What Is the Information Technology Career Field?

K12s Information Technology career pathway prepares high school students for careers in software development, cybersecurity, networking, and related fields. Courses are available through K12-powered schools and combine technical skills with real-world applications, helping students build knowledge they can use immediately after graduation.

What Careers Can You Explore in Information Technology?

Computers are woven into every part of daily life — and careers in information technology have never been more in demand. The IT career field at K12-powered schools offers students four distinct pathways: Programming, where students learn to design and develop software applications; Web and Digital Communications, focused on web development, coding, and digital design; Network Systems and Cybersecurity, preparing students to manage and protect computer networks; and Information Support and Services, covering IT deployment, technical assistance, and database management. Each pathway blends project-based learning with real-world skills aligned to today’s job market.

Does your child love to play video games? Nothing can beat building and playing their own. This pathway can help them level up for a career in video game design. A career in video game design can help them take the creative lead as a computer programmer, computer and information systems manager, or software developer.

Students will:

  • Learn the skills to develop video games through coding and design
  • Explore the building blocks of game design and programming
  • Understand computer programming languages and their relation to design.
Learn more about game design

Students in this pathway learn to implement computer systems and software, provide technical assistance, and manage information systems. People with expertise in these areas are in high demand in organizations of all sizes and types.

Learn more about information support & services

Is your child a natural problem solver with a knack for technology? A career in cybersecurity or computer networking would allow them to put those skills to use by making sure data can transfer securely, maintaining software and hardware, analyzing problems, and developing solutions. They may also learn how to handle future cyber threats and enhance security for corporations and governments. The courses in this pathway can put students on track to careers in computer network architecture, computer network engineering, programming, system administration, cybersecurity, and more.

Students will:

  • Learn the basic elements of computer networks and their function
  • Explore how computers communicate and work together in a system
  • Gain experience in diagnosing and analyzing computer issues
  • Learn to protect privacy and prevent security incidents and data breaches.
Learn more about networking and systems

Does your child dream of designing their own websites or software? Combine that creative flair with a mind for technology as they learn to code in this pathway. With computer programming skills, students can be on track for a career in software development, web development, and more.

Students will:

  • Learn the fundamental coding languages such as JAVA, HTML3, and CSS3
  • Understand algorithms and theories behind computer systems
  • Gain experience in developing programs and applications.
Learn more about programming

Businesses are always looking for ways to make their digital presence stand out and employees who can bring their vision to life. This pathway prepares students to design and produce interactive multimedia products and services. A web and digital communication path can set them up for positions such as a web developer or graphic designer.

Students will:

  • Explore the fundamentals of web design
  • Understand the building blocks of website design and software.
Learn more about web and digital communications

Hear from an IT Pathway Student

Students in the IT Pathway, like Alejandra, can take challenging courses while learning popular coding languages. They can highlight those skills and projects on college and job applications to showcase their readiness to jump into an IT career.

What could my future look like in this career field?

*Data is from Lightcast and is updated frequently.

FAQs

Curious about IT careers or exploring education options? Read some of our most frequently asked questions.

Read all FAQs

How Do Students Connect With Industry Professionals in Information Technology?

Students in K12’s IT career pathways connect with working IT professionals through virtual job shadowing, industry speaker sessions, and networking opportunities on platforms like Tallo. These connections give students a firsthand look at how classroom skills translate to real workplace environments — and help them start building professional relationships before graduation.

Hear from an IT Pathway Teacher

Hear from an IT Pathway Teacher to see how lessons in the classroom apply to the real world.

Participate in eSports

Participate in eSports to experience the world of competitive video gaming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Students explore topics like coding, networking, and cybersecurity through introductory courses.

It’s a great option for students interested in technology and problem-solving.

Students build foundational tech skills that are valuable in many careers.

What Other Career Fields Can Students Explore?

Beyond information technology, K12’s Career and College Prep program offers pathways across a wide range of industries, including health science and education, business management, marketing, agriculture, and more. Students can use the career quiz to identify their interests and explore which field aligns with their strengths and goals. Career exploration courses are available starting in middle school at select K12-powered schools.

What Is the Information Technology Career Field? image 1 (name farming)

Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources

Learn More
What Is the Information Technology Career Field? image 2 (name business management)

Business Management & Administration

Learn More
What Is the Information Technology Career Field? image 3 (name criminal justice)

Criminal Justice & Community Services

Learn More
What Is the Information Technology Career Field? image 4 (name education and training)

Education & Training

Learn More
What Is the Information Technology Career Field? image 5 (name engineering and manufacturing)

Engineering & Manufacturing

Learn More
What Is the Information Technology Career Field? image 6 (name health sciences)

Health Sciences

Learn More
What Is the Information Technology Career Field? image 7 (name hospitality and tourism)

Hospitality & Tourism

Learn More
What Is the Information Technology Career Field? image 8 (name information technology)

Information Technology (IT)

Learn More
What Is the Information Technology Career Field? image 9 (name marketing)

Marketing

Learn More
What Is the Information Technology Career Field? image 10 (name visual arts and communications)

Visual Arts & Communications

Learn More

*The career and college prep program is offered to eligible high school students. Some schools also offer career exploration in middle school.
**Many Microsoft®️ Office certificates can be earned after completing one course. Other certificates require more classes to be better prepared, and students who participate in the program for at least two years will have further preparation for certification testing.
***Opportunities vary by school; please visit your school page or check with your school counselor.