Science, Technology, Mathematics, and Engineering

PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Edition

2012

Dear Mississippi student, During high school, you will have the opportunity to begin making decisions that will impact the rest of your life. The education you receive during and after high school will set the path for your career. We are pleased to present the Mississippi Pathways to Success guide, a student and parent guide to educational planning using Career Clusters.

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” This is a common question, and you may not know the answer. This guide will help you to evaluate your interests, as well as help you learn more about the opportunities that lie within that interest area, by utilizing Career Clusters.

Career Clusters are groupings of occupations and career specialties that are used as an organizing tool for curriculum and instruction. This guide is designed to be a tool in assisting you in meeting your educational and career goals. Our ultimate goal is to get you the education you need to be employed in high-skill, high-wage, or high-demand occupations and nontraditional fields. To support these efforts, we want to ensure that you and your parents have the most timely and accurate information available to help you make informed decisions about your educational paths and career choices.

Each career cluster and its related pathways require a common set of knowledge and skills for career success. This approach enhances the more traditional approach to education by providing a foundation to prepare you for a full range of occupations and career specialties, focusing on a blend of technical, academic, and employable knowledge and skills.

The economy and workforce of Mississippi is changing. The Mississippi Department of Education is committed to supporting the workforce needs of our state. This guide will assist you in identifying the available career options and help you to make career decisions that are led by both your interests and employment projections that meet the needs of the state’s economy.

Parents, teachers, and counselors:

This guide is for you, too.

This career cluster guide informs students about their educational and career options.

However, your guidance is important as students plan their futures. Please review this guide to learn more about the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics cluster. Also, please take the time to sit down and talk with your child/student about the information in this guide. Help craft an iCAP that will place him or her on a personal pathway to success.

Contents 3 What is STEM?

General information on the STEM career cluster

4

Five Steps to Success

6

Career Choices

8

Career Pathway Information

10

The steps to guide you to a successful future in STEM Data on Mississippi jobs in STEM Curriculum requirements for the clusters within STEM

Complete Your Education

Information about extending your education beyond high school for the most successful career opportunities

More information on education and careers in STEM

13

Outside Resources

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What are Career Clusters and Career Pathways?

Career Clusters are groupings of occupations and career specialties used as an organizational tool for curriculum design and instruction. Career Clusters prepare learners for a full range of occupations and career specialties through teaching that blends technical and academic knowledge and skills that increase employability. This technique enhances the more traditional approach to Career and Technical Education in which instruction may focus on one or two occupations and emphasize only specific occupational skills.

Career Pathways are subgroups of occupations and career specialties used as organizing tools for curriculum design and instruction. Occupations and career specialties are grouped into pathways because they require common knowledge and skills for career success.

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Mississippi has all 16 clusters recognized nationally:

• Agriculture, Food, & Natural Resources

• Architecture & Construction

• Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, & Communications

• Business Management & Administration

• Education & Training

• Finance

• Government & Public Administration

• Health Science

• Hospitality & Tourism

• Human Services

• Information Technology

• Law, Public Safety, Corrections, & Security

• Manufacturing

• Marketing

• Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics

• Transportation, Distribution, & Logistics Career Pathways under the Science,Technology, Engineer, & Mathematics cluster include:

• Engineering

• Polymer Science

What is Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics ?

Are you good at science and math? Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics might be the cluster for you! Professionals in these career fields apply the principles of science and mathematics to develop solutions to problems. Their work is to link scientific discoveries with commercial applications, that meet societal and consumer needs. All of these professionals have to have a mathematical and creative mind with good problem solving skills. Positions in STEM fields are challenging and ever-changing due to new inventions and innovations. Successful careers in these high-tech fields require people who are willing to take risks and to question learning in order to discover new possibilities.They understand the roles of collaboration, which include gathering research, creating new experiments, and processing and sharing data. Positions are available in a wide variety of workplaces, including hospitals, government agencies, corporate research and development departments, forensic laboratories, and scientific classrooms. This cluster prepares you to plan, manage, conduct, and share scientific research. STEM employees also work in professional and technical services, including laboratory, testing, and investigation, as well as in research and development services.

interests & abilities Strong math and science skills Strong attention to detail

U.S. Industry Outlook Given the critical nature of much of the work in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, job possibilities abound even in times of economic downturn. More scientists, technologists, and engineers will be needed to meet environmental regulations and to develop new technologies and guidelines. A new focus with an emphasis on preventing problems rather than controlling those that already exist, as well as providing solutions for increasing public-health concerns, will lead to new funding, growth, and opportunities in these fields.

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Five Steps to Success Your future is bright! This guide and your teachers, counselors, and parents are all here to help you decide which path is right for you. A well-thought-out plan is the easiest way to help you attain your career goals.

1 2 3 4 5

Step 1: Think about your interests and explore career options.

Now is the time to think about your likes and dislikes. It is important to take a good assessment of your personality, interests, goals, and abilities in order to decide what you would like and discover areas where you excel. It is equally important to note your dislikes so that you can rule out career paths that do not fit. Make a list of these areas and begin to explore career paths that align with them.

Step 2: Explore the various educational options.

Take your list and begin to explore the education and/or credentials needed to gain employment in those fields.

There are many paths to explore based on your interests. Options include certificate programs, military training, 2- and 4-year colleges, graduate school, and more. Remember to also research entrance requirements for all the options, including tests like the SAT, ACT, GRE, and others.

Step 3: Talk with your parents and counselors about your options.

They can help you to research all of your options.You also may want to get in touch with people who work in the fields in which you are interested; they can be a valuable resource in determining what options are best to achieve your career goals. If possible, contact people at the locations where you plan to continue your studies; they can also help you to know what steps you need to take to be prepared.

Step 4: Narrow your choices and make a plan; then review and revise your iCAP each year.

By now, you should feel informed about your options.Take what you have learned and make a plan to complete those goals! Meet with your teacher or counselor and create an iCAP; this is your formal outline that will guide you from high school to your next step of further education or employment. It is important to review your iCAP every year and to revise it to reflect any changes that you make to your career goals.

Step 5: Graduate high school and move on to further your education or to employment.

The goal of the iCAP is to give you a path out of high school and direct you where you should go next.This plan should carry you on to a certificate program, military training, further education, or the job market. If you decide to continue your training and education, it is important to repeat many of these steps to guide you through that process as well.

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A model pathways to success program Through Pathways to Success, all students will have the resources to identify, explore, and attain their career and academic goals.

In elementary school: Students will be exposed to career exploration through interactive learning experiences.

In middle school: Students will investigate career options and identify individual programs of study (majors) related to their aspirations and abilities.

Beginning in the eighth grade, students will develop and annually update an individual Career and Academic Plan (iCAP) with help from counselors, mentor teachers, and parents.

In high school: Students will be provided a variety of opportunities through Career Pathways experiences (job shadowing, apprenticeships, internships, and other work-related opportunities).

Students will revisit and revise their iCAP annually, which will assist them in planning and preparing for postsecondary study, specialized training, and employment.

K–5: Career Awareness Introduction to the world of careers

6–8: Career Exploration Discovering areas of career interests and aptitudes

8: Choosing a career cluster and career pathway (can change easily at any time); Beginning to develop an iCAP

8–12: Academics and Career and Technical Education courses, intensive guidance, individual Career and Academic Plans

Postsecondary: Achieving credentials: college, certification, military

Employment: Continuing education and lifelong learning

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25 Career Choices in Science,Technology, Career

2010 2020 Total Employment Projected Projected Growth Openings

Average Hourly

Education

Aerospace Engineer Biomedical Engineer Chemical Technician Chemist Electrical Drafter Electrical Engineering Technician Electrical Engineer Engineering Manager Forensic Science Technician Geoscientist Industrial Engineer Industrial Engineering Technician Mapping Technician Materials Scientist Mathematician

107 54 369 301 368 1,151

27 31 13 19 50 105

51 44 119 131 134 357

$34.00 $19.32 $19.13 $30.14 $21.41 $25.68

BD BD HS, AD, BD BD C, AD C, AD

995 1,002 62

124 116 14

374 340 41

$33.93 $42.88 $17.63

BD BD, MA BD

535 2,119 387

140 628 86

298 1,209 171

$38.81 $28.62 $21.04

BD, MA BD HS, AD

748 17 42

155 3 3

300 9 18

$14.78 $26.84 $39.62

C, AD MA BD, MA, DD

Mechanical Drafter Mechanical Engineer

530 996 353

43 177 35

176 457 112

$21.11 $29.95 $20.52

AD BD AD, BD

157 132

15 30

54 70

$32.56 $22.76

BD, MA MA

135 101

12 19

53 57

$35.32 $26.41

BD, MA, DD AD, BD

61 849 66

7 161 2

26 401 19

$19.12 $18.47 $31.51

BD, MA, DD C, AD, BD BD

Mechanical Engineering Technician Nuclear Engineer Operations Research Analyst Physicist Sales Engineer Statistician Surveyor Atmospheric Scientist

About This Chart Page 6

This chart is only a sampling of the careers that fall within this career cluster in the state of Mississippi.

Education Requirement Abbreviations AD – 2-year associate degree BD – 4-year bachelor’s degree C – 12- or 18-month certificate DD – doctoral degree HS – high school diploma or GED MA – master’s degree

Engineering, and Mathematics: Description Perform a variety of engineering work in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft.

Apply knowledge to the design, development, and evaluation of biological and health systems and products.

Conduct laboratory tests to assist scientists in making analyses of solids, liquids, and gaseous materials for various purposes.

Conduct chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.

Develop specifications and instructions for installation of electrical equipment used to conduct electrical energy.

Apply knowledge to test and modify electrical machinery and control equipment and circuitry in plants and laboratories.

Design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems.

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

Collect, identify, classify, analyze, and perform tests on physical evidence related to criminal investigations.

Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the earth.

Design, develop, test, and evaluate integrated systems for managing industrial production processes.

Apply engineering theory and principles to problems of industrial layout or manufacturing production.

Calculate mapmaking information from field notes, and draw and verify accuracy of topographical maps.

Research, study, and improve the structures and chemical properties of various natural and synthetic materials.

Conduct research in fundamental mathematics or in application of mathematical techniques to science, management, and other fields.

Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices.

Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment.

Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, and test machinery and equipment.

Conduct research or apply principles and theories to problems concerning nuclear energy and nuclear waste disposal.

Formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop and interpret information that assists management.

Conduct research, develop theories and laws, and devise methods to apply laws and theories to industry and other fields.

Sell business goods or services, which requires a technical background equivalent to a baccalaureate degree in engineering.

Engage in the development of mathematical theory or apply statistical theory and methods to provide usable information.

Make exact measurements and determine property boundaries. Provide relevant data about land on or near the earth’s surface.

Investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses.

A rapidly thinning crowd: For every 100 high school freshmen in Mississippi‌

64 will earn a high school diploma.

47 will enter college.

12 will complete a 2- or 4-year degree.

The earnings gap between high school graduates and dropouts is an annual difference of nearly $10,000.

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career pathway: polymer science Polymer Science provides custom coating, converting, and packaging solutions for the medical, pharmaceutical, automotive, electronic, and industrial markets.

Required Core for Graduation

Sample Core Choices For additional college entrance requirements, refer to the college of your choice.

For IHL requirements, see: www.ihl.state.ms.us/admissions/curriculum.asp 9

10

11

12

English Math

English I Algebra I or Geometry

English II Geometry or Algebra II

Science

Physics or Biology I

Social Studies

Geography (0.5) & MS Studies (0.5)

Biology I or Chemistry I World History

English III Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, or Algebra II Chemistry or Physics U.S. History

English IV Trigonometry, PreCalculus, Statistics, or AP Calculus Physics or science course U.S. Government (0.5) & Economics (0.5)

Additional State Comprehensive Health or Family and Individual Health (0.5) Requirements Business & Technology (1) Art Physical Education

Courses for Major

Complimentary Course Work

Extended Learning Opportunity Options Related to Major

Polymer Science I (2)* Polymer Science II (2)* Introduction to Polymer Science I (1) Introduction to Polymer Science II (1) Advanced Topics in Polymer Science (1) Career in Polymer Science (1)

Field Experiences in Science Courses (0.5) Organic Chemistry Clinical Internship I (1) Clinical Internship II (1) Survey of Mathematical Topics (1) Entrepreneurship (1)

Career Mentoring Shadowing Internship SkillsUSA Technology Student Association (TSA) Career Pathways Experience/Coop (0.5,1,2)

Professional Opportunities Upon Graduation High School Diploma Engineering Technician

Additional Training/ 2-year Degree Chemical Technician Engineering Technician

4-year Degree & Higher Biological Scientist Chemist Materials Scientist Polymer Development Engineer

High school dropouts from the class of 2008 will cost Page 8

career pathway: engineering Engineering is the discipline of acquiring and applying scientific, mathematical, economic, social, and practical knowledge in order to design and build structures, machines, devices, systems, materials, and processes.

Required Core for Graduation

Sample Core Choices For additional college entrance requirements, refer to the college of your choice.

For IHL requirements, see: www.ihl.state.ms.us/admissions/curriculum.asp 9

10

11

12

English Math

English I Algebra I or Geometry

English II Geometry or Algebra II

Science

Physics or Biology I

Social Studies

Geography (0.5) & MS Studies (0.5)

Biology I or Chemistry I World History

English III Trigonometry, PreCalculus, or Algebra II Chemistry or Physics U.S. History

English IV Trigonometry, PreCalculus, Statistics, or AP Calculus Physics or science course U.S. Government (0.5) & Economics (0.5)

Additional State Comprehensive Health or Family and Individual Health (0.5) Requirements Business & Technology (1) Art Physical Education

Courses for Major Engineering I (2)* Engineering II (2)* Engineering Fundamentals (1) Engineering Design (1) Systems in Engineering (1) Applied Engineering Concepts (1)

Complimentary Course Work

Extended Learning Opportunity Options Related to Major

Field Experiences in Science Courses (0.5) Career Mentoring Survey of Mathematical Topics (1) Shadowing Physics B—Advanced Placement (1) Internship Physics C—Electricity and SkillsUSA Magnetism Advanced Placement (1) Technology Student Association Introduction to Engineering (0.5) (TSA) Algebra—Advanced (0.5) Career Pathways Experience/Coop Calculus (1) (0.5, 1, 2) Entrepreneurship (1)

Professional Opportunities Upon Graduation High School Diploma Engineering Technician

Additional Training/ 2-year Degree Drafter Engineering Technician Surveyor

4-year Degree & Higher Engineer

Mississippi almost $4 billion in lost wages over their lifetimes.

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complete your education For a successful career in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, continue your education beyond high school. There are several postsecondary options to choose from, depending on your long-term goals:

2-Year colleges Junior and community colleges offer 2-year programs that will earn you an associate or liberal arts degree. Often, the curriculum includes specialized career training and certification. Community colleges are an especially good option for students who want to further their educations close to home while expanding future college and career opportunities. Community and junior colleges receive public tax dollars at the local, state, and federal levels, so tuition is very low when compared to 4-year institutions. Community colleges can design their 2-year programs to transfer credits to a 4-year college or university, so after a few semesters at a community college, you can transfer and go on to earn a Bachelor of Arts or Science at a 4-year school with many of your general education requirements behind you.

4-Year colleges Public and private 4-year colleges offer undergraduate programs that lead to a bachelor’s degree. The public colleges and universities, receive taxpayer funding from state and federal governments. If you are a resident of the state where the school is, your tuition will be much more affordable because you will receive an in-state discount for being a resident. Private institutions are funded primarily by organizational endowments, alumni contributions, and tuition. The cost of attending private colleges and universities is much higher than public colleges and universities.

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military training U.S. Military service offers a variety of opportunities for career development, especially in high-tech fields. All of the branches of service have internal training programs. Also, all offer aid for higher education in return for service commitments. Learn about all of the educational requirements offered through the military at the respective Web sites: Air Force www.airforce.com Army www.goarmy.com U.S. Army Corps of Engineers www.usace.army.mil Coast Guard www.uscg.mil, Marines www.marines.com

For a strong economy in Mississippi, the skills gap must be closed.

57% -32% 25%

By 2020, jobs requiring a career certificate or college degree

Mississippi adults who currently have an associate degree or higher Skills gap

To get more information about Mississippi colleges and your options, including admission requirements, majors, tuition and fees, financial aid, and scholarships, please visit the following resources:

• For 4-year public universities: http://www.mississippi.edu/universities/ • For 2-year colleges: http://www.mccb.edu/ • For other options, including private colleges, please meet with your high school’s guidance counselor.

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core requirements for graduation career pathway option English

4

Math Science Social Studies Health/Physical Education Integrated Technology CTE Electives Electives Total

3 3 3 0.5 1 4 2.5 21 credits

traditional pathway option English

4

Math Science Social Studies Health/Physical Education Business & Technology Art Electives Total

4 4 4 0.5 1 1 5 24 credit minimum

district pathway option English

4

Math Science Social Studies Health Physical Education Business & Technology Art Electives Total

4 3 3 0.5 0.5 1 1 4 21 credit minimum

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outside resources You can find a wealth of information about career choices, postsecondary education, and scholarships on the Internet. Some resources to get you started are listed below.

Resources for STEM information

• American Society for Engineering Education: www.asee.org • Association for Women in Mathematics: www.awm-math.org • Dedicated Engineers: http://www.dedicatedengineers.org/ • National Academies: www.nationalacademies.org • National Science Foundation: www.nsf.gov • Project Lead the Way: www.pltw.org • Sloan Career Cornerstone Center: www.careercornerstone.org • STEM Career: http://stemcareer.com/students/ • Technology Student Association: www.tsaweb.org • Vocational Information Center, Engineering, Science, and Math Centers: www.khake.com/page53.html

Resources for Education and Career Planning

• Career Communications, Inc: www.carcom.com • Career Key: www.careerkey.org • Career Planner: http://www.careerplanner.com/ • College Board: www.collegeboard.com • Holland’s Self-Directed Search: www.self-directed-search.com • Mapping Your Future: www.mapping-your-future.org • National Career Development Association: www.ncda.org • O*NET Online: www.online.onetcenter.org • Occupational Outlook Handbook: www.bls.gov/oco • Princeton Review: www.review.com • Salary Information: www.salary.com

Web site addresses were correct at time of publication. If an address is no longer valid, please use an Internet search engine to locate the resource or a similar resource.

Science,Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics Student Organizations

Getting involved in these organizations while in high school can give you a better idea of your options within your chosen career path.

Give your future a boost by participating in these high school organizations.

SkillsUSA www.skillsusa.org

SkillsUSA is a national nonprofit organization serving teachers and high school and college students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical, and skilled service occupations, including health occupations. SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers, and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. This organization is dedicated to students interested in technology careers. The organization has 13,000 school chapters in 54 state and territorial associations.

TSA www.tsaweb.org

The Technology Student Association is a national, nonprofit organization for middle and high school students with a strong interest in technology. The group fosters personal growth, leadership, and opportunities in technology, innovation, design, and engineering. Members apply and integrate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics concepts through cocurricular activities, competitive events, and related programs. Since TSA was chartered in 1978, over 2,000,000 students have participated. TSA currently has over 2,000 schools participating in 48 states.

More Information:

Mississippi Department of Education Research and Curriculum Unit Myra Pannell Kendra Taylor myra.pannell@rcu.msstate.edu ktaylor@mde.k12.ms.us

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education about jobs Please visit this web site to download additional copies of Pathways to Success publications: http://www.rcu.msstate.edu/mde/

Mississippi Department of Education P.O. Box 771 Jackson, MS 39205-0771 http://www.mde.k12.ms.us/ MDE Disclaimer: The Mississippi Department of Education Office of Career and Technical Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or disability in the provision of educational programs and services or employment opportunities and benefits. The following office has been designated to handle inquiries and complaints regarding the nondiscrimination policies of the Mississippi Department of Education: Director, Office of Human Resources, Mississippi Department of Education, 359 North West Street, Suite 359, Jackson, MS 39201, 601.359.3511.