Prepare for a Career Early with CTE & Pre-Professional Academy
The Career & Technical Education (CTE) & Pre-Professional Academy gives high school juniors and seniors a head start on college and careers. Students earn college credit in high school, explore career pathways and build real-world skills that prepare them for what comes next.
With the CTE & Pre-Professional Academy, students can:
- Earn college credit in CTE or a professional field while still in high school.
- Complete college certificates and industry-recognized credentials.
- Learn on a college campus with college instructors.
- Prepare for entry-level work in their chosen career.
How the CTE & Pre-Professional Academy Works
The CTE & Pre-Professional Academy is a half-day program that fits into a student’s high school schedule, with classes taking place between 8 a.m. and 10:30 am on weekdays. Students spend their mornings at an STLCC campus and return to their home high school for the rest of the day.
Schedule and Location
Students take classes at an STLCC campus in the morning. Many high schools provide transportation to campus, but some students may be responsible for their own travel to campus. All CTE & Pre-Professional Academy students receive a free Metro UPass at the beginning of each semester.
Courses and College Credit
CTE & Pre-Professional Academy students pay the dual enrollment tuition rate.
Students taking classes through dual enrollment pay half the normal tuition cost per credit hour. Rates below include a $10 activity fee, $11 technology fee and $6 service fee per credit hour:
- In-district: $77 per credit hour
- Out-of-district: $101.50 per credit hour
- Out-of-state: $132.50 per credit hour
- International: $137.50 per credit hour
- Out-of-district/state online: $78.50 per credit hour
College Pathways and Support
CTE & Pre-Professional Academy offers a variety of career-aligned college pathways for students to choose from. Students take two to three college classes in the fall and two to three college classes in the spring.
College credits apply to STLCC programs and may transfer to four-year colleges and universities.
Who Can Apply?
The CTE & Pre-Professional Academy is open to high school juniors and seniors who are ready to take college-level classes.
To apply, students must:
- Be a high school junior or senior in 2027–2028.
- Have a 2.0 cumulative, unweighted GPA or higher.
- Meet pathway prerequisites, including college-level reading proficiency.
To be considered college-level reading proficient, students must meet one of the following:
- 2.5 cumulative GPA and an A average in most recent year of high school English.
- B average in last two years of high school English.
- 250 or higher on the Reading ACCUPLACER.
- 18 or higher on the ACT Reading.
- 500 or higher on the SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW).
- 3 or higher on a non-math AP exam.
- C or better in a college course at STLCC or another college.
Students who have a 2.0 GPA but do not meet one of the college-level reading proficiency requirements can take the ACCUPLACER placement test, which is free and available at any STLCC campus.
High school counselors review transcripts and confirm eligibility as part of the application process.
CTE Academy Pathways
Students choose a pathway based on their interests and career goals. Pathways are offered at select STLCC campuses and may vary by location.
Campus: Forest Park
Learn about substance use disorders and the ways they affect individuals, families and communities. You’ll study addiction, prevention, treatment and recovery while learning how support professionals help people access resources and work toward meaningful change.
Prerequisites: Reading Proficiency
Credential or Degree Progress: First semester of Addictions Study, Certificate of Specialization
College Credits: 12
Fall Courses
- HMS 205: Crisis Intervention
- SOC 211: Substance Use, Abuse, and Dependence
Spring Courses
- HMS 101: Human Services: Abuse and Dependance
- SOC 126: The Spectrum of Drugs and Society
Campus: Forest Park
Learn inspections, maintenance and steering and suspension systems. Prepare for entry-level automotive careers or further training.
Prerequisites: Reading Proficiency
Credential or Degree Progress: Automotive Vehicle Inspection and Light Maintenance, Certificate of Specialization
College Credits: 12
Fall Courses
- AUT 101: Auto Fundamentals and Service Information
- AUT 103: Auto Vehicle Inspection and Light Maintenance
Spring Courses
- AUT 105: Auto Maintenance and Service
- AUT 107: Auto Steering and Suspension Service
Campus: Forest Park
Continue automotive coursework, learning the essential skills needed to perform typical services in the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) areas of brakes, electrical, engine mechanical, and engine performance.
Prerequisites: Completion of Automotive I
Credential or Degree Progress: Automotive Service, Certificate of Specialization
College Credits: 12
Fall Courses
- AUT 110: Automotive Electrical Principles
- AUT 112: Automotive Brake Systems Service and Diagnosis
Spring Courses
- AUT 114: Automotive Engine Repair and Diagnosis
- AUT 116: Automotive Powertrain Controls
Campuses: Florissant Valley, Forest Park
Study health, safety, nutrition and early childhood education. Includes CPR certification and college credit toward education and child care programs.
Prerequisites: Reading Proficiency
Credential or Degree Progress: First semester of Child and Family Development, Associate of Applied Science
College Credits: 13
Fall Courses
- CFD 101: Foundations of Child and Family Development
- CFD 102: Child Growth and Development
Spring Courses
- CFD 103: Child Nutrition, Health, and Safety
- CFD 104: Creative Experience in Early Childhood
- HW 124: Community CPR
Campuses: Florissant Valley, Forest Park
Continue coursework toward a degree in Child & Family Development, studying language, literacy and social/emotional development in early childhood.
Prerequisites: Completion of Early Childhood Education I (Formerly Child & Family Development I)
Credential or Degree Progress: Second semester of Child and Family Development, Associate of Applied Science
College Credits: 12
Fall Courses
- CFD 106: Cognitive Development: Language & Literacy in Early Childhood
- COM 101: Oral Communication
Spring Courses
- CFD 107: Family/Community Support & Engagement
- CFD 201: Social and Emotional Development: Guidance and Discipline
Campus: Florissant Valley
Learn electrical and electronic concepts associated with medical electronics and devices, basic science behind instruments, and troubleshooting techniques. Students will gain the skills necessary to enter the field of Biomedical Electronics service and support as Biomedical Electronics Technicians (BMET).
Prerequisites:
- Reading Proficiency
- Year-long B average (or higher) in high school Algebra II (or equivalent placement test score or college credit)
Credential or Degree Progress: First semester of Biomedical Electronics Technology, Certificate of Proficiency
College Credits: 12
Fall Courses
- EE 134: Electric Circuits
Spring Courses
- EE 132: Electronic Devices
Campuses: Meramec, South County
Begin work on a transfer degree in business or accounting. Learn about the modern business world, the basic principles of accounting, and computing skills critical to the business profession.
Prerequisites:
- Reading Proficiency
- Year-long B average (or higher) in high school Algebra II (or equivalent placement test score or college credit)
Credential or Degree Progress: First semester of Accounting, Associate of Applied Science; first semester of Business Administration, Associate of Arts
College Credits: 19
Fall Courses
- ACC 100: Applied Accounting
- BUS 104: Intro to Business Administration
- IS 116: Computer Literacy
Spring Courses
- ACC 110: Financial Accounting
- COM 107: Public Speaking
- ECO 152: Principles of Microeconomics
Campuses: Florissant Valley, Forest Park, Meramec, South County, Wildwood
This path is ideal for students who are interested in careers that require a four-year degree in communications, English or an adjacent degree. Students will take core classes within the Missouri Transfer program.
Prerequisites: Reading Proficiency
Credential or Degree Progress: First semester of General Transfer Studies, Associate of Arts
College Credits: 12
Fall Courses
- COM 101: Oral Communication
- ENG 101: College Composition I
Spring Courses
- ENG 102: College Composition II
- SOC 101: Intro to Sociology
Campuses: Florissant Valley, Forest Park
Learn how computers and networks work and how to keep them secure. Prepare for Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) A+ certification and careers in information technology and cybersecurity.
Prerequisites: Reading Proficiency
Credential or Degree Progress: CompTIA A+ Certification, Certificate of Specialization
College Credits: 10
Fall Courses
- CIT 101: Introduction to IT
- IT 100: introduction to Cybersecurity
Spring Courses
- CIT 130: Hardware Support - CompTIA A+ Core 1 (Hardware)
- IT 102: Hardware Support - CompTIA A+ Core 2 (Software)
Campuses: Florissant Valley, Forest Park
Continue studies in cybersecurity, learning the fundamentals of network security involved in creating and managing secure computer network environments.
Prerequisites: Completion of Cybersecurity I
Credential or Degree Progress: CompTIA A+ and Security+ Certifications, Certificate of Specialization; First semester of Cybersecurity, Certificate of Proficiency
College Credits: 18
Fall Courses
- CIT 153: Programming I with C#
- CIT 165: Microsoft Project
- CIT 237: Fundamentals of Information Security – CompTIA Security+
Spring Courses
- CIT 125: Database Management
- CIT XXX: Network Plus
- IT 212: Ethical Hacking
Campus: Meramec
Complete core transfer coursework in introductory engineering, math and physics. All classes are included in the Missouri Transfer program.
Prerequisites:
- Reading Proficiency
- B or higher in high school precalculus (or equivalent placement test score or college credit)
Credential or Degree Progress: First third of General STEM Transfer Studies, Associate in Science
College Credits: 21-26
Summer Courses (if needed)
- MTH 185: Precalculus
Fall Courses
- ESC 100: Computer Application and Design
- ESC 101: Computer Programming or Scientists and Engineers
- MTH 210: Analytic Geometry & Calculus I
Spring Courses
- MTH 220: Analytic Geometry & Calculus II
- PHY 122: Engineering Physics
Campuses: Florissant Valley, Meramec
Learn drawing, layout, typography and digital design tools. Build skills for careers in design, media and marketing.
Prerequisites: Reading Proficiency
Credential or Degree Progress: First semester of Graphic Communications, Associate of Applied Science; first semester of Graphic Communications, Associate of Fine Arts
College Credits: 12
Fall Courses
- ART 140: Two-Dimensional Design
- ART 131: Computer Art Studio
Spring Courses
- ART 133: Graphic Design I
- ART 109: Drawing I
Campuses: South County, Wildwood
Explore health care careers and learn medical terminology, biology and health care systems.
Prerequisites: Reading Proficiency
Credential or Degree Progress: First semester of Health Sciences, Associate in Science
College Credits: 13
Fall Courses
- BIO 151: Biology of Human Health & Disease
- HS 101: Intro to Health Professions
- PHL 109: Bio-Medical Ethics
Spring Courses
- COM 117: Health Communication
- HS 200: Health Literacy
Campuses: Florissant Valley, South County, Wildwood
Complete the coursework needed to apply to selective admission programs, including nursing, dental hygiene, surgical technology and more.
Prerequisites: Reading Proficiency
Credential or Degree Progress: First semester of pre-entry and/or general education requirements for selective admissions health science programs at STLCC.
College Credits: 17
Fall Courses
- BIO 111: Introductory Biology
- ENG 101: College Composition I
- HIM 101: Medical Terminology
Spring Courses
- BIO 207: Anatomy & Physiology I
- PSY 200: General Psychology
Campus: Meramec
Turn your interest in plants, sustainability and outdoor spaces into a career. Learn how to grow and care for plants while building skills in plant identification, landscape management, irrigation, turf management and landscape design.
Prerequisites: Reading Proficiency
Credential or Degree Progress: First semester of Horticulture, Certificate of Proficiency; First semester of Horticulture, Associate of Applied Science
College Credits: 13
Fall Courses
- HRT 101: Introductory Horticulture
- HRT 206: Woody Plants – Trees and Vines
- ACC 100: Financial Accounting
- ENG 101: College Composition
- PHL 112: Business Ethics to Fall Courses
Spring Courses
- HST 102: Soils
- HST 207: Woody Plants – Shrubs and Evergreen
- CHM 109: Chemistry and the Environment
- COM 201: Interpersonal Communication
- HST 101: US History to 1865
Campus: Meramec
Develop skills in space planning, design concepts, drafting and industry tools used in the field. You’ll explore how color, lighting, materials, furnishings and layout work together to shape environments that support how people live, work and interact.
Prerequisites: Reading Proficiency
Credential or Degree Progress: First semester of Interior Design, Associate of Applied Science
College Credits: 12
Fall Courses
- ART 109: Drawing I
- ART 131: Computer Art Studio
Spring Courses
- ART 151: Interior Design
- ART 154: Architectural Graphics and Technology I
Campuses: Florissant Valley, Forest Park, Meramec, Wildwood
Build skills for careers in journalism, public relations, content creation and marketing while completing core coursework designed to transfer to a four-year degree program. This pathway includes courses within the Missouri Transfer program.
Prerequisites: Reading Proficiency
Credential or Degree Progress: First semester of General Transfer Studies, Associate of Arts
College Credits: 18
Fall Courses
- ART 131: Computer Art Studio
- COM 101: Oral Communication
- MCM 101: Intro to Mass Communication
Spring Courses
- ART 172: Digital Photography
- COM 201: Interpersonal Communication
- MCM 141: Public Relations
Campus: Meramec
Build skills in legal research, problem-solving and document preparation while learning about federal and Missouri laws, regulations and court systems. This pathway prepares students for careers as paralegals or further education toward a law degree.
Prerequisites: Reading Proficiency
Credential or Degree Progress: First semester of Legal Studies for the Paralegal, Associate of Applied Science
College Credits: 18
Fall Courses
- ENG 101: College Composition I
- LGL 110: Introduction to Law
- LGL 112: Contract Law
Spring Courses
- LGL 211: Tort Law
- LGL 235: Civil Litigation
Campuses: Florissant Valley, Forest Park, Meramec, South County
This path is ideal for students who are interested in careers that require a four-year degree in psychology. Students will take core classes within the Missouri Transfer program.
Prerequisites: Reading Proficiency
Credential or Degree Progress: First semester of General Transfer Studies, Associate of Arts
College Credits: 12
Fall Courses
- ENG 101: College Composition I
- PSY 200: General Psychology
Spring Courses
- COM 201: Interpersonal Communication
- PSY 205: Human Growth & Development
To read more information about each course, visit the STLCC course catalog.
Important Dates
Preview Nights
Interested in applying to the CTE & Pre-Professional Academy? Attend a Preview Night to learn about available programs, the application process and what to expect as a student. Students and families are welcome to attend an on-campus or virtual session.
Florissant Valley
- On-campus: Nov. 12, 2026 | 6 to 7 p.m.
- Virtual: Jan. 26, 2027 | 7 to 8 p.m.
Forest Park
- On-campus: Dec. 3, 2026 | 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
- Virtual: Feb. 17, 2027 | 7 to 8 p.m.
Meramec
- On-campus: Jan. 28, 2027 | 6 to 7 p.m.
- Virtual: Nov. 17, 2026 | 7 to 8 p.m.
South County
- On-campus: Jan. 14, 2027 | 6 to 7 p.m.
Wildwood
- On-campus: Feb. 11, 2027 | 6 to 7 p.m.
- Virtual: Dec. 8, 2026 | 7 to 8 p.m.
Application Deadlines
Nov. 2, 2026 – March 1, 2027: Apply Online
Complete and submit your online application by March 1, 2027.
March 1, 2027: Parent or Guardian Approval Deadline
A parent or guardian must approve your application by email.
March 1, 2027: School Counselor Deadline
Your school counselor must submit your transcript and eligibility form by this date.
March 12, 2027: Acceptance Notifications
STLCC will email students with admission decisions and next steps.
March 19, 2027: Confirm Your Enrollment
If accepted, you must confirm your spot for the fall semester by this date.
CTE Academy FAQs
Is the CTE Academy free?
Some school districts pay tuition for participating students. If tuition is not covered, students pay the STLCC dual enrollment tuition rate (see rates above).
Does this count for high school and college credit?
Students in the CTE Academy earn college credit. Most high schools will also grant high school credit for CTE Academy coursework. Please talk to your high school counselor to make sure you stay on track for high school graduation.
Will this affect sports or extracurricular activities?
Classes are held in the morning so students can still attend their high school classes and participate in activities.
Is the program hard?
CTE Academy students must meet the same class requirements as all STLCC students. Students have access to academic advising, tutoring, libraries, disability support services and career guidance. We provide the tools for your success and ensure you have a confident start in college.
Can college credit transfer to other colleges?
Credits apply to STLCC programs and may transfer to other colleges and universities.
How does transportation work?
Many school districts provide transportation to STLCC campuses, but some students may need to arrange for their own transportation. All CTE Academy students are able to pick up a free Metro U-Pass at the beginning of the semester. Students can use the U-Pass to ride public transit throughout the St. Louis region, including to any STLCC campus.
Get Started With the CTE & Pre-Professional Academy
Start earning college credit in high school and explore career pathways with the Career & Technical Education & Pre-Professional Academy. Students build college experience, save money on classes and get a head start on a degree or certificate program.
Talk with your school counselor to see if the CTE & Pre-Professional Academy is a good fit. Then apply online to begin the process.