Career Major

Section 4 of the School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994 defines career major as:

"a coherent sequence of courses or field of study that prepares a student for a first job and that:
(A) integrates academic and occupational learning, integrates school-based and work-based learning, establishes linkages between secondary schools and postsecondary educational institutions.
(B) prepares the student for employment in a broad occupational cluster or industry sector.
(C) typically includes at least 2 years of secondary education and 1 or 2 years of postsecondary education.
(D) provides the student, to the extent practicable, with strong experience in and understanding of all aspects of the industry the students are planning to enter.
(E) results in the award of:
(i) a high school diploma or its equivalent, such as:
(I) a general equivalence diploma.
(II) an alternative diploma or certificate for students with disabilities for whom such alternative diploma or certificate is appropriate.

(ii) a certificate or diploma recognizing successful completion of 1 or 2 years of postsecondary education (if appropriate).

(iii) a skill certificate.

(F) may lead to further education and training, such as entry into a registered apprenticeship program, or may lead to admission to a 2- or 4-year college or university."

Source: School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994. P.L. 103-239.