High School with IT Career Pathway

Information Technology Career Pathway

If you love working with computers and are considering starting a career in IT after graduating from high school, you can explore the basics of information technology while earning your diploma in our online Information Technology Career Pathway Program. You’ll complete your online high school core classes, like English, science, and math, then you’ll take five elective classes focused on topics such as HTML coding and computer applications. Your career-focused electives are transferable to our Associate Degree in Computer Information Systems or technology career diploma programs, giving you a head start toward training to become an IT or computer support specialist.

Save up to $450 Ends 6/13/2023

cost of program

$949

$1,399 Save $450

or

$55/month, Start for as low as $20

1-888-427-6200 (9AM - 9PM EST)

IT professional working on cable network in server room.

Information Technology Career Pathways Courses

General High School Courses

Orientation (Select two of the following courses.)

Humanities

English

Math

Science

Social Studies

Health & Physical Education

Electives: Vocational

Electives: Academic/College Preparation

Electives: General

  • Technology Requirements - As you know this is an online academic program. This means you will need access to high-speed internet to begin your program. In addition, you will need access to a Microsoft® Windows® based computer running Windows 10® or later or an Apple® Mac® computer running macOS® Sierra Version 11.2 or later, access to a word processing program to complete written assignments, and an email account to complete this program with Penn Foster.

    Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.

    Apple, Mac, and macOS are trademarks of Apple, Inc. registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.

Computer Support Specialists

Technology plays a vital role in almost every industry and skilled IT professionals are needed to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair computers, networking systems, and more. Computer support specialists can also earn a competitive starting salary depending on their experience, education, and credentials!

AVG SALARY*

$57,910/yr

NUMBER OF JOBS

875,700

State Licensing

Licensing and/or certification requirements for jobs are not the same in every state and may include educational, testing, and/or experiential requirements beyond those offered in the Penn Foster Program. Prospective students should contact the state professional licensing board or similar regulatory body in the state(s) where they plan to work to determine their requirements before enrolling in this Program. Click here for contact information for state licensing/regulatory boards and certain industry licensing information.

FAQs

How can I get a career in information technology after high school?

Most IT jobs require you to have some higher education or experience after you graduate from high school. Depending on the job you want, this could mean completing a career diploma program like our IT Support Specialist or pursuing a college degree. If you know a job in information technology is the perfect path for you, you can get a head start in high school through IT-focused electives. You can also start researching different roles in the field and what education you’ll need so you’re ready to take the next step as soon as you graduate.

 

What are the career pathways for information technology?

Penn Foster’s IT High School Career Pathway Program allows you to finish your high school diploma while learning basic IT skills including computer programming and HTML coding. In the pathway program, you’ll complete your traditional high school classes like English and math then take five IT electives. Your electives can then be transferred to our Associate Degree in Computer Information Systems or another technology-focused career diploma program, giving you a head start on furthering your education and reaching your goals.

 

What is the career outlook for information technology?

We rely on computer systems in almost every aspect of our lives. Most companies have dedicated IT departments to handle any technology issues that pop up day-to-day. This means that there’s a lot of opportunities to begin an entry-level career in the industry.

Need more info or ready to enroll?

We're here to help. Call 1-888-427-6200 9AM - 9PM EST