Business, Computer Science, & Library Media Department

The discipline of business and marketing education helps students develop the knowledge, skills and behaviors necessary to succeed in the workforce using the appropriate business and communication tools. These courses will help students develop skills in finance, information systems, entrepreneurship, marketing, management, and international trade. Computer science and programming education provides an opportunity for students to engage in real-world problem solving and computational thinking while experiencing the fundamentals of com-puting and developing programming expertise. The acquired skills provide a foundation for career and college readiness as well as prepare students for post-secondary study in a business cluster, computer science and programming. Technology and information literacy courses help students recognize the social implications of technology and develop the ability to identify the need for information, locate, evaluate, analyze and use it effectively. These courses will help students acquire the necessary skill set that is increasingly important in this “Information and Technology Age”.

Grades that are indicated in the course descriptions are to be used as guides. Grades do not impede a student from taking a course. Please speak with your school counselor about the appropriate course for your academic success.

BUSINESS EDUCATION COURSES

CAREER & FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT: Half year – ½ credit, Grades 9-12
The Career and Financial management course (CFM) is designed to equip students with essential life skills in both financial literacy and career planning. This course emphasizes practical knowledge that applies directly to real-world situations, empowering students to make informed decisions about their finances and future career pathways. Students will learn about budgeting, interest rates and loans, credit management, saving and investing, and making responsible financial decisions. The course also explores career exploration, goal setting, resume building, and job search strategies. In addition, key soft skills such as communication, teamwork, time management, task prioritization, and problem-solving are emphasized as vital tools for long-term career success.

MARKETING 1 - INTRODUCTION TO MARKETING: Half year – ½ credit, Grades 9-12
Introduction to marketing provides students with a comprehensive foundation in the core principles and functions of marketing. The course emphasizes both the theory and practical application of marketing strategies as they relate to products, services, and ideas. Key topics include marketing fundamentals, distribution channels, financing, market information management, pricing, selling, and promotion. Students will apply these concepts through case studies, group projects, and real-world examples, building a practical understanding of how marketing decisions influence business outcomes. By the end of the course, students will have a solid grasp of how the various marketing functions work together to support business success. This course also serves as a prerequisite for advanced marketing electives, including Sports and Entertainment Marketing, by providing the essential groundwork for more specialized study.

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT MARKETING: Half year – ½ credit, Grades 10-12
This course provides students with an in-depth understanding of how marketing principles are applied within the sports and entertainment industries. The course explores key areas such as market research, consumer behavior, branding, advertising, partnerships, and digital marketing as they relate to collegiate, professional, and amateur sports as well as the film, theater, and music industries. Students will learn how to develop effective strategies for marketing teams, films, concerts, and other entertainment events. Designed for students with a foundational knowledge of marketing, this course requires Marketing 1 as a prerequisite and builds on those concepts to prepare students for more specialized marketing opportunities.

INTRO TO BUSINESS LAW 1: Half year - ½ credit, Grades 11, 12
Intro to business law is a dual-enrollment course offered through a partnership between White Plains High School and Mercy University. This course provides students with a strong foundation in business law and its role within today’s legal and business environments. Students will explore essential legal concepts that affect both individuals and businesses, including contracts, sales, ethics, dispute resolution, and the legal structures of business organizations. The course also introduces students to the court system, various methods of resolving legal disputes, and the roles of legal professionals. By the end of the term, students will have a comprehensive understanding of how laws influence business operations, decision-making, and consumer protection. Students who pay the discounted fee to Mercy University will earn college credit and receive an official Mercy University transcript. This course will receive honors weighting.

ACCOUNTING 1: Half year – ½ credit, Grades 10-12
Accounting 1 is an introductory course designed to build foundational skills in bookkeeping and accounting. Students will learn how to record journal entries to document financial transactions, update and maintain ledger accounts to track business activities, and prepare essential financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. The course will also focus on analyzing these statements to assess a business's financial health and making projections for future business planning. Practical experience with accounting software will be provided to help students complete accounting tasks efficiently. By the end of the course, students will have a solid understanding of key accounting principles and hands-on skills for real-world business applications.

INCUBATOR EDU ENTREPRENEURSHIP & ENTERPRISE: Full year— 1 credit, Grades 11, 12
Incubator EDU provides students with an authentic, hands-on entrepreneurship experience. In this course, students have the opportunity to create and fully develop their own products or services while receiving guidance from real-world entrepreneurs and business experts who serve as volunteer coaches and mentors. Throughout the year, student teams engage in ideation, market research, and business plan development, while gaining practical knowledge in marketing, accounting, and the legal aspects of starting a business. Students also have access to a professional network that supports the development of essential skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, presentation, and communication, preparing them for both college and future careers.

ACCELERATOR EDU ENTREPRENEURSHIP & ENTERPRISE: Full year — 1 credit, Grades 12
As a complement to Incubator EDU course, Accelerator EDU transitions businesses founded in Incubator EDU into suitable functioning ventures. Students, with support from mentors and coaches, work on establishing a legal entity and develop three major areas: customer acquisition, production and business processes as it suits their business. The course models a real life accelerator. Students develop further skills in major content areas, including personal and professional time and project management, goal setting, growing a customer pipeline, banking and finances, customers and sales, legal and business regulations, marketing, solution development, creating contracts, develop operating systems and feature testing, staffing, and technology planning. Students leave the course having gained traction in the marketplace to launch their businesses successfully. This course requires Incubator EDU Entrepreneurship and Enterprise as a prerequisite.

AP BUSINESS AND PERSONAL FINANCE: Full year— 1 credit, Grades 11, 12
AP business and personal finance is a college level course that combines business fundamentals with personal finance to prepare students for real world success. Students explore entrepreneurship, marketing, accounting, finance, and management through project-based learning, case studies, and practical applications. They also study personal finance topics such as budgeting, investing, credit, and long-term financial planning. Throughout the year, students complete hands-on projects to apply their knowledge in real world business and financial scenarios. Successful completion of the course and exam may earn college credit.

COMPUTER SCIENCE & PROGRAMMING COURSES

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE: Half year—½ credit, Grades 9-12
This introductory course offers a broad exploration of the world of computing and its impact on society. Students will develop foundational "computational thinking" skills, learn how to break down complex problems, and design algorithmic solutions. The curriculum covers a variety of topics including basic programming logic, hardware and software fundamentals, and the ethics of digital citizenship. Using Python, Java, or JavaScript, students will learn about variables, loops, functions, and data structures while building their own interactive programs. Beyond code, the course emphasizes the software development process, including debugging and logic design. Through hands-on projects, students will move from being mere consumers of technology to becoming creators. This course is designed for students with no prior coding experience and serves as a gateway to more advanced computer science electives.

COMPUTER SCIENCE ESSENTIALS: Full year— 1 credit, Grades 9-12
Essentials (CSE) is the first course in the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Computer Science strand. Students experience major topics, big ideas, and computational thinking practices used by computing professionals to solve problems and create value for others. This comprehensive course introduces students to the core logic and technical skills required for advanced computer science study. Students will master fundamental coding constructs—including variables, loops, conditionals, and functions—as they move from visual programming environments to professional syntax in Python. Beyond coding, the course explores the "essentials" of the field: how the internet works, the basics of data science, and how to secure digital information. Through rigorous problem-solving challenges and modeling simulations, students will build the stamina and analytical skills necessary for success in STEM fields. Computer Science Essentials helps students create a strong foundation to advance to AP Computer Science Principles and AP Cybersecurity.

INTRO TO ROBOTICS 1: Half year—½ credit, Grades 9-12
Based on the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy curriculum and using REV Edu Kits, this project-based course focuses on the fundamental concepts of robotics including basic programming principals, construction, mechanical design, sensors, actuators and controllers. Students are introduced to the role of robotics in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare and exploration. By the end of the course students will understand the relationships between mechanical, electrical and software components in a robot, develop basic programming skills to control robot behavior and collaborate effectively in teams to complete section and final projects.

AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES: Full year—1 credit, Grades 10-12
In this course students experience advanced computer science functions, including problem solving, working with data, understanding the Internet, cybersecurity, and programming. Using Python and Java Script as primary tools, students develop advanced projects to solve real world problems. This course incorporates multiple platforms and languages for computations. Students develop programming expertise and explore the workings of the Internet. The students will be involved in app development, visualization of data, cybersecurity, and simulation. Students take the AP Computer Science Exam. Successful completion of the course and exam may earn college credit.

AP CYBERSECURITY: Full year— 1 credit, Grades 11, 12
Students are introduced to the board field of cybersecurity. They explore specific vulnerabilities, attacks, mitigations, and detection measures across a variety of domains including physical spaces, computer networks, devices, data, and applications. Throughout the course, students consider the impact of cybersecurity on individuals, organizations, societies, and governments. Students hone their skills via a training simu-lation platform with real world threat scenarios and cyberattacks. Successful completion of the course and exam may earn college credit.

INFORMATION LITERACY COURSES

TECHNOLOGY, RESEARCH & SOCIAL MEDIA: Half year – ½ credit, Grades 9-12
This course focuses on technology and information literacy skills while using social media & research tools through project-based instruction. Some of the hands-on projects may include, but are not limited to creation of videos, podcasts, 3D images and public service announcements (PSA). Students will develop comprehensive understanding of Microsoft applications, online resources and databases, and new cloud-based and social media applications. Students will also develop methods on identifying and critically analyzing the misinformation imbedded in fake news on social media and on websites. This course is a great foundation for future technology and research classes, as well as college and careers. It also provides support for students to complete projects assigned in their academic classes. Designed for students who have not taken Computer Science Discoveries in middle school or want to develop additional technology and information literacy skills.