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.
Engineering Technology at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
5
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
South Carolina's Engineering Technology standards align with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Engineering standards and incorporate Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) engineering practices. State standards emphasize engineering design process, technical problem-solving, engineering graphics and CAD, engineering science and mathematics applications, manufacturing processes, and professional communication. The framework prepares students for engineering careers and rigorous postsecondary engineering education.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course | Code |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Engineering Design | ENG-101 |
| Principles of Engineering | ENG-201 |
| Civil Engineering and Architecture | ENG-301 |
| Engineering Design and Development | ENG-401 |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓NIMS Machining Level 1
- ✓AWS SENSE Entry Level Welder
- ✓AWS SENSE Advanced Welder
- ✓NOCTI Welding
- ✓OSHA 10-Hour General Industry
- ✓OSHA 30-Hour General Industry
- ✓Forklift Operator Certification
- ✓Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA)
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 Drafter
Entry LevelSalary range: $49,880 - $76,800
Adjusted for cost of living: $53,531
Manufacturing Engineer
ExperiencedSalary range: $81,160 - $115,330
Adjusted for cost of living: $106,064
Quality Engineer
ExperiencedSalary range: $94,240 - $144,520
Adjusted for cost of living: $126,615
Mechanical Engineer
ExperiencedSalary range: $82,470 - $126,560
Adjusted for cost of living: $113,071
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students participate in internships and job shadowing experiences with engineering firms, manufacturing companies, and design consultancies throughout South Carolina. Work-based learning includes collaborative projects with industry partners solving real engineering challenges, participation in engineering competitions including robotics and design challenges, and summer research experiences at universities or engineering companies.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in Technology Student Association (TSA), 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
Related Glossary Terms
CTE Pathways
CTE Pathways are structured sequences of courses within a Career Cluster that prepare students for a specific group of related occupations. Pathways combine academic and technical instruction, providing a clear roadmap from introductory courses through advanced, specialized training aligned with industry standards and postsecondary opportunities.
ProgrammaticStandards Alignment
Standards alignment in CTE refers to the process of ensuring that curriculum, instruction, and assessments directly connect to and address state-adopted CTE standards, academic standards, and industry-recognized competencies. Proper alignment ensures students develop the specific knowledge and skills their state requires for career readiness.
ProgrammaticProgram of Study
A Program of Study (POS) is a coordinated, non-duplicative sequence of academic and CTE courses that spans secondary through postsecondary education. Required under Perkins V, a POS integrates academic content with CTE instruction, includes work-based learning, and leads to an industry-recognized credential or postsecondary degree.
ProgrammaticCompetency-Based Education
Competency-Based Education (CBE) is an instructional approach where students advance by demonstrating mastery of specific knowledge and skills rather than by accumulating seat time. In CTE, CBE aligns naturally with industry expectations, as employers value demonstrated competency over time spent in training.
AssessmentReady to Build Engineering Technology Programs at Scale?
See how Sage can help you create standards-aligned curriculum for Engineering Technology in South Carolina.