Career pathways are state-approved career enhancement programs defined as a coherent, articulated sequence of rigorous academic and career related courses usually commencing in the ninth grade and leading to an associate degree, and/or an industry-recognized certificate or licensure, and/or a baccalaureate degree and beyond.

Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) provides all Georgia students with the opportunity to select at least three sequenced electives in a career pathway, along with recommended academic course work, to prepare them to continue their education at any level or enter the world of work.

Selection of a pathway will be based on self- awareness and the investigation of occupations plus related educational levels aligned with the pathway. Most high-demand, high-skilled, high-wage occupations in all concentrations still do require education beyond high school. Implementation of career pathways is a collaborative effort between the local system, the Technical College System of Georgia and the University System of Georgia.