Getting started
How to choose a trade school
Start with the work you want to do, then compare the training routes that can get you there. A familiar school name or a short course is not enough on its own.
Read the guide →Explore a trade family · 08
Technology, design & technical services
Explore applied computing, digital design, networking and technical support.
1,657 institutions59 reported subjects72 related occupations
Find the right training subject
Demonstrable skills, projects and the difference between training and certification. Start with a subject below, then compare the specific award, campus and current curriculum.
- 3-D Modeling and Design Technology/Technician13 institutions →
- Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD127 institutions →
- Artificial Intelligence33 institutions →
- Audio Engineering Technology/Technician9 institutions →
- CAD/CADD Drafting and/or Design Technology/Technician230 institutions →
- Civil Drafting and Civil Engineering CAD/CADD30 institutions →
- Cloud Computing60 institutions →
- Communications Systems Installation and Repair Technology/Technician35 institutions →
- Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other66 institutions →
- Computer and Information Sciences, Other21 institutions →
- Computer and Information Sciences, General463 institutions →
- Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance608 institutions →
- Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other3 institutions →
- Computer Engineering Technology/Technician79 institutions →
- Computer Game Programming22 institutions →
- Computer Graphics110 institutions →
- Computer Hardware Technology/Technician7 institutions →
- Computer Installation and Repair Technology/Technician126 institutions →
- Computer Programming, Other18 institutions →
- Computer Programming, Specific Applications159 institutions →
- Computer Programming, Specific Platforms10 institutions →
- Computer Programming, Vendor/Product Certification34 institutions →
- Computer Programming/Programmer, General436 institutions →
- Computer Science329 institutions →
- Computer Software and Media Applications, Other46 institutions →
- Computer Software Technology/Technician21 institutions →
- Computer Support Specialist297 institutions →
- Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst54 institutions →
- Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications523 institutions →
- Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications, Other3 institutions →
- Computer/Computer Systems Technology/Technician95 institutions →
- Computer/Information Technology Services Administration and Management, Other42 institutions →
- Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications, General113 institutions →
- Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications, Other5 institutions →
- Data Modeling/Warehousing and Database Administration101 institutions →
- Data Processing and Data Processing Technology/Technician119 institutions →
- Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, General291 institutions →
- Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other13 institutions →
- Electrical, Electronic, and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician385 institutions →
- Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other69 institutions →
- Electrical/Electronics Drafting and Electrical/Electronics CAD/CADD14 institutions →
- Electrical/Electronics Equipment Installation and Repair Technology/Technician, General126 institutions →
- Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians, Other22 institutions →
- Human-Centered Technology Design8 institutions →
- Industrial Electronics Technology/Technician133 institutions →
- Informatics13 institutions →
- Information Science/Studies144 institutions →
- Information Technology449 institutions →
- Information Technology Project Management28 institutions →
- Integrated Circuit Design Technology/Technician3 institutions →
- Laser and Optical Technology/Technician28 institutions →
- Mechanical Drafting and Mechanical Drafting CAD/CADD141 institutions →
- Modeling, Virtual Environments and Simulation20 institutions →
- Network and System Administration/Administrator239 institutions →
- System, Networking, and LAN/WAN Management/Manager89 institutions →
- Telecommunications Technology/Technician47 institutions →
- Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design417 institutions →
- Web/Multimedia Management and Webmaster127 institutions →
- Word Processing5 institutions →
School counts are based on relevant certificate and associate-level records in IPEDS 2024. They do not confirm current course availability.
Questions that matter in this field
- What portfolio, lab work or practical projects will you complete?
- Does the tuition include certification exam vouchers and retakes?
- Which prerequisites and equipment are needed before the first class?
A school course, an apprenticeship and an industry credential can play different roles. Check the route required for the occupation and state where you intend to work.
Explore the work behind the training
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and TechniciansCareer guide →
- Architectural and Civil DraftersCareer guide →
- Audiovisual Equipment Installers and RepairersCareer guide →
- Blockchain EngineersCareer guide →
- Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site ManagersCareer guide →
- Business Intelligence AnalystsCareer guide →
- Calibration Technologists and TechniciansCareer guide →
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, PostsecondaryCareer guide →
- Clinical Data ManagersCareer guide →
- Communications Equipment Operators, All OtherCareer guide →
- Compliance ManagersCareer guide →
- Computer and Information Research ScientistsCareer guide →
- Computer and Information Systems ManagersCareer guide →
- Computer Network ArchitectsCareer guide →
- Computer Network Support SpecialistsCareer guide →
- Computer Occupations, All OtherCareer guide →
- Computer ProgrammersCareer guide →
- Computer Science Teachers, PostsecondaryCareer guide →
Plan your route
Paying for training
What trade school really costs
A useful budget separates tuition, additional training expenses and the cost of living while you study. An annual institution average is a starting point, not a quote for your program.
Read the guide →Make the whole plan
Connect the next steps
Compare routesSchool, apprenticeship and employer options.Read actual course evidenceCurriculum, practical learning and published costs.Explore fundingOriginal grants, awards and workforce routes.Plan attendance supportChildcare, travel, food and accessibility.Prepare for learningOpen resources, terminology and practice.Prepare for workPortfolio, interviews, offers and progression.