High School Career Pathways

Durham Public Schools offers a number of options for high school students who have particular areas of career interests. Students may apply to attend a high school that features a Pathway, if the school is outside the student’s assigned attendance zone.

The Career Pathway Options are as follows:

Agricultural Technologies - Jordan

Agricultural Technologies is designed to provide students with the information and skills needed to pursue careers in Agriscience, Biotechnology, Horticulture, Veterinary Medicine, Animal Management, Food Science, livestock Production and Environmental Science.  Courses focus on current topics within the agriscience industry.  There is an emphasis on personal growth, leadership, and career success while exploring topics in nutrition, anatomy, genetics, reproduction, economics and lab safety.

Business Technologies – All High Schools

Business Technologies is a broad, comprehensive curriculum that prepares students to become competent and literate in business skills, practices and technology. The pathway encompasses understanding and application in accounting and finance, business administration, marketing, sales, hospitality marketing, business management, information technology, office systems technology, basic economics, and financial management in business and personal affairs. Students have the opportunity to earn industry certification while in high school.

Commercial & Artistic Productions – Jordan, Riverside

Commercial and Artistic Production provides students the opportunity to participate in instructional units that focus on the production of commercial graphics and design in a variety of industries. The pathway encompasses graphic design and production, housing and interior design, printing graphics, apparel design and graphic communications.

Construction Technologies – Northern, Southern

Construction Technologies prepares students, both through academics and practical application, for careers in the construction industry that employ standard industry processes related to: concepts, layout, materials, production, assembly, construction, quality control, and maintenance. The pathway comprises training and skill development in carpentry, electrical trades, HVAC and drafting. Students have the opportunity to earn industry certification while in high school.

Engineering Technologies  – Hillside, Riverside

Engineering Technologies offers an innovative and integrated learning environment, designed for students to acquire skills needed in higher education, the engineering workplace, and in emerging technology fields.  The rigorous academic study, combined with the technical training, addresses major challenges facing industry and the 21st century workforce. 

Public Service – All Schools

Public Services prepares students for careers working with individuals and families, as well as competence in their personal lives. The pathway encompasses instruction in resource management, foods, nutrition, culinary arts, family relationships, parenting, child development and education, housing and interiors, textiles, cosmetology, and fashion. Students have the opportunity to earn industry certification while in high school.

Transportation Systems – Northern, Southern

Transportation Systems provides students the opportunity to earn industry certifications required to work in the automotive technology industry. The pathway encompasses the understanding of the automotive engine, service preventive maintenance, brake repair, electrical systems troubleshooting, safety, test equipment and measuring.

Sports & Entertainment Marketing – Northern

Sports & Entertainment Marketing offers students the opportunity to experience the world of hospitality, culinary arts, travel, tourism, and sports and entertainment through partnerships with local businesses. The partnerships generate career awareness, career exploration, career experience and interest in higher education opportunities like the NCCU Hospitality Degree Program.