cover), the same ones designated and developed by the U.S. world of work.
Department of Education.
As the graphic below shows, within each cluster are Review Your TAP Each Year
programs of study, which are more specific groupings of similar Don’t get locked into a cluster and program of study you don’t
occupations. Think of a program of study as being like a college like. You should reexamine your TAP at least once a year and
major. In Arts, A/V Technology & Communications, you might change programs or clusters if your interests have changed.
choose to focus on Journalism & Broadcasting in high school Choosing a cluster and program of study, even if it changes later,
and college. means that you’ll have a direction in life. The idea is to be aware
of what’s going on in your life and take control of your future.
Related Occupations When you know where your education is going and why, your
Each program of study includes a range of related occupations; classes will become more meaningful. You’ll make contact with
reporter/correspondent is an example of an occupation that falls students, teachers, and employers who share your interest in a
within Journalism & Broadcasting. particular career area. You’ll have experiences that are fun and
Choosing a career cluster and program of study will help you exciting. You’ll be on your way to success in school, in a career,
acquire the knowledge and skills you’ll need to enter your chosen and in life.
P R O G R A M S O F S T U D Y E X A M P L E O C C U P A T I O N S
Audio & Video Technology & Film Audio/Video Technician
Journalism & BroadcastingJournalism & Braodcasting Reporter & Correspondent
C L U S T E R
Performing Arts Musician
Arts, A/V Technology
& Communications
Printing Teechnologychnology Graphic Designer
Telecommunications Electronics Engineering Techniciaechniciann
Visual Arts Fashion Designer
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