McKinney, TX – McKinney ISD offers an excellent Career and Technical Education (CTE) program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in both higher education and the workforce. With a wide range of opportunities, the district’s CTE program helps students explore their strengths and career interests, providing them with the tools to succeed in an ever-evolving global economy.
MISD offers 18 CTE programs of study:
Animal Science
Agricultural Technologies & Mechanical Systems
Plant Science
Construction
Digital Communications
Graphic Design & Interactive Media
Marketing & Sales
Entrepreneurship
Business Management
Teaching & Training
Nursing Science
Exercise Science, Health & Wellness
Cosmetology & Personal Care Services
Law Enforcement
Engineering
Programming & Software Development
Cybersecurity
Aviation Pilots
For more details on McKinney ISD's CTE programs of study, visit https://www.mckinneyisd.net/page/career-technical-education.
Agricultural Technologies & Mechanical Systems
The mission of the CTE program is to offer a blend of classroom instruction and real-world business/industry experience, allowing students to gain hands-on exposure to technical work environments. By connecting academic learning with practical application, CTE prepares students for a successful transition from high school to either postsecondary education or entry-level careers.
In fact, students in McKinney ISD’s CTE program can earn industry-recognized certifications in a multitude of high demand-high wage careers—credentials that will give them a competitive edge in their post-secondary work or as they move directly into the workforce.
MISD’s CTE program aligns with the Achieve Texas initiative, which is based on federally defined Career Clusters and Pathways. These clusters provide students with a roadmap for their educational journey, allowing them to make informed choices about their career goals and the coursework they pursue. With a clear progression of classes, students can follow career pathways that support their personal interests while building skills to enter high-demand industries.
Exercise Science, Health & Wellness
“The CTE program is more than just about getting students ready for jobs—it’s about preparing them for successful futures,” said Jae Gaskill, MISD Director of Career and Technical Education. “We are committed to providing rigorous instruction, integrating real-world applications and ensuring our students are equipped with the skills they need to enter the workforce immediately after high school, or continue their education at the next level.”
In partnership with Collin College, McKinney ISD high school students can begin working toward an associate degree upon entering high school. This dual enrollment opportunity enables students to get a jumpstart on their college education while still in high school, saving time and money on their path to higher education.
Aviation Pilots
The district also fosters partnerships with local businesses to offer students valuable job shadowing experiences and work-based learning opportunities, helping them build real-world connections that will benefit them in their careers.
The CTE program in MISD goes beyond technical skills by emphasizing essential employability traits such as reliability, responsibility, integrity, and teamwork. By cultivating these qualities, students are better prepared for success in both their future careers and personal lives.
With the wide variety of career clusters available, including health sciences, business, information technology, engineering, and more, MISD students are sure to find a pathway that piques their interest, promotes post-secondary success and provides opportunities to earn certifications.
Cosmetology & Personal Care Services
Whether students are aiming for immediate employment or further education, the CTE program's rigorous academic training, hands-on learning and industry-recognized certifications, provide a strong foundation for lifelong success.