Careers and Technology

• .5 credit
• Do you want to know your legal rights and how to use them? Business Law is one of your most valuable subjects that will help you to gain the knowledge needed to protect yourself as a citizen, driver, and help you to achieve an understanding of legal principles you will use throughout your life. Students will study true situations that show how business and personal law impacts not only business, but also the lives of young people and adults. Business Law deals with ethics, rights of minors, contracts, consumer protection, employment law and contracts, property, insurance, partnerships, and corporations. Contemporary legal issues are discussed. This course is open to students in grades 10 – 12.

• 1 credit
• In this analysis of current business practices, the following topics are examined:  a comparison of economic systems, forms of ownership, small business, social responsibility, management and organization, finance and investment, marketing, human resources, and international business.  Topical issues are used to reinforce terminology and concepts. To be eligible for college credit students meet the following criteria as determined by Mt. Saint Mary College:
  • Seniors require a minimum GPA of 85
  • Juniors require a minimum GPA of 90
  • Juniors and Seniors who do not meet the GPA requirement for College Credit may still enroll in this course for high school credit only.

• 1 HS Credit
• Pre-requisites: open to juniors and seniors
• Nearly one-third of our nation’s labor force involves one area of marketing or another.  Learn about the various types of marketing careers. Students will learn about the marketing of products and services. Overview of marketing strategy, market segmentation, consumer behavior, advertising and promotion, channels of distribution, marketing institutions and legal and economic issues will also be covered. Experience how to plan, promote, distribute, price and create new products.  A marketing plan won’t sell your product if your customer does not trust you. Be prepared to study the needs and wants of today’s consumers and emphasis on current products and companies. A portion of this course will also focus on sports and entertainment marketing. Marketing projects and activities will also be completed.

• .5 Credit
• Prerequisite: Algebra 1R
• If you love to cook or want to learn, this introductory class will give you more than the basics. Taste of Culinary Arts introduces the student to the basic principles of cooking, baking and kitchen operations. Emphasis is placed on practical experiences including recipe conversion, measurements, terminology, knife cuts, safe food/equipment handling, flavorings/seasoning, and stocks/sauces/soups. Other topics include preparation methods for protein, starch, vegetable/fruit identification/selection, storage, breakfast cookery, breads, sweet dough/pastries, and mise en place. Upon completion, students should be able to efficiently execute a broad range of basic cooking/baking skills as they apply to different stations in foodservice operations.

• 1/2 Credit
• No Prerequisite
• Robotics and Engineering offers interested students the opportunity to develop and use engineering tools, materials, methods and skills in an effort to design and build a creative solution to real and challenging problems. Students are given a chance to do what engineers do: turn ideas into robust working machines by coupling hard work with basic science and mathematics skills and concepts. This class provides students with the opportunity to develop and demonstrate creative engineering skills and talents.

• 1 Credit
• Introductory Technology class that focuses on basic drawing skills that coincide with real world application. Students will use tools from the lab in 139 to explore how Technology, Science and Math are combined to create products for everyday use.

• 1 Credit/5 College Credit
• Prerequisites: Design for Drawing & Production - or - Intro to Engineering
• A hands-on course in the use of current CAD software using various computer aided drawing (CAD) platforms. Students will complete a variety of drafting and design problems using CAD to execute both two and three-dimensional drawings and drawings. Students will produce drawings of their own design as well as assigned exercises. Drawings will be printed and/or plotted and evaluated.
• This course is a dual enrollment course offered through SUNY Orange but can also be taken for high school credit only.  Students interested in earning College Credit must be a junior with a minimum GPA of 90 or senior with a minimum GPA of 85 as per SUNY Orange.  There is a reduced tuition fee for the college credits. 

• 1 Credit
• Prerequisite: Advanced AutoCAD & priority is given to seniors
• An introduction to Engineering as a career with emphasis on communication skills using AutoCAD and Autodesk Fusion. Students will complete project based problems using our 3D printers, laser cutter, and CNC machines while exploring different career path options within the engineering field. 
• This course is a dual enrollment course offered through SUNY Orange but can also be taken for high school credit only.  Students interested in earning College Credit must be a junior with a minimum GPA of 90 or senior with a minimum GPA of 85 as per SUNY Orange.  There is a reduced tuition fee for the college credits. 

• 1 Credit
• Prerequisite: Algebra 1
• CS Python Fundamentals is an introductory-level programming course for students brand new to programming and computer science. In this course, you will learn problem-solving strategies, software design, and the foundations of computer science. The course is taught using the programming language of Python.

• 1 Credit
• Prerequisites: Intro to Computer Science and Algebra 1
• AP Computer Science Principles (AP CSP) is a full-year, rigorous course that introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and explores the impact computing and technology have on our society. The course covers a broad range of foundational topics including: programming (using Scratch and Python as the primary programming languages), algorithms, the Internet, big data, digital privacy and security, and the societal impacts of computing.
• Students enrolled in this course are expected to take the Advanced Placement examination in May. Some colleges grant credit for scores of 3, 4, or 5 on the AP Exam.  There is a fee to the students for the AP exam.

1 Credit

Prerequisites: Intro to Computer Science and Algebra 1

This course focuses on the details of writing computer software using the Java programming language. Our goal is to stress an object-oriented perspective throughout the material. The course emphasizes basic ideas of software engineering and our goal of developing high-quality software. We will also look at and discuss social and ethical issues around computing throughout the year. Students enrolled in this course are expected to take the Advanced Placement examination in May. Some colleges grant credit for scores of 3, 4, or 5 on the AP Exam.  There is a fee to the students for the AP exam.

• 1 Credit
• Prerequisite: open to students in grades 10-12
• Identify cybersecurity threats and protect against them. Detect intrusions and respond to attacks. Begin to examine your own digital footprint and better defend your own personal data. Learn how organizations protect themselves in today’s world. Whether seeking a career in the emerging field of cybersecurity or learning to defend their own personal data or a company’s data, students in PLTW Cybersecurity establish an ethical code of conduct while learning to defend data in today’s complex cyberworld.
  Students enrolled in this course are expected to take the Advanced Placement examination in May. Some colleges grant credit for scores of 3, 4, or 5 on the AP Exam.  There is a fee to the students for the AP exam.
   

• 2 Credits
• Prerequisite: Must be a Junior or Senior
• Corequisite: Intro to Forensic Science
• Criminal Justice I introduces students to the structure and function of the American criminal justice system, including policing, the courts, and corrections. Through hands-on labs in fingerprinting, evidence handling, and crime-scene fundamentals, students develop a practical understanding of how justice professionals work in the field.
  The course strengthens critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills as students analyze cases, interpret evidence, and practice professional documentation. Emphasis is placed on cultural awareness, ethical decision-making, and understanding how public safety agencies serve diverse communities.
  Aligned with New York State’s Portrait of a Graduate, Criminal Justice I helps students grow as academically prepared learners, effective communicators, and responsible global citizens ready to engage in a rigorous and inclusive learning environment.
   

• 1 Credit
• Corequisite:  Introduction to Criminal Justice
• Introduction to Forensic Science offers students an applied, interdisciplinary exploration of how scientific inquiry and human behavior shape modern criminal investigations. The course combines laboratory-based forensic techniques with foundational concepts from forensic psychology, giving students a balanced understanding of both the physical and behavioral dimensions of evidence.
  
  Students develop practical lab skills through hands-on work with DNA analysis, ballistics, blood-spatter interpretation, glass and tool-mark comparison, and evidence classification. They also examine how memory, decision-making, motive, and behavioral patterns influence investigations and courtroom outcomes.
  
  Throughout the course, students refine their ability to analyze information, communicate findings clearly, and approach complex problems with precision, professionalism, and ethical awareness. Case-based scenarios encourage students to connect scientific results with investigative reasoning, strengthening their confidence and readiness for more advanced study.
  
  The course concludes with an introduction to Investigative Psychology, better known as criminal profiling, where students explore how behavioral evidence, crime-scene patterns, and offender decision-making support modern investigative strategies.
   

• 3 Credits
• Prerequisite: Introduction to Criminal Justice 1
• Criminal Justice II builds on foundational skills with advanced study in policing, investigations, patrol operations, and security procedures. Students practice report writing, defensive tactics, and evidence documentation while working through scenario-based simulations that mirror real-world public safety challenges.
  
  The program includes collaboration with local law enforcement and security agencies, providing supervised work-study experiences that strengthen technical skills and professional confidence. Students may earn FEMA ICS-100 and ICS-700 certifications, as well as the New York State 8-Hour and 16-Hour Security Guard training needed to qualify for the NYS Security Guard License upon passing the state exam.
  
  The course supports practices for critical thinking, effective communication, and reflective, future-focused young professionals prepared for college, careers, and community service. Students complete the year with a polished résumé and portfolio that showcases their certifications, skills, and field experience.

• 1 Credit
• Prerequisites: None - Open to students in Grades 10 -12
• A creative and exciting class taught by a broadcast veteran with over 40 years of
  experience. This Career and Technical Education (CTE) course provides students with
  industry-aligned training in television and media production through hands-on studio
  experiences. Students develop technical skills in camera operation, audio production,
  graphic design, lighting, and directing while producing broadcast-quality content that
  mirrors professional workplace standards. Instruction emphasizes employability skills
  such as teamwork, communication, professionalism, time management, and ethical
  responsibility, directly aligned to the SkillsUSA Framework of Personal Skills and
  Workplace Skills. In alignment with the New York State Portrait of a Graduate students
  develop critical thinking, problem solving, adaptability, and leadership skills by
  planning productions, managing roles, meeting deadlines, and evaluating performance.
  This course is designed to be the first step in affording students the platform and
  freedom to explore their personal interest while exposing them to the career
  opportunities that exist within the video, television and film industries.
   

• 2 Credits
• Prerequisites: Must be a Junior or Senior
• A dynamic and immersive class that develops the innate communication skills of the students. This Career and Technical Education (CTE) course prepares students to plan, capture, and edit professional-quality video content with an emphasis on Electronic News Gathering (ENG) field production and nonlinear editing (NLE) workflows.
  
  Students develop technical proficiency in controlling a professional camera, acquiring varying audio sources, remote lighting techniques and structured media management techniques while applying industry-standard editing techniques to produce news, features, documentaries and promotional video projects. Aligned to the SkillsUSA Framework, the course integrates Personal Skills (professionalism, time management, ethical responsibility), Workplace Skills (teamwork, communication, problem solving) and Technical Skills (camera operation, audio, editing, storytelling and production safety).
  
  In alignment with the New York State Portrait of a Graduate, students
  demonstrate critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and adaptability by working in production teams, meeting real-world deadlines, evaluating sources and reflecting on their learning through critique and revision. By the end of the course, students produce polished ENG-style segments and edited programs that meet professional media standards and prepare them for industry certification, SkillsUSA competition and postsecondary pathways in media production.

• 3 Credits
• Prerequisites: Video Production 1
• Prerequisite: Video Production 1
• A capstone course that calls on the student to be the planner, organizer and leader of professional content. This Advanced Video Production course immerses students in professional-level media production with an emphasis on client interaction, live and recorded event coverage, studio show coordination and original digital cinema creation.
  
  Students apply advanced pre-production planning, production management and post-production workflows while collaborating with real clients to develop content that meets defined goals, audiences and deadlines. Aligned with the SkillsUSA Framework, the course strengthens Personal Skills through professionalism, leadership, ethical decision-making and adaptability; Workplace Skills through teamwork, client communication, project management and problem-solving; and Technical Skills through advanced cinematography, multi-camera studio production, audio engineering, lighting design, directing, editing and cinematic storytelling.
  
  In alignment with the New York State Portrait of a Graduate, students demonstrate effective communication, creativity, critical thinking, cultural awareness and career readiness by managing complex productions, responding to feedback, coordinating production teams and reflecting on outcomes. By the end of the course, students produce client-driven media, coordinated studio programs, live or on-location event coverage and original digital cinema projects that meet industry standards and prepare them for SkillsUSA competition, postsecondary study and careers in media and film production.

• 3 Credits
• Prerequisite: Students must be a Junior or Senior to enroll
• This New York State-approved Career and Technical Education (CTE) Cosmetology program is a two-year sequence designed to provide students with the technical knowledge and hands-on skills required for careers in cosmetology and preparation for New York State licensure.
  
  Students complete a minimum of 1,000 instructional hours, making them eligible to sit for the New York State Appearance Enhancement Written and Practical Examinations. Instruction includes hair, skin, and nail services; safety and sanitation; professional ethics; and salon operations, aligned with industry standards. The program integrates SkillsUSA as the Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) to strengthen leadership, teamwork, employability and career readiness.
  
  The course supports the New York State Portrait of a Graduate by developing critical thinking, effective communication, collaboration, self-direction and responsible citizenship in preparation for postsecondary education and the workforce.