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Statewide Program of Study: Environmental and Natural Resources — Page 1�

Revised–May 2024

Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Career Cluster

The Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (AFNR) career cluster focuses on the essential elements of life, food, water, land, and air. This career cluster includes occupations ranging from farmer, rancher, and veterinarian to geologist, land conservationist, and florist.

Statewide Program of Study: Environmental and Natural Resources

The Environmental and Natural Resources program of study focuses on occupational and educational opportunities associated with the research, design, and engineering of plans for prevention and control of environmental hazards. This program of study includes conducting research for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or the health of the population.

Secondary Courses for High School Credit

Level 1	Principles of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
Level 2	Wildlife, Fisheries, and Ecology Management
Level 3
Level 4	Career and Technical Education Project-Based Capstone Career Preparation for Programs of Study Career Preparation for Programs of Study + Extended Career Preparation Scientific Research and Design

Aligned Advanced Academic Courses

AP or IB	AP Biology AP Environmental Science
Dual Credit	Dual credit offerings will vary by local education agency.

Students should be advised to consider these course opportunities to enrich their preparation. AP or IB courses not listed under the Secondary Courses for High School Credit section of this framework document do not count towards concentrator/completer status for this program of study.

Work-Based Learning and Expanded Learning Opportunities

Work-Based Learning Activities	Intern in an environmental services office in local government to learn about sanitation and waste management Participate in a water treatment plant operator apprenticeship at a local water management company
Expanded Learning Opportunities	Participate in an FFA career, leadership, and speaking contest like an agriscience fair Attend an agricultural industry seminar

Aligned Industry-Based Certifications

Ducks Unlimited Ecology Conservation and Management Certification

Example Postsecondary Opportunities

Apprenticeships

Water Treatment Plant Operator

Associate Degrees

Environmental/Environmental Engineering Technology
Water Quality and Wastewater Treatment Management and Recycling Technology

Bachelor’s Degrees

Environmental Engineering
Environmental Health

Master’s, Doctoral, and Professional Degrees

Biology/Biological Sciences
Ecology

Additional Stackable IBCs/License

Pesticide Dealer License

Example Aligned Occupations

Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Median Wage: $48,124

Annual Openings: 186

10-Year Growth: 18%

Environmental Scientists and Specialists

Median Wage: $75,421

Annual Openings: 731

10-Year Growth: 25%�

Environmental Engineers

Median Wage: $103,246

Annual Openings: 316

10-Year Growth: 18%

Environmental and Natural Resources

Successful completion of the Environmental and Natural Resources program of study will fulfill requirements of the Business and Industry endorsement.

Data Source: TexasWages, Texas Workforce Commission. Retrieved 3/8/2024

For more information visit: https://tea.texas.gov/academics/college-career-and-military-prep/career-and-technical-education/programs-of-study-additional-resources

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Statewide Program of Study: Environmental and Natural Resources — Page 2

Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Career Cluster

Statewide Program of Study: Environmental and Natural Resources

Course Information

Level 1

Course		Prerequisites \| Corequisites	Career Clusters
Principles of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources* 13000200 (1 credit)		Prerequisites: None�Corequisites: None Recommended Prerequisites: None Recommended Corequisites: None	1. Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

Level 2

Course		Prerequisites \| Corequisites	Career Clusters
Wildlife, Fisheries, and Ecology Management 13001500 (1 credit)		Prerequisites: None�Corequisites: None Recommended Prerequisites: None Recommended Corequisites: None

Level 4

Course	Prerequisites \| Corequisites	Career Clusters
Career and Technical Education Project-Based Capstone* First Time Taken: 12701101 (1 credit)	Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Recommended Prerequisites: None Recommended Corequisites: None
Career Preparation for Programs of Study* First Time Taken: 12701121 (2 credits)	Prerequisites: At least one Level 2 or higher CTE course Corequisites: None Recommended Prerequisites: None Recommended Corequisites: None
Career Preparation for Programs of Study + Extended Career Preparation* First Time Taken: 12701141 (3 credits)	Prerequisites: At least one Level 2 or higher CTE course Corequisites: None Recommended Prerequisites: None Recommended Corequisites: None
Scientific Research and Design* 13037200 (1 credit)	Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry, Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC), or Physics�Corequisites: None Recommended Prerequisites: None Recommended Corequisites: None

* Indicates course is included in more than one program of study.

For additional information on the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources career cluster, �contact cte@tea.texas.gov or visit https://tea.texas.gov/cte

[LEA name] does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability in its programs or activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: [title], [address], [telephone number], [email]. Further nondiscrimination information can be found at Notification of Nondiscrimination in Career and Technical Education Programs.

Environmental and Natural Resources