Civil Engineering and Architecture in South Carolina
South Carolina's Civil Engineering pathway develops professionals for infrastructure and construction design. The state's development, transportation, and infrastructure projects create demand for civil professionals.
Students study structural systems, design principles, surveying, CAD, and building information modeling. They work on design projects and visit active construction sites.
Graduates work as civil engineers, design technicians, project coordinators, or land surveyors. Employment opportunities exist with engineering firms, construction companies, government agencies, and utilities throughout South Carolina.
Civil Engineering and Architecture at a Glance
3
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
South Carolina civil engineering standards cover structural systems, design principles, CAD/BIM, surveying, and project management. Standards include sustainability and green infrastructure.
Students complete design projects, CAD drawings, and infrastructure analysis. State standards emphasize engineering ethics and public safety.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Civil Engineering 1 |
| Civil Engineering 2 |
| Architecture and Design |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA)
- ✓Autodesk Certified User - Inventor
- ✓Autodesk Certified User - AutoCAD
- ✓Unity Certified User - Programmer
- ✓CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+)
- ✓Microsoft Office Specialist - Excel
- ✓IC3 Digital Literacy Certification
- ✓NOCTI Engineering Technology
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Design Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $42,860 - $65,490
Adjusted for cost of living: $45,997
Civil Engineer
ExperiencedSalary range: $77,760 - $128,290
Adjusted for cost of living: $106,976
Project Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $69,460 - $122,890
Adjusted for cost of living: $97,671
Construction Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $84,390 - $133,200
Adjusted for cost of living: $111,655
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students intern with engineering firms, construction companies, government agencies, and surveying companies throughout South Carolina.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in SkillsUSA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps South Carolina CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
South Carolina Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with South Carolina's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as South Carolina standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in South Carolina
Architecture and Construction
South Carolina's Architecture and Construction pathway prepares students for careers in the state's thriving construction industry. This comprehensive program covers residential and commercial construction, carpentry, masonry, electrical systems, plumbing, and construction management. With South Carolina experiencing significant population growth and ongoing infrastructure development, the construction industry provides abundant career opportunities throughout the state. The pathway emphasizes both traditional construction crafts and modern building technologies including green building practices, building information modeling (BIM), and sustainable construction methods. Students gain hands-on experience through construction laboratory projects, actual building construction, and partnerships with local construction companies and contractors. The curriculum integrates safety training, blueprint reading, building codes, and construction mathematics essential for success in the trades. South Carolina's Construction Technology programs often involve students in community service projects, building real structures such as sheds, playhouses, or tiny homes that demonstrate mastery of construction skills while serving community needs. Graduates are prepared for immediate employment as apprentice tradespeople, continuation to construction management programs, or establishment of their own contracting businesses.
ConstructionEngineering Technology
South Carolina's Engineering Technology pathway prepares students for careers in engineering design, manufacturing engineering, and technical problem-solving across diverse industries. This rigorous STEM program, often delivered through Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Engineering curriculum, develops engineering thinking, design skills, and technical abilities essential for engineering careers. With South Carolina's strong manufacturing and engineering sectors, engineering professionals are in high demand throughout the state. The pathway progresses through engineering foundations, principles of engineering, and specialized engineering courses in areas such as digital electronics, civil engineering and architecture, aerospace engineering, or engineering design and development. Students engage in hands-on design challenges, use industry-standard engineering software including CAD and simulation tools, and apply mathematics and science concepts to solve authentic engineering problems. The curriculum emphasizes the engineering design process, technical documentation, and teamwork skills essential for professional engineering practice. South Carolina's Engineering Technology pathway prepares students for engineering technician careers immediately after high school, provides exceptional preparation for engineering degree programs, or supports entrepreneurial pursuits in product design and manufacturing. Graduates develop analytical thinking, creativity, and technical skills valuable across STEM careers and beyond.
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