Public & Community Services Career Path

AP government and politics students at the state capitol

The public and community services pathway centers on careers that help people of all ages maintain or regain emotional and mental health. Students could become social workers or counselors or apply their skills in analysis and attention to detail in the criminal justice field or courts. You could care for people and their families when they die or join the ranks of first responders in firefighting or as a paramedic or EMT. This pathway also lays the groundwork for a career in political science, psychology, or sociology.

  • Firefighter/Paramedic
  • EMT
  • Crime Scene Investigator
  • Police Officer
  • Social Worker/Mental Health Therapist
  • Funeral Services Director & Mortician
  • Paralegal
  • Lawyer
  • Politician
  • Advanced Composition I & II
  • Speech Communications
  • Law and You
  • AP Government and Politics
  • AP Psychology
  • Human Development
  • Child Development
  • Photography II

Example Four-Year Plan

9th Grade 10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade
Math 2 Math Credits 2 Math Credits 2 Math Credits Finite Math   Statistics
Science 2 Science Credits 2 Science Credits 2 Science Credits
Language Arts 2 Language Arts Credits 2 Language Arts Credits 2 Language Arts Credits 2 Language Arts Credits
Social Studies 2 Social Studies Credits 2 Social Studies Credits 1 Social Studies Credit 1 Social Studies Credit
Electives Spanish I / French I

Advanced Composition I

Spanish II /
French II

Speech Communications

AP Government and Politics

Human Development

Child Development

Law and You

AP Psychology

Graduation Requirements:

  • Physical Education (four years)
  • Health – 9th Grade
  • 1 Fine Arts Class
  • 1 Career and Technical Education class
  • Personal Finance
  • Government
  • Economics
Suggested Clubs/Activities:

  • Debate
  • Student Council

View More Resources

Find a complete list of career pathways and course recommendations, explore resources for post-secondary testing and college planning, and more on SEP’s college and career readiness homepage.

View the Complete Registration Guide

Download the full SEP course registration guide to view available courses and course descriptions along with curriculum requirements. Students can log in to their course plan to request the courses they plan to take throughout high school.

Download Registration Guide
Log In to Course Plan