Core Engineering in South Carolina
South Carolina's Core Engineering pathway develops foundational engineering skills for all students. Clemson University partnerships enhance curriculum rigor and university articulation.
Students study engineering design, problem-solving, CAD, basic physics, and project management. They work on real engineering challenges and design competitions.
Graduates pursue advanced engineering programs at Clemson, USC, and other universities, or work as engineering technicians. Employment opportunities exist with engineering firms, manufacturers, and technology companies throughout South Carolina.
Core Engineering at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
South Carolina core engineering standards cover engineering design process, CAD, physics, problem-solving, and teamwork. Standards include STEM competencies and engineering thinking.
Students complete design projects, CAD drawings, and engineering challenges. State standards emphasize design documentation and presentation skills.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Core Engineering 1 |
| Core Engineering 2 |
| Core Engineering 3 |
| Core Engineering 4 |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓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
- ✓OSHA 10-Hour General Industry
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.
Engineering Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $60,770 - $80,000
Adjusted for cost of living: $65,218
CAD Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $49,880 - $76,800
Adjusted for cost of living: $53,531
Design Engineer
ExperiencedSalary range: $42,860 - $65,490
Adjusted for cost of living: $60,292
Project Engineer
ExperiencedSalary range: $94,240 - $144,520
Adjusted for cost of living: $126,615
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students work with engineering firms, manufacturers, and technology 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
Aerospace Technology
South Carolina's Aerospace Technology pathway prepares students for careers in aerospace and aviation. The state's aerospace manufacturing and aviation sectors, including Boeing and related suppliers, create opportunities. Students study aircraft systems, aerospace materials, aerodynamics, and aircraft maintenance. They work on aircraft systems and engage with aerospace professionals. Graduates work as aircraft maintenance technicians, aerospace engineers, or avionics technicians. Employment opportunities exist with aerospace manufacturers, aircraft maintenance facilities, and aviation companies throughout South Carolina.
Science, Technology, Engineering & MathematicsCivil Engineering and Architecture
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.
Science, Technology, Engineering & MathematicsEngineering 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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See how Sage can help you create standards-aligned curriculum for Core Engineering in South Carolina.