College and Career Planner

Houston Community College Masthead (Imagemap)

Finding the Right Educational Degree Plan for You

Step 1: Career Cluster

Step 2: Educational Pattern

Step 3: Degree Plan

1. Choose a Career Cluster

Career Clusters are large groupings of related studies and careers

To view career videos providing the latest data on jobs, ranges of pay, projected needs, and educational/training requirements, click Career Resources. The US Departments of Labor and Education outline both emerging and high growth industries. After reviewing the videos, then continue with the College and Career Planner below to help you choose the Right Educational Degree Plan.

Directions: To get started on the educational decision-making and planning tool, please choose one of the Career Clusters below that most relates to either the courses you are interested in or the career area you are trying to facilitate. Even if you are not completely sure about which way you would like to go, go ahead and choose which Career Cluster interests you the most.

Career Cluster Cluster Description

Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources (AGFNS) Careers related to Agriculture, Horticulture, Food Technology, Wildlife, Animal Science, Veterinary Science, Entomology, Landscape, Forestry, Natural Resources.

Architecture, Design & Construction (BUILD) Careers related to Architecture, Construction Management, Construction Trades, Environmental Design, Building Maintenance.

Arts, Audio/Video Technology & Communications

Communication & Media Arts (COMMU)

Visual & Performing Arts (VPART)

Careers related to Communication, Journalism, Radio/TV/Film, Speech, Communication Disorders, Audio Recording, Video Production, Broadcast Technology, Graphic Design, Multimedia, Web Publishing, Digital Arts.

Careers related to Art, Art History, Dance, Drama, Music, Music Business, Fashion Design & Merchandising, Interior Design.

Business, Management & Administration

(BUSIN)

Finance

Marketing, Sales & Service Careers related to Accounting, Finance, Business Info Systems, International Business, Management, Marketing, Public Relations, Office Administration, Human Resources, Real Estate.

Education & Schools (EDSCH) Careers related to Early Childhood Paraprofessional, Childcare Provider, Teacher Certification, Teacher Aide, Librarian, Instructional Technology, Learning Support, School Counselor.

Government & Public Administration

(GOVPS)

Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security Careers related to Criminal Justice, Forensics, Law, Paralegal, Public Administration, Law Enforcement, Fire Protection & Safety, International Relations, Political Science, Homeland Security.

Health & Medical Sciences (HLTHM) Careers related to Health, Fitness, Wellness, Medical, Dental, Diagnostic Services, Nursing, Health Care, Health Information, Medical Therapies, Health Administration, Emergency Care, Paramedics.

Hospitality & Tourism (HSPTR) Careers related to Attractions, Event Planning, Lodging, Restaurant, Hospitality, Culinary Arts, Travel, Tourism.

Human Services & Social Sciences (SSHSV) Careers related to Cosmetology, Anthropology, Family Studies, Human Development, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Deaf Studies, Speech Pathology, Social Work, Mental Health, Gerontology, Human Services, Sign Language & Interpreting for the Deaf.

Information Technology (COSCI) Careers related to Computer Science, Programming, Information Technology, Digital Gaming, Geographic Information Science, Networking and Telecommunications.

Liberal Arts & Humanities (LAHUM) Careers related to Classics, Cultural Studies, Economics, English, Foreign Languages, Geography, History, Philosophy.

Manufacturing (MANUF) Careers related to Manufacturing, Nanotechnology, Robotics, Instrumentation & Controls, Machining, Plastics Engineering, Welding.

Science, Technology, Engineering & Math

Engineering & Technology (ENGRT)

Mathematics, Earth & Natural Sciences (MENSC)

Careers related to Biotechnology, Chemical Lab Technology, Engineering, Drafting, Electronics, Process Technology, Water/Wastewater Treatment.

Careers related to Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Earth & Environmental Science, Genetics, Geology, Mathematics, Meteorology, Oceanography, Physics, Statistics, Scientific Research.

Transportation, Distribution & Logistics (TRANS) Careers related to Autobody & Automotive Repair, Truckdriving, Diesel Engine, Light Rail, Import & Export, Logistics, Distribution, Aviation.

Undecided or Non-Degree Seeking Undecided: It may be that you have a hard time deciding which career cluster most relates to your educational objectives. We do offer career counseling and testing to help you with these decisions. If you wish to look at more career resources including an online career inventory, click Career Resources. In the meantime, please go back and choose a Career Cluster that most relates to the kind of courses you eventually wish to take.

Non-Degree Seeking: It may be that you are only at HCC to take a few courses for fun or development or transfer. We still want you to choose a Career Cluster above that either relates to the career/major you are currently in or the career/major you wish to pursue.

If you have comments or suggestions, email

The Houston Community College System does not discriminate on the basis of
race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, or disability.

Career Cluster	Cluster Description
Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources (AGFNS)	Careers related to Agriculture, Horticulture, Food Technology, Wildlife, Animal Science, Veterinary Science, Entomology, Landscape, Forestry, Natural Resources.
Architecture, Design & Construction (BUILD)	Careers related to Architecture, Construction Management, Construction Trades, Environmental Design, Building Maintenance.
Arts, Audio/Video Technology & Communications Communication & Media Arts (COMMU) Visual & Performing Arts (VPART)	Careers related to Communication, Journalism, Radio/TV/Film, Speech, Communication Disorders, Audio Recording, Video Production, Broadcast Technology, Graphic Design, Multimedia, Web Publishing, Digital Arts. Careers related to Art, Art History, Dance, Drama, Music, Music Business, Fashion Design & Merchandising, Interior Design.
Business, Management & Administration (BUSIN) Finance Marketing, Sales & Service	Careers related to Accounting, Finance, Business Info Systems, International Business, Management, Marketing, Public Relations, Office Administration, Human Resources, Real Estate.
Education & Schools (EDSCH)	Careers related to Early Childhood Paraprofessional, Childcare Provider, Teacher Certification, Teacher Aide, Librarian, Instructional Technology, Learning Support, School Counselor.
Government & Public Administration (GOVPS) Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security	Careers related to Criminal Justice, Forensics, Law, Paralegal, Public Administration, Law Enforcement, Fire Protection & Safety, International Relations, Political Science, Homeland Security.
Health & Medical Sciences (HLTHM)	Careers related to Health, Fitness, Wellness, Medical, Dental, Diagnostic Services, Nursing, Health Care, Health Information, Medical Therapies, Health Administration, Emergency Care, Paramedics.
Hospitality & Tourism (HSPTR)	Careers related to Attractions, Event Planning, Lodging, Restaurant, Hospitality, Culinary Arts, Travel, Tourism.
Human Services & Social Sciences (SSHSV)	Careers related to Cosmetology, Anthropology, Family Studies, Human Development, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Deaf Studies, Speech Pathology, Social Work, Mental Health, Gerontology, Human Services, Sign Language & Interpreting for the Deaf.
Information Technology (COSCI)	Careers related to Computer Science, Programming, Information Technology, Digital Gaming, Geographic Information Science, Networking and Telecommunications.
Liberal Arts & Humanities (LAHUM)	Careers related to Classics, Cultural Studies, Economics, English, Foreign Languages, Geography, History, Philosophy.
Manufacturing (MANUF)	Careers related to Manufacturing, Nanotechnology, Robotics, Instrumentation & Controls, Machining, Plastics Engineering, Welding.
Science, Technology, Engineering & Math Engineering & Technology (ENGRT) Mathematics, Earth & Natural Sciences (MENSC)	Careers related to Biotechnology, Chemical Lab Technology, Engineering, Drafting, Electronics, Process Technology, Water/Wastewater Treatment. Careers related to Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Earth & Environmental Science, Genetics, Geology, Mathematics, Meteorology, Oceanography, Physics, Statistics, Scientific Research.
Transportation, Distribution & Logistics (TRANS)	Careers related to Autobody & Automotive Repair, Truckdriving, Diesel Engine, Light Rail, Import & Export, Logistics, Distribution, Aviation.
Undecided or Non-Degree Seeking	Undecided: It may be that you have a hard time deciding which career cluster most relates to your educational objectives. We do offer career counseling and testing to help you with these decisions. If you wish to look at more career resources including an online career inventory, click Career Resources. In the meantime, please go back and choose a Career Cluster that most relates to the kind of courses you eventually wish to take. Non-Degree Seeking: It may be that you are only at HCC to take a few courses for fun or development or transfer. We still want you to choose a Career Cluster above that either relates to the career/major you are currently in or the career/major you wish to pursue.