Career Technical Education (CTE)
At Westminster High School CTE, we bridge the gap between "what I want to be" and "how to get there." Explore our pathways, earn industry certifications, and gain the real-world experience that sets you apart.
Course Pathways
Animal Science
Companion Animal (TBD) Grades: 10
Presents fundamental principles and functions important in the companion and small animal industries. An emphasis on nutrition, domestication, behavior, nutrition, and management. The biological and economic structure of various companion and small animal industries. Typical instructional activities include hands-on experiences, participating in leadership and personal development activities. FFA participation and Supervised Ag Experience hours required.
Presents fundamental principles and functions important in the companion and small animal industries. An emphasis on nutrition, domestication, behavior, nutrition, and management. The biological and economic structure of various companion and small animal industries. Typical instructional activities include hands-on experiences, participating in leadership and personal development activities. FFA participation and Supervised Ag Experience hours required.
59SA Animal Science (D) Grades: 11
Animal Science is a year-long course and is CSU/UC “g” approved. This course introduces students to animal care knowledge and skills. This hands-on course will cover topics including: livestock breeds and history, housing requirements, feeding and dietary requirements, livestock behavior, proper livestock handling techniques, and livestock disease and disease prevention. Common farm and ranch veterinary techniques and practices will be utilized in the course. Animal science related industries and careers related to animal science will be major topics. This course will require students to participate in outside laboratory activities to reinforce classroom topics. Classroom and laboratory activities will be used along with outside laboratories and SAE (Supervised Agriculture Experience) projects in the course.
Animal Science is a year-long course and is CSU/UC “g” approved. This course introduces students to animal care knowledge and skills. This hands-on course will cover topics including: livestock breeds and history, housing requirements, feeding and dietary requirements, livestock behavior, proper livestock handling techniques, and livestock disease and disease prevention. Common farm and ranch veterinary techniques and practices will be utilized in the course. Animal science related industries and careers related to animal science will be major topics. This course will require students to participate in outside laboratory activities to reinforce classroom topics. Classroom and laboratory activities will be used along with outside laboratories and SAE (Supervised Agriculture Experience) projects in the course.
59TA Veterinary Science (D) Grades: 12
This course focuses on the science behind the care and management of agricultural animal species. Students will study the classification and naming of key livestock species, such as beef, goats, sheep and swine as well as the major horse, diary, and chicken breeds used in agriculture and in everyday life. Basic anatomy, reproduction, nutrition, health care, and related careers will be examined throughout the course. Students will also become familiar with animal-based industries in Orange County and California. The major forms of assessment will be lab exercises and projects.
This course focuses on the science behind the care and management of agricultural animal species. Students will study the classification and naming of key livestock species, such as beef, goats, sheep and swine as well as the major horse, diary, and chicken breeds used in agriculture and in everyday life. Basic anatomy, reproduction, nutrition, health care, and related careers will be examined throughout the course. Students will also become familiar with animal-based industries in Orange County and California. The major forms of assessment will be lab exercises and projects.
AVID (Beginning 2026-2027)
92A AVID 1 Grades: 9
92B AVID 2 Grades: 10
92C AVID Jr Seminar Grades: 11
92D AVID Sr Seminar Grades: 12
AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) provides support to the academic middle students who wish to take advanced classes. An application is required. Students in the AVID program that have an AP course on their schedule will be placed in AVID junior seminar during 11th grade and AVID senior seminar during 12th grade.
92B AVID 2 Grades: 10
92C AVID Jr Seminar Grades: 11
92D AVID Sr Seminar Grades: 12
AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) provides support to the academic middle students who wish to take advanced classes. An application is required. Students in the AVID program that have an AP course on their schedule will be placed in AVID junior seminar during 11th grade and AVID senior seminar during 12th grade.
Cabinetry, Millwork, & Woodworking
61M1 Principles of Woodworking (G) Grades: 9-12
This year-long course will introduce students to basic skills required when using manual and powered woodworking equipment and tools. Fundamental carpentry and construction methods are the foundation of the first semester, while students design and fabricate independent projects during the second semester. Techniques learned include, but are not limited to: hand and powered cutting, joinery, turning, shaping, sanding, and finishing of portable and stationary productivity and household items.
This year-long course will introduce students to basic skills required when using manual and powered woodworking equipment and tools. Fundamental carpentry and construction methods are the foundation of the first semester, while students design and fabricate independent projects during the second semester. Techniques learned include, but are not limited to: hand and powered cutting, joinery, turning, shaping, sanding, and finishing of portable and stationary productivity and household items.
61N1 Advanced Woodworking (G) Grades: 10-12
This course prepares students to safely design, lay out and shape stock; assemble wooden articles or subassemblies; mark, bind, saw, carve, and sand wooden products; repair wooden articles, and use a variety of hand and power tools. All students practice project management, and develop short-term (on-demand) and long-term (structured, complex) household and industrial cabinetry and furniture.
This course prepares students to safely design, lay out and shape stock; assemble wooden articles or subassemblies; mark, bind, saw, carve, and sand wooden products; repair wooden articles, and use a variety of hand and power tools. All students practice project management, and develop short-term (on-demand) and long-term (structured, complex) household and industrial cabinetry and furniture.
Child Development
55C Developmental Psychology of Children (G) Grades: 10-12
The course is designed to introduce theories, research, and a range of practices related to the development of children from neonatal through adolescent stages of life. Content includes both hereditary and environmental factors that influence human behavior, abilities, achievement of developmental tasks and successful growth and adjustment throughout the lifespan. Cultural, social, educational, medical and economical influences and the role of families, schools, and communities in the lives of children provide the backdrop as students explore effective practices to support optimal development in children. During the first semester, course-work is based upon background histories, psychological theories, biological data, current research and developmental stages. The second semester studies include field-site experiences for observation, investigation, interaction, and application of behavioral and learning theories.
The course is designed to introduce theories, research, and a range of practices related to the development of children from neonatal through adolescent stages of life. Content includes both hereditary and environmental factors that influence human behavior, abilities, achievement of developmental tasks and successful growth and adjustment throughout the lifespan. Cultural, social, educational, medical and economical influences and the role of families, schools, and communities in the lives of children provide the backdrop as students explore effective practices to support optimal development in children. During the first semester, course-work is based upon background histories, psychological theories, biological data, current research and developmental stages. The second semester studies include field-site experiences for observation, investigation, interaction, and application of behavioral and learning theories.
57B1 Careers with Children (G) Grades: 10-12
The Careers with Children course is a capstone course in the Child Development Pathway, in the Education and Child Development Industry, designed to enhance and integrate content knowledge, allowing students to gain practical application of the knowledge and technical skills through direct participation with children in a laboratory setting in the community. The course focuses on career awareness, career exploration, and skill preparation for the Child Development Pathway. The major emphasis is on the practical experiences gained through work experience in practicum teaching, developmentally appropriate lesson planning, classroom management, effective teaching practices, and instructional materials. Upon completion of this course students will be prepared to transition to post secondary career training and/or be prepared for an entry level position in the Child Development industry.
The Careers with Children course is a capstone course in the Child Development Pathway, in the Education and Child Development Industry, designed to enhance and integrate content knowledge, allowing students to gain practical application of the knowledge and technical skills through direct participation with children in a laboratory setting in the community. The course focuses on career awareness, career exploration, and skill preparation for the Child Development Pathway. The major emphasis is on the practical experiences gained through work experience in practicum teaching, developmentally appropriate lesson planning, classroom management, effective teaching practices, and instructional materials. Upon completion of this course students will be prepared to transition to post secondary career training and/or be prepared for an entry level position in the Child Development industry.
This capstone course prepares students for employment in the care and guidance of young children under the supervision of professional personnel. Instruction includes child and growth and development; nutrition; program planning and management; health and safety; guidance; recreational and play activities; child abuse and neglect; developmentally appropriate practices; interpersonal relationships; regulations; operational procedures; emergency and disaster procedures; policies, standards, and licensing; supervision and maintenance of children's environments; professionalism; and classroom management.
Engineering
90U1 Engineering Design (F) Grades: 10-12
This is the first of a two-course sequence. The Engineering Design course offers students a practical and theoretical study of the visualization techniques used by contemporary product designers; including freehand sketching, digital rendering, information graphics, and presentation skills. This course will provide students with a dynamic design experience that enables personal, intellectual, and social growth in the area of communication through effective instruction of a broad knowledge base, discipline oriented skills and progressive methodologies for creative problem solving. The curriculum includes studies in rapid visualization, aesthetics, materials and processes, presentation techniques, principles of design methodology, elements of art, product development, human factors, and prototyping. In addition, students learn a methodology for encouraging the creative problem solving process and the attainment of the requisite level of skills needed to express visual ideas with clarity in a peer review critique setting. Industry focus: CSWA Certification
This is the first of a two-course sequence. The Engineering Design course offers students a practical and theoretical study of the visualization techniques used by contemporary product designers; including freehand sketching, digital rendering, information graphics, and presentation skills. This course will provide students with a dynamic design experience that enables personal, intellectual, and social growth in the area of communication through effective instruction of a broad knowledge base, discipline oriented skills and progressive methodologies for creative problem solving. The curriculum includes studies in rapid visualization, aesthetics, materials and processes, presentation techniques, principles of design methodology, elements of art, product development, human factors, and prototyping. In addition, students learn a methodology for encouraging the creative problem solving process and the attainment of the requisite level of skills needed to express visual ideas with clarity in a peer review critique setting. Industry focus: CSWA Certification
93O1 Engineering Design and Development (G) Grades: 11-12
Engineering Design & Development (EDD) is a senior capstone course covering the process of technical product development from beginning to end. In this course, students will use their prior knowledge in basic engineering principles, 3D modeling, robotics and other STEM disciplines. To prepare students in engineering and technical careers, emphasis will be placed on research, documentation, prototyping, building, testing, and presentation techniques. Students will complete a number of small projects throughout the school year culminating with their participation in a larger senior group project such as the UC Irvine Energy Invitational (automotive engineering focus). This course is open to juniors and seniors who have previously completed coursework in engineering principles and computer 3D modeling or equivalent. Industry focus: CSWP Certification.
Engineering Design & Development (EDD) is a senior capstone course covering the process of technical product development from beginning to end. In this course, students will use their prior knowledge in basic engineering principles, 3D modeling, robotics and other STEM disciplines. To prepare students in engineering and technical careers, emphasis will be placed on research, documentation, prototyping, building, testing, and presentation techniques. Students will complete a number of small projects throughout the school year culminating with their participation in a larger senior group project such as the UC Irvine Energy Invitational (automotive engineering focus). This course is open to juniors and seniors who have previously completed coursework in engineering principles and computer 3D modeling or equivalent. Industry focus: CSWP Certification.
Entrepreneurship
58D Virtual Enterprise 1 Grades: 10-12
The major purpose of this year-long course is to provide students the skills needed to effectively organize, develop, create, and manage a business. They will understand how the market economy and ownership leads to wealth creation. Students will learn not only the skills necessary to become a successful business person but also the attitudes, characteristics, and techniques needed to succeed. They will learn to be able to save and make future investments in order to meet their financial goals in life. Students will build analytical skills through solving complex problems and making sound decisions in order to produce a viable business.
The major purpose of this year-long course is to provide students the skills needed to effectively organize, develop, create, and manage a business. They will understand how the market economy and ownership leads to wealth creation. Students will learn not only the skills necessary to become a successful business person but also the attitudes, characteristics, and techniques needed to succeed. They will learn to be able to save and make future investments in order to meet their financial goals in life. Students will build analytical skills through solving complex problems and making sound decisions in order to produce a viable business.
93M1 Virtual Enterprise 2 (G) Grades: 11-12
Virtual Enterprise (VE) is simulated business in which students become employees in a company that they start and run throughout the year. The simulated business functions like a real business in both structure and practice. Under the guidance of your teacher-facilitator, you will create and manage a business. You will become employees in the company and work in one or more of the departments in your VE organization where you will be exposed to functions and skills that are incorporated in actual successful businesses. As an “employee” of your virtual business, you will be accountable for the firm’s performance. You will conduct market research, develop a business plan and an annual report, pay and receive wages through an online banking system, and pay taxes. The goal is to create a learning environment that allows you to understand the expectations of the workplace and global economy. You will participate in local and national competitions
Virtual Enterprise (VE) is simulated business in which students become employees in a company that they start and run throughout the year. The simulated business functions like a real business in both structure and practice. Under the guidance of your teacher-facilitator, you will create and manage a business. You will become employees in the company and work in one or more of the departments in your VE organization where you will be exposed to functions and skills that are incorporated in actual successful businesses. As an “employee” of your virtual business, you will be accountable for the firm’s performance. You will conduct market research, develop a business plan and an annual report, pay and receive wages through an online banking system, and pay taxes. The goal is to create a learning environment that allows you to understand the expectations of the workplace and global economy. You will participate in local and national competitions
Food Service & Hospitality
55P Culinary Arts 1 (G) Grades: 10-12
Culinary Arts 1 is a course designed to introduce students to nutrition, health, food selection and preparation, and meal planning. Knowledge of safety and sanitation, use and care of equipment, measuring techniques, and acceptable social practices related to food serving are developed. Students will practice decision-making and management skills, and apply knowledge through laboratory experiences.
Culinary Arts 1 is a course designed to introduce students to nutrition, health, food selection and preparation, and meal planning. Knowledge of safety and sanitation, use and care of equipment, measuring techniques, and acceptable social practices related to food serving are developed. Students will practice decision-making and management skills, and apply knowledge through laboratory experiences.
55R Advanced Culinary Arts/Management (G) Grades: 11-12
This course provides for the understanding of the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of food. It is an advanced course in the Food, Science, Dietetics, and Nutrition Pathway. It is an applied laboratory based course that focuses on advanced skills and terminology used in meal management and food preparation. The course focuses on advanced food safety and sanitation, chemical composition of food, reactions of food and food microbiology as related to food preparation and techniques, along with facilities, storage and equipment. Students use the ability to research, collect data, analyze information, report findings, and evaluate products and performance. Industry focus: ServSafe Certification
* There is a voluntary fair share donation for all food and nutrition classes.
Game Design and Integration
50E1 Video Game Design I (G) Grades: 9-11
This course introduces students to the rapidly developing field of Game Design and production. Students will explore current technologies, media and art applications, and emerging technological advances that impact this ever-expanding field. They will combine foundations in design, animation, graphic imaging, and multimedia production to prepare for employment, advance training, or higher education in project or software design. (Articulated with Golden West College).
This course introduces students to the rapidly developing field of Game Design and production. Students will explore current technologies, media and art applications, and emerging technological advances that impact this ever-expanding field. They will combine foundations in design, animation, graphic imaging, and multimedia production to prepare for employment, advance training, or higher education in project or software design. (Articulated with Golden West College).
50F1 Video Game Design II (G) Grades: 10-12
This course will prepare students for entry level careers or continuing education in a particular area of game design, including design, 3D modeling, animation, sound design, level design, scripting. Students will use advanced skills to create collaborative projects, evaluate peer designs, and create a design portfolio and career plan. They will also develop a game and experience the entire game production process. Students will be working with Unity 3D, Visual Studios, Blender, and Photoshop as they develop their own game.
This course will prepare students for entry level careers or continuing education in a particular area of game design, including design, 3D modeling, animation, sound design, level design, scripting. Students will use advanced skills to create collaborative projects, evaluate peer designs, and create a design portfolio and career plan. They will also develop a game and experience the entire game production process. Students will be working with Unity 3D, Visual Studios, Blender, and Photoshop as they develop their own game.
Graphic Design
51O Graphic Arts (F) Grades: 9-12
Graphic Arts 1 is one of two sequential courses offered in the Graphic Design career pathway program at WHS. Students will explore their artistic creativity while using computers as the primary artistic medium. This course will cover the basics of art, including the Elements and Principles of Design, color theory, and creative expression. Students will study historical practices in visual communication and their effects on the development of contemporary visual media. Students will become proficient in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, and projects will include book covers, posters, portraits, logo designs, skateboard designs, and more.
Graphic Arts 1 is one of two sequential courses offered in the Graphic Design career pathway program at WHS. Students will explore their artistic creativity while using computers as the primary artistic medium. This course will cover the basics of art, including the Elements and Principles of Design, color theory, and creative expression. Students will study historical practices in visual communication and their effects on the development of contemporary visual media. Students will become proficient in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, and projects will include book covers, posters, portraits, logo designs, skateboard designs, and more.
51P Graphic Arts 2 Honors (F) Grades: 10-12
Prerequisite course: Graphic Arts 1
The purpose of this course is for self-motivated students who wish to pursue a career or have a strong interest in an art & design related field. Students will continue to develop their skills as graphic artists by exploring how the Elements of Art and Principles of Design are used in visual communication. They will explore the historical development of design, through the exploration of graphic arts history while engaging in hands-on problem solving and visual experimentation to produce real world graphic arts projects. They will engage in a comprehensive exploration of the various aspects of visual communication including theory, technology and practice. They will critically observe their visual environment, solve design problems, and influence behavior through the use of graphic design.
Prerequisite course: Graphic Arts 1
The purpose of this course is for self-motivated students who wish to pursue a career or have a strong interest in an art & design related field. Students will continue to develop their skills as graphic artists by exploring how the Elements of Art and Principles of Design are used in visual communication. They will explore the historical development of design, through the exploration of graphic arts history while engaging in hands-on problem solving and visual experimentation to produce real world graphic arts projects. They will engage in a comprehensive exploration of the various aspects of visual communication including theory, technology and practice. They will critically observe their visual environment, solve design problems, and influence behavior through the use of graphic design.
Service, Diagnostics & Repair (Auto)
62D Auto 1 (G) Grades: 16 or older
Auto I is a course which introduces the student to basic theory and lab applications of the automobile. Emphasis is placed on various systems of the automobile—such as: tires, brakes suspension, lubrication, cooling, electrical, fuel, emissions, and drive trains. Safety and consumer awareness will be stressed in all areas.
Auto I is a course which introduces the student to basic theory and lab applications of the automobile. Emphasis is placed on various systems of the automobile—such as: tires, brakes suspension, lubrication, cooling, electrical, fuel, emissions, and drive trains. Safety and consumer awareness will be stressed in all areas.
90H Auto Tech 2 Grades: 16 or older
Heavily focused on laboratory experience, this is the second of a three-course sequence designed to prepare students for an internship in a local repair facility. Students build upon the experiences offered in Auto Tech 1 to strengthen and
expand diagnostic skills. In addition to maintenance and repair, this course focuses on remanufacturing and rebuilding as well as study and practice of structural repairs to the frame and body of passenger vehicles.
Heavily focused on laboratory experience, this is the second of a three-course sequence designed to prepare students for an internship in a local repair facility. Students build upon the experiences offered in Auto Tech 1 to strengthen and
expand diagnostic skills. In addition to maintenance and repair, this course focuses on remanufacturing and rebuilding as well as study and practice of structural repairs to the frame and body of passenger vehicles.
Systems Programming/Computer Science
57C1 Bridging Business, Engineering, Art, Science, and Technology (B-BEAST) (G) Grades: 9
Bridging Business, Engineering, Art, Science, and Technology (B-BEAST): Fuse your creativity with coding, engineering, and business savvy to tackle real-world challenges. Design robots, craft digital media masterpieces, and launch your own ventures, all while honing critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. This year-long course will provide a strong foundation of necessary skills needed to embrace your inner BEAST. and unleash your full potential for creativity, innovation, and success.
Bridging Business, Engineering, Art, Science, and Technology (B-BEAST): Fuse your creativity with coding, engineering, and business savvy to tackle real-world challenges. Design robots, craft digital media masterpieces, and launch your own ventures, all while honing critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. This year-long course will provide a strong foundation of necessary skills needed to embrace your inner BEAST. and unleash your full potential for creativity, innovation, and success.
53K AP Computer Science Principles (G) Grades: 10-11
UTeach CS Principles has been designed as a year-long high school course that fully addresses the seven "Big Ideas" of computer science and six "Computational Thinking Practice,” as specified by the College Board's AP Computer Science Principles curriculum framework.
The lessons and materials used throughout this course incorporate Project-Based Learning (PBL), a pedagogical approach that actively engages students in the educational process, improves retention, and develops problem solving, critical thinking, and group communication skills. Through this collaborative, learner-centric approach, students are encouraged to explore the advantages and societal impact of computational technology while developing their own programming and computational thinking skills.
UTeach CS Principles has been designed as a year-long high school course that fully addresses the seven "Big Ideas" of computer science and six "Computational Thinking Practice,” as specified by the College Board's AP Computer Science Principles curriculum framework.
The lessons and materials used throughout this course incorporate Project-Based Learning (PBL), a pedagogical approach that actively engages students in the educational process, improves retention, and develops problem solving, critical thinking, and group communication skills. Through this collaborative, learner-centric approach, students are encouraged to explore the advantages and societal impact of computational technology while developing their own programming and computational thinking skills.
53H AP Computer Science A/B (G) Grades: 11-12
AP Computer Science in Java is based on the syllabus developed by the College Board. This course is designed to provide students with a working knowledge of the Java programming language and concepts of object-oriented programming. This course provides extensive hands-on program development using the Java Development Kit (JDK). This class is intended to serve both as introductory courses for students who will major in disciplines that require significant involvement with computing. By participating in this AP course and taking the AP Exam, students have an opportunity to earn college credit.
AP Computer Science in Java is based on the syllabus developed by the College Board. This course is designed to provide students with a working knowledge of the Java programming language and concepts of object-oriented programming. This course provides extensive hands-on program development using the Java Development Kit (JDK). This class is intended to serve both as introductory courses for students who will major in disciplines that require significant involvement with computing. By participating in this AP course and taking the AP Exam, students have an opportunity to earn college credit.
Vietnamese Dual-Language Immersion (Beginning 2026-2027)
More information to come...