Academy of International Business & Communications

Audio/Visual Production

This pathway explores the occupations and educational opportunities associated with the production of audio and visual media formats for various purposes, such as TV broadcasts, advertising, video production, or motion pictures. This Pathway may also include exploration into operating machines and equipment to record sound and images, such as microphones, sound speakers, video screens, projectors, video monitors, sound and mixing boards, and related electronic equipment.

National Career Cluster Alignment

The Audio/Visual Production Pathway is a part of the Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communication career cluster. The Arts, Audio/Video Technology, and Communications Careers involve designing, producing, exhibiting, performing, writing, and publishing media content. This cluster also and performing arts, graphic design, journalism, and entertainment.

Pathway Courses

Level 1 Course: A/V Production I

• A/V Production I is a foundational course in the Arts, A/V Technology, and Communications cluster for students interested in A/V (audio/visual) production occupations. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be able to explain and complete the phases of the production process including pre-production, production, and post-production. Students will establish basic skills in operating cameras, basic audio equipment, and other production equipment. Standards in this course include career exploration, an overview of the history and evolution of A/V production, and legal issues affecting A/V production. In addition, students will begin compiling artifacts for inclusion in a portfolio, which they will carry with them throughout the full sequence of courses in this program of study.

• Aligned Industry Credential: Adobe Certified Professional - Premiere Pro. The Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) certification is the industry-recognized validation of one’s proficiency in Adobe Premiere Pro CC. This certification requires in-depth knowledge of setting project requirements, design elements when preparing video, editing video sequences, exporting video using Adobe Premiere Pro CC, as well as an understanding of the Adobe Premiere Pro CC interface.

Level 2 Course: A/V Production II

• A/V Production II is the second course in the A/V Production program of study intended to prepare students for a careers in audio/visual production. Building on knowledge acquired in A/V Production, this course advances technical skill in utilizing industry equipment related to lighting and audio, and it places special emphasis on the research and technical writing involved in planning productions. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be able to plan, capture, and edit research-based productions of increasing complexity, individually and through collaboration in teams. In addition to more robust career preparation, standards in this course include an investigation of concerns affecting A/V production businesses, such as ethical and legal issues, technology, funding, and the organization of professional roles in various industries. Students will continue compiling artifacts for inclusion in their portfolios, which they will carry with them throughout the full sequence of courses in this program of study.

• Aligned Industry Credential: Adobe Certified Professional - Photoshop. The Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) certification is the industry-recognized validation of one’s skill in Adobe Photoshop CC. This certification requires in-depth knowledge of setting project requirements, understanding the Adobe Photoshop CC interface, as well as creating and publishing digital images using Adobe Photoshop CC.

Level 3 Course: A/V Production III

• A/V Production III is an applied-knowledge course intended to prepare students to pursue career sand postsecondary learning in audio/visual production. Students in this course will apply knowledge and skills from previous courses in the program of study to create productions both independently and in teams, with the option of participating in a work-based learning experience for additional credit. Students will use industry equipment and technology to complete all phases of the production process, including planning, coordinating, capturing, editing, and distributing productions. Standards in this course include policies and regulations, independent and collaborative productions, distribution of media, and the production of live events. Students will continue compiling artifacts for inclusion in their portfolios, which they will carry with them throughout the full sequence of courses in this program of study. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be prepared for a career in audio/visual production or to transition to a postsecondary program for further study.

• Aligned Industry Credential: Adobe Certified Professional - After Effects. The Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) certification is the industry-recognized validation of an individuals' skill in Adobe After Effects. This certification requires in-depth knowledge of setting project requirements and understanding of the Adobe After Effects interface to create motion graphics and visual effects.

Dual Credit and/or Dual Enrollment Opportunity in this Pathway

• Credit Type: Industry Credential for Dual Credit

• Institution: NOSSI College of Art

• Industry Credential for Dual Credit- Credit by assessment. Students are enrolled in a high school course that is identified as a match with a post-secondary course. Students complete the aligned industry credential assessment at the end of the course to prove mastery of content. If the student passes the assessment and earns the aligned industry credential, the student can use the college credit at that institution or request a transcript to use at a different institution.

Affiliated Career and Technical Student Organization: SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA improves the quality of our nation’s future skilled workforce through the development of Framework skills that include personal, workplace and technical skills grounded in academics.

Banking and Finance

In this pathway, students will gain an understanding of the banking and financial industries, beginning with basic economics as the underlying basis of the transfer and growth of money in the financial services system.

National Career Cluster Alignment

The Banking and Finance Pathway is a part of the Finance career cluster. The Finance Cluster includes jobs that plan and manage finances and investments. Additionally, finance occupations provide services like banking, insurance, accounting, and financial management.

Pathway Courses

Level 1 Course: Accounting I

• Accounting I is an essential course for students who wish to pursue careers in business and finance, or for those who wish to develop important skillsets related to financial literacy. Whether students aspire to be future business owners or work in finance with other companies, accounting skills are fundamental to success and applicable in many different fields. In this course, proficient Accounting students develop skills to analyze business transactions, journalize, post, and prepare worksheets and financial statements and apply financial analysis to business processes. Additionally, students receive exposure to the ethical considerations that accounting professionals must face and the standards of practice governing their work, such as the GAAP (generally accepted accounting procedures) standards. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be prepared to apply their accounting skills in more advanced Business and Finance courses, and ultimately pursue postsecondary training.

• Aligned Industry Credential: Microsoft Office Specialist - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook. Pass an exam in a specific Office program (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or Outlook) to earn a Microsoft Office Specialist certification. Being certified as a Microsoft Office Specialist demonstrates a student has the skills needed to get the most out of Office.

Level 2 Course: Banking and Finance

• Banking and Finance is designed to challenge students with real-world banking and financial situations through a partnership with a local financial institution. This business partnership should provide resources for faculty and students that include but are not limited to mentors, seminars, and hands-on experience with day-to-day banking operations. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will have a strong foundation for continued education in finance and business administration, specializing in occupations that support banking and financial institutions.

• Aligned Industry Credential: Microsoft Office Specialist - Excel Associate Certification. The Microsoft Office Excel exam tests competencies in fundamentals of creating and managing worksheets and workbooks, creating cells and ranges, creating tables, applying formulas and functions, and creating charts and objects. The exam covers the ability to create and edit a workbook with multiple sheets and use a graphic element to represent data visually.

Level 3 Course: Financial Planning

• Financial Planning is the capstone course in the Banking and Finance program of study intended for students interested in advanced analysis of financial decision-making and wealth management. In this course, students will delve into advanced concepts related to saving, investment, taxation, and retirement planning, and will be responsible for compiling original portfolios of investment and retirement options to present to mock prospective clients. In addition, students will learn to critique the financial consultations of others based on ethical and legal considerations. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be prepared to pursue advanced study of financial planning, wealth accumulation and management, and market analysis at a postsecondary institution.

• Aligned Industry Credential: Center for Financial Responsibility Personal Financial Literacy Certification. The Personal Financial Literacy High School Certification offers students an in-depth understanding of financial concepts and products as they relate to credit cards, loans, retirement, investments, and mortgages. This certification prepares individuals to master key industry standards, including, for example, common budget strategies, assets and liabilities, saving and investing, risk-return tradeoff, estate planning, sources and types of credit, financial institutions, workers compensation, tax liability, and balloon and reverse mortgages. Students who earn this certification will be prepared to make informed financial choices to help them improve their workplace performance and achieve personal long-term financial success.

Dual Credit and/or Dual Enrollment Opportunity in this Pathway

• Credit Type: Dual Credit

• Institution: NSCC - Nashville State Community College

• Dual Credit- Credit by assessment. Students are enrolled in a high school course that is identified as a match with a post-secondary course. Students complete a college assessment at the end of the course to prove mastery of content. If the student passes the test, the student can use the college credit at that institution or request a transcript to use at a different institution.

Affiliated Career and Technical Student Organization: DECA

DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.

Marketing Management

This pathway is designed for students interested in working in advertising, communications, public relations, and related fields. Course content covers interpersonal and communication skills in business settings, marketing and management, organizational leadership, advanced strategies for promoting products and services, and key concepts such as segmentation and target marketing, social media and digital marketing, market research and data management, and public relations.

National Career Cluster Alignment

The Marketing Management Pathway is a part of the Marketing, Distribution, and Logistics career cluster. The Marketing Cluster involves planning, managing, and performing marketing and sales activities to reach an organization’s objectives.

Pathway Courses

Level 1 Course: Introduction to Business and Marketing

• The course helps students prepare for the growing complexities of the business world by examining basic principles of business, marketing, and finance in addition to exploring key aspects of leadership, ethical and social responsibilities, and careers. Students’ academic skills in communications, mathematics, and economics are reinforced with activities modeled in the context of business topics.

• Aligned Industry Credential: Hootsuite Platform or Marketing Certification. The Hootsuite Platform Certification (HPC) is designed for social media marketing managers and others who want to use Hootsuite as the platform to manage their social media accounts. This certification focuses on teaching individuals how to operate the platform and how to best use the platform to leverage their content.

Level 2 Course: Social Media Marketing Analytics

• Social Media Marketing and Analytics is a study of concepts and principles used in social media marketing. Students will examine the uses, marketing strategies and data generated by social media marketing. Subject matter includes foundational social media knowledge, social media marketing strategies, communication, and ethical responsibilities.

• Aligned Industry Credential: Southwest Airlines Professional Communications Certification. The Southwest Airlines Professional Communication Certification focuses on how to communicate effectively in the workplace by addressing topics, including time management, written and verbal communication, listening skills, and effectively managing diversity in the workplace.

Level 3 Course: Marketing and Management II: Advanced Strategies

• Marketing and Management II: Advanced Strategies is a study of marketing concepts and principles used in management. Students will examine the challenges, responsibilities, and risks managers face in today's workplace. Subject matter includes finance, business ownership, risk management, marketing information systems, purchasing, promotion, and human resource skills.

• Aligned Industry Credential: Southwest Airlines Professional Communications Certification. The Southwest Airlines Professional Communication Certification focuses on how to communicate effectively in the workplace by addressing topics, including time management, written and verbal communication, listening skills, and effectively managing diversity in the workplace.

Affiliated Career and Technical Student Organization: DECA

DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.