2026 - 2027 High School Course Catalog
Law, Government, Public Safety, and Administration
Fire Science and EMT
FIRE SCIENCE AND EMT POS The Fire Science and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program prepares juniors and seniors for a variety of careers in fire prevention, management, and emergency medical technology. Students will divide their time between their home high school and the Public Safety Training Academy. The program is open to all MCPS students and Transportation is provided to students from all 25 high schools. During the program, students are expected to maintain 90 percent attendance and a minimum grade of 70 percent on all assessments. Students are required to complete a minimum of 393 hours of work-based learning and take the seven certification exams. The program culminates with the opportunity to receive college credit.
Justice, Law and Society
The Justice, Law, and Society program prepares students for further education and careers in law enforcement, legal services, and government and public administration. Students develop critical-thinking skills by solving real-world problems and analyzing public policy related to law, law enforcement, and government. Students use information technology to access, analyze, and evaluate legal research and produce legal documents. Students develop oral and written communication skills for use in presenting legal research and legal documents. Students demonstrate knowledge of the American legal system, including the study of diverse areas of law, causes of crime, and the role of law enforcement through case studies, interviews with industry representatives, and community-service projects. These courses are career education electives.
Law Enforcement and Leadership
The Law Enforcement and Leadership program prepares students for careers and/or further education in the fields of criminal justice, law enforcement, law, and public safety. The program includes 3 credits of academic coursework and a Capstone experience. Students develop critical-thinking skills and learn about principles, policies, and practices related to law enforcement and criminal justice. They learn traditional academic content while also participating in simulations, structured debates, and inquiry projects. Students develop oral and written communication skills in presenting criminal justice-related research. Through a combination of visiting experts and academic field trips, students learn from a variety of law enforcement and legal professionals real-life applications of course content. Students examine the criminal justice system--and potential careers within--at the local, state, and federal levels.
Junior Reserve Officers Training Corp (JROTC)
The Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program is a character and leadership-development program that is a cooperative effort between the U.S. Armed Forces and the high schools to produce successful students and citizens. MCPS offers programs associated with the Army and the Navy. The purpose of JROTC is to instill in U.S. students the values of citizenship, service to the United States, and personal responsibility and a sense of accomplishment.
