Education Commission of the States

Education Commission of the States • 700 Broadway, Suite 810 • Denver, CO 80203-3442 • 303.299.3600 • Fax: 303.296.8332 • www.ecs.org

Career/Technical Education: Career Clusters the State Has Identified

"Career clusters" are an organizational tool that educators can use to link education with business and industry. The U.S. Department of Education has adopted 16 clusters as a first step in helping students explore several career options within a field of interest. The 16 clusters take into account both educational and labor market needs. Each cluster covers industry sectors and expands outward to a number of "career pathways." The 16 clusters adopted by the U.S. Department of Education are used by educators to build plans of study for 81 career pathways. For example, the cluster of "Business, Marketing and Management" can easily be expanded from one cluster to at least three pathways. Each of the three pathways branches out to more specific paths. Once the educator and student settle on a pathway, they can look at a number of programs of study to develop the core academic, technical and employability skills of the student. Each choice should provide a stream of continuous education and training moving the student to fulfilling, high-demand, high-opportunity careers. Many states have considered state employment needs and student interest in selecting the "career clusters" currently available, and plan to add others at a later date. Twenty-three states have adopted the 16 federal career clusters. Five states have identified six career pathways that contain the 16 career clusters.

Why does it matter?

Using the career clusters represents a state focus on strengthening career and technical education.

Following a well-defined career pathway allows students and educators to drill deeply into the skills and knowledge that could form the basis of a future career in a high-skill, high-wage field.

Broadening alternative pathways from limited choices (e.g., auto mechanics and cosmetology) to broader categories (e.g., law, health sciences, and STEM) creates greater educational opportunities and increased academic rigor.

Methodology: This information was collected from state statutes, rules and regulations, and will be updated as new policies are enacted.

Last updated: July 31, 2008

Research conducted by Melodye Bush. Please contact Bush at 303.299.3631 or mbush@ecs.org with questions or comments about this database.

	Career clusters the state has identified
Alabama	Agriscience Business and Marketing Career Technologies Family and Consumer Science Health Science Technical Education
Alaska	The state uses the career clusters identified by the U.S. Department of Education. Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Architecture and Construction Arts, A/V Technology and Communications Business, Management and Administration Education and Training Finance Government and Public Administration Health Science Hospitality and Tourism Human Services Information Technology Law, Public Safety and Security Manufacturing Marketing, Sales and Service Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Transportation, Distribution and Logistics
Arizona	The state has established the following career clusters: Agricultural Education Business Education Family and Consumer Sciences Health Careers Education Industrial Technology Education Marketing Education
Arkansas	Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Architecture and Construction Arts, A/V Technology and Communications Business, Management and Administration Education and Training Finance Government and Public Administration Health Science Hospitality and Tourism Human Services Information Technology Law, Public Safety and Security Manufacturing Marketing, Sales and Service Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Transportation, Distribution and Logistics
California	The California Board of Education identifies 15 industry sectors and 58 pathways. The industry sectors are: Agriculture and Natural Resources Financial Services Business and Administrative Services Wholesale/Retail Sales and Services Information Technology Health Services Legal and Protective Services Human Services Education and Training Services Hospitality and Tourism Construction Logistics, Transportation and Distribution Services Scientific Research and Technical Services Manufacturing Arts and Communication Services
Colorado	Colorado Career Cluster Model is organized by industry sector: Agriculture and Natural Resources Business and Public Administration Health Sciences and Public Safety Hospitality, Human Services and Education Skilled Trades and Technical Sciences STEM, Arts, Design and Information Technology
Connecticut	Arts and Media Business and Finance Construction: Technologies and Design Education Environmental, Natural Resources and Agriculture Government, Education and Human Services Health and Biosciences Retail, Tourism, Recreation and Entrepreneurship Technologies: Manufacturing, Communications and Repair
Delaware	Delaware offers 15 of the 16 clusters identified by the U.S. Department of Education: Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Architecture and Construction Arts, A/V Technology and Communications Business, Management and Administration Finance Government and Public Administration Health Science Hospitality and Tourism Human Services Information Technology Law and Public Safety Manufacturing Science, Technology, and Engineering Transportation, Distribution and Logistics Marketing, Sales and Service
Florida	Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Architecture and Construction Arts, A/V Technology and Communications Business, Management and Administration Education and Training Finance Government and Public Administration Health Science Hospitality and Tourism Human Services Information Technology Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security Manufacturing Marketing, Sales and Service Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Transportation, Distribution and Logistics
Georgia	Georgia's career pathway development is focused around program concentrations: Agriculture (Agriscience Career Pathway) Architecture, Construction, Communications and Transportation (Transportation Logistical Operations Career Pathway) Business and Computer Science (Small Business Development Career Pathway) Computing (Computing Career Pathway) Engineering and Technology (Engineering Career Pathway) Healthcare Science (Therapeutic Services Career Pathway/Nursing Career Specialty) Marketing, Sales and Service (Marketing and Management Career Pathway)
Hawaii	Hawaii's Career Pathway System includes six pathways: Arts and Communication, Business Industrial and Engineering Technology Health Natural Resources Public and Human Services
Idaho	The state has sixteen career clusters organized into six "super clusters": Agriculture and Natural Resources Super Cluster Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Arts and Communication Super Cluster Arts, A/V Technology and Communications Business and Management Super Cluster Business, Management and Administration Finance Hospitality and Tourism Marketing, Sales and Service Engineering and Industrial Systems Super Cluster Architecture and Construction Information Technology Manufacturing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Transportation, Distribution and Logistics Health Sciences Super Cluster Health Science Human Resources Super Cluster Education and Training Government and Public Administration Human Services Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security
Illinois	Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Architecture and Construction Arts, A/V Technology and Communications Business, Management and Administration Education and Training Finance Government and Public Administration Health Science Hospitality and Tourism Human Services Information Technology Law, Public Safety and Security Manufacturing Marketing, Sales and Service Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Transportation, Distribution and Logistics
Indiana	Not established in state policy. However, in practice the following are identified: Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Architecture and Construction Arts, A/V Technology and Communications Business, Management and Administration Education and Training Finance Government and Public Administration Health Science Hospitality and Tourism Human Services Information Technology Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security Manufacturing Marketing, Sales and Service Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Transportation, Distribution and Logistics
Iowa	Iowa has identified six career pathways which include the sixteen national career clusters: Business, Information Management and Marketing Marketing, Sales and Services Business, Management and Administration Information Technology Finance Agriscience and Natural Resources Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Family, Consumer and Human Services Hospitality and Tourism Law, Public Safety and Security Government and Public Administration Education and Training Human Services Health Sciences Health Sciences Engineering, Industrial and Technology Services Transportation, Distribution and Logistics Manufacturing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Architecture and Construction Arts and Communications Arts, A/V Technology and Communications
Kansas	Kansas has adopted sixteen career clusters and six career fields: Arts, Communication and Information Arts, A/V Technology, and Communications AudioVideo Techniques Journalism and Broadcasting Performing Arts Printing Techniques Telecommunications Techniques Visual Arts Information Technology Information Support and Services Interactive Media Network Systems Programming and Software Development Industrial, Manufacturing and Engineering Systems Transportation, Distribution and Logistics Facility and Mobile Equipment Maintenance Health, Safety and Environmental Management Logistics Planning and Management Services Sales and Services Transportation Operations Transportation/Systems Infrastructure Planning, Management and Regulation Warehousing and Distribution Center Operations Architecture and Construction Construction Design and Pre-construction Maintenance and Operations Manufacturing Production Manufacturing Production Process Development Maintenance, Installation and Repair Quality Assurance Logistics and Inventory Control Health, Safety and Environmental Assurance Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Engineering and Technology Science and Math (Investigative, Informational and Educational) Health Science Health Science Biotechnology Research and Development Diagnostic Services Supportive Services Health Informatics Therapeutic Services Human Resources and Services Law, Public Safety and Security Correction Services Emergency and Fire Management Services Law Enforcement Services Legal Services Security and Protective Services Government and Public Administration Revenue and Taxation Foreign Service Governance National Security Planning Public Management and Administration Regulation Human Services Consumer Services Counseling and Mental Health Services Early Childhood Development and Services Family and Community Services Personal Care Services Education and Training Administration and Administrative Support Professional Support Services Teaching/Training Business, Marketing and Management Marketing, Sales and Service Buying and Merchandising Distribution and Logistics e-Marketing Management and Entrepreneurship Marketing Communications and Promotion Marketing Information Management and Research Professional Sales and Marketing Business, Management and Administration Administrative and Information Support Business Analysis Business Financial Management and Accounting Marketing Human Resources Management Finance Banking and Related Services Business Financial Management Financial and Investment Planning Insurance Services Hospitality and Tourism Lodging Recreation, Amusements and Attractions Restaurants and Food and Beverage Services Travel and Tourism Environmental and Agricultural Systems Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Animal Systems Agribusiness Systems Environmental Service Systems Food Products and Processing Systems Natural Resources Systems Plant Systems Power, Structural and Technical Systems State-approved career cluster pathways are to be fully implemented by 2012. The state is currently working on a two-year phase-in/phase-out of current career and technical education programs to career cluster pathways.
Kentucky	Agriculture Arts and Humanities Business/Marketing Communications Construction Education Health Science Human Services Information Technology Manufacturing Public Services Science and Mathematics Social Sciences Transportation Of these, data is collected for accountability on ten: agriculture, business and marketing, communications, construction, health science, human services, information technology, manufacturing, science and mathematics, and transportation.
Louisiana	Agricultural Education Business and Marketing Education Family and Consumer Sciences Health Occupations Technology Education General Trade and Technical Education
Maine	Maine is phasing in career clusters over the next several years. At this time, they have identified eight career clusters. Agriscience Business and Marketing Informational Technology Protective Services Early Childhood Education Health Science Multimedia and Arts Trade and Industry
Maryland	Maryland has identified ten career clusters: Arts, Media and Communication Business Management and Finance Construction and Development Consumer Services, Hospitality and Tourism Environmental, Agricultural and Natural Resources Systems Health and Biosciences Human Resource Services Information Technology Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Transportation Technologies
Massachusetts	Agriculture and Natural Resources Arts and Communication Services Construction Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Transportation Wholesale/Retail Sales and Services Business and Administrative Services Education Information Technology Services Health Services Hospitality and Tourism
Michigan	Michigan has six career pathways encompassing the sixteen U.S. Department of Education career clusters: Arts and Communications Arts, A/V Technology and Communications Business/Management/Marketing and Technology Business, Management and Administration Finance Hospitality and Tourism Information Technology Marketing, Sales and Services Engineering, Manufacturing and Industrial Technology Architecture and Construction Manufacturing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Transportation, Distribution and Logistics Health Sciences Health Science Human Services Education and Training Human Services Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security Government and Public Services Natural Resources and Agriscience Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Minnesota	Minnesota has adopted a career clusters framework using the national model developed by the National Association of State Directors of Career Technical Education Consortium. Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Arts, Communications and Information Systems Arts, A/V Technology and Communications Information Technology Engineering, Manufacturing and Technology Transportation, Distribution and Logistics Architecture and Construction Manufacturing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Health Science Technology Human Services Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security Government and Public Administration Human Services Education and Training Business, Management and Administration Marketing, Sales and Service Business, Management and Administration Finance Hospitality and Tourism
Mississippi	Health Care Agriculture and Natural Resources Construction and Manufacturing Transportation Business Management and Marketing Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Human Services
Missouri	Missouri has a career clusters framework which has six paths, each with career pathways and programs of study: Business, Management and Technology Business, Management and Administration Information Technology Marketing, Sales and Service Finance Arts and Communication Arts, A/V Technology and Communications Health Services Health Sciences Industrial and Engineering Technology Architecture and Construction Manufacturing Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Transportation, Distribution and Logistics Human Services Education and Training Government and Public Relations Hospitality and Tourism Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security Human Services Natural Resources/Agriculture Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Montana	Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources Architecture, Construction Arts, A/V Technology, Administration Business Administration, Management Education, Training Finance Government, Public Administration Health Science Hospitality, Tourism Human Services Information Technology Law, Security, Public Safety Manufacturing Marketing, Service, Sales Technology, Science, Engineering, Mathematics Transportation, Distribution, Logistics
Nebraska	Arts, Communication and Information Systems Business, Marketing and Management Environmental and Agricultural Systems Health Sciences Human Resources and Services Industrial, Manufacturing and Engineering Systems
Nevada	Programs are organized under six umbrella areas: Agriculture and Natural Resources Business and Marketing Education Family and Consumer Sciences Health Sciences Education Information Technology Education Trade and Industrial Education The areas are further defined by the approved sixteen career clusters. Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Architecture and Construction Arts, A/V Technology and Communications Business, Management and Administration Education and Training Finance Government and Public Administration Health Sciences Hospitality and Tourism Human Services Information Technology Law, Public Safety and Security Manufacturing Marketing, Sales and Service Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Transportation, Distribution and Logistics
New Hampshire	Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Architecture and Construction Arts, A/V Technology and Communications Business, Management and Administration Education and Training Finance Government and Public Administration Health Science Hospitality and Tourism Human Services Information Technology Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security Manufacturing Marketing, Sales and Service Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Transportation, Distribution and Logistics
New Jersey	Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Architecture and Construction Arts, A/V Technology and Communications Business, Management and Administrative Services Education and Training Finance Government and Public Administration Health Science Hospitality and Tourism Human Services Information Technology Law, Public Safety and Security Manufacturing Marketing, Sales and Service Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Transportation
New Mexico	Agriculture Education Family and Consumer Health Science Marketing Education Technology Education Trade and Industrial Education Transportation and Logistics
New York	Agriculture Business and Marketing Family and Consumer Sciences Health Occupations Trade and Technical
North Carolina	Agricultural and Natural Resources Technologies Arts and Sciences Biological and Chemical Technologies Business Technologies Commercial and Artistic Production Technologies Construction Technologies Engineering Technologies Health Sciences Industrial Technologies Public Service Technologies Transport Systems Technologies
North Dakota	Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Architecture and Construction Arts, A/V Technology and Communications Education and Training Finance Government and Public Administration Health Science Hospitality and Tourism Human Services Information Technology Law and Public Safety Management and Administration Manufacturing Marketing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Transportation, Distribution and Logistics
Ohio	Agriculture and Environmental Systems Arts and Communication Business and Administrative Services Construction Technologies Education and Training Engineering and Science Technologies Finance Government and Public Administration Health Science Hospitality and Tourism Human Services Information Technology Law and Public Safety Manufacturing Technologies Marketing Transportation Systems
Oklahoma	Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Architecture and Construction Arts, A/V Technology and Communication Business Management and Administration Education and Training Finance Health Science Hospitality and Tourism Human Services Information Technology Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security Manufacturing Marketing, Sales and Service Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Transportation, Distribution and Logistics
Oregon	Agriculture, Food and Natural Resource Systems Arts, Information and Communications Business and Management Health Services Human Resources Industrial and Engineering Systems
Pennsylvania	Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Architecture and Construction Arts, A/V Technology and Communications Business, Management and Administration Health Science Hospitality and Tourism Human Services Information Technology Law, Public Safety and Security Manufacturing Marketing, Sales and Service Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Transportation, Distribution and Logistics
Rhode Island	Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Architecture and Construction Arts, A/V Technology and Communications Business, Management and Administration Education and Training Finance Government and Public Administration Health Science Hospitality and Tourism Human Services Information Technology Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security Manufacturing Marketing, Sales and Service Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Transportation, Disribution and Logistics The state does not have activity in all of the approved career clusters.
South Carolina	Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Architecture and Construction Arts, Audio-Video Technology and Communications Business, Management and Administration Education and Training Finance Health Science Hospitality and Tourism Human Services Information Technology Law, Public Safety and Security Manufacturing Government and Public Administration Marketing, Sales and Service Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Transportation, Distribution and Logistics
South Dakota	Not set in policy. However, in practice the state has identified: Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Architecture and Construction Arts, A/V Technology and Communications Business, Management and Administration Education and Training Finance Government and Public Administration Health Science Hospitality and Tourism Human Services Information Technology Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security Manufacturing Marketing, Sales and Service Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Transportation, Distribution and Logistics
Tennessee	Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Architecture and Construction Arts, A/V Technology and Communications Business, Management and Administration Education and Training Finance Government and Public Administration Health Science Hospitality and Tourism Human Services Information Technology Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security Manufacturing Marketing, Sales and Service Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Transportation, Distribution and Logistics
Texas	Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Architecture and Construction Arts, A/V Technology and Communications Business, Management and Administration Education and Training Finance Government and Public Administration Health Science Hospitality and Tourism Human Services Information Technology Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security Manufacturing Marketing, Sales and Service Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Transportation, Distribution and Logistics
Utah	State has not adopted the 16 national career clusters.
Vermont	Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Architecture and Construction Manufacturing Logistics, Transportation and Distribution Services Information Technology Services Wholesale/Retail Sales and Services Financial Services Hospitality and Tourism Business Health Services Human Services Arts and Communications Legal and Protective Services Scientific Research, Engineering and Technical Services Education and Training Public Administration/Government Services
Virginia	Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Architecture and Construction Arts, A/V Technology and Communications Business, Management and Administration Education and Training Finance Government and Public Administration Health Science Hospitality and Tourism Human Services Information Technology Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security Manufacturing Marketing, Sales and Service Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Transportation, Distribution and Logistics
Washington	Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Architecture and Construction Arts, A/V Technology and Communications Business, Management and Administration Education and Training Finance Government and Public Administration Health Science Hospitality and Tourism Human Services Information Technology Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security Manufacturing Marketing, Sales and Service Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Transportation, Distribution and Logistics
West Virginia	Business/Marketing Engineering/Technical Fine Arts/Humanities Health Services Human Services Science/Natural Resources
Wisconsin	Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Architecture and Construction Arts, A/V Technology and Communications Business, Management and Administration Education and Training Finance Government and Public Administration Health Science Hospitality and Tourism Human Services Information Technology Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security Manufacturing Marketing, Sales and Service Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Transportation, Distribution and Logistics
Wyoming	To help organize their secondary education programs, school districts are encouraged to voluntarily adopt or adapt the following clusters: Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Architecture and Construction Arts, A/V Technology and Communications Business, Management and Administration Education and Training Finance Government and Public Administration Health Science Hospitality and Tourism Human Services Information Technology Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security Manufacturing Marketing, Sales and Service Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Transportation, Distribution and Logistics

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