Tennessee's STEM pathway with engineering focus prepares students for careers in engineering design, manufacturing engineering, research and development, and technical problem-solving across diverse industries. This rigorous program, often delivered through Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Engineering curriculum, develops engineering thinking, design skills, mathematics and science applications, and technical abilities essential for STEM careers. With Tennessee's strong engineering and manufacturing 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, computer-integrated manufacturing, or engineering design and development. Students engage in hands-on design challenges, use industry-standard engineering software including CAD and simulation tools, and apply STEM concepts to solve authentic engineering problems. The curriculum emphasizes the engineering design process, technical documentation, teamwork, and professional communication skills essential for engineering careers.
Tennessee's STEM/Engineering pathway prepares students for engineering technician careers immediately after high school, provides exceptional preparation for engineering degree programs at Tennessee universities, or supports entrepreneurial pursuits in product design and manufacturing. Strong industry partnerships throughout Tennessee provide work-based learning experiences, mentorship, and employment pathways. Graduates develop analytical thinking, creativity, and technical skills valuable across STEM careers and beyond.
STEM at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
5
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Tennessee's STEM pathway 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, applied mathematics and physics, manufacturing processes, robotics and automation, and professional engineering communication. The framework prepares students for engineering careers and rigorous postsecondary engineering education at Tennessee universities including University of Tennessee, Tennessee Tech, and other engineering schools.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course | Code |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Engineering Design | C13030 |
| Principles of Engineering | C13031 |
| Engineering Specialization Course (varies) | C13032 |
| Engineering Design and Development | C13033 |
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.
Engineering Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $52,650 - $65,260
Adjusted for cost of living: $56,907
CAD Drafter/Designer
Entry LevelSalary range: $50,540 - $78,820
Adjusted for cost of living: $54,626
Manufacturing Engineer
ExperiencedSalary range: $79,740 - $116,230
Adjusted for cost of living: $106,172
Quality Engineer
ExperiencedSalary range: $72,320 - $131,780
Adjusted for cost of living: $105,912
Mechanical Engineer
ExperiencedSalary range: $77,340 - $126,400
Adjusted for cost of living: $107,361
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students participate in internships and job shadowing experiences with engineering firms, manufacturing companies, and design consultancies throughout Tennessee. Work-based learning includes collaborative projects with industry partners solving real engineering challenges, participation in engineering competitions including robotics and design competitions, summer research experiences at Tennessee universities or engineering companies, and mentorship from professional engineers. Many programs partner with Tennessee manufacturers and engineering firms for authentic project-based learning.
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 Tennessee CTE Programs
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Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Tennessee standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in Tennessee
Advanced Manufacturing
Tennessee's Advanced Manufacturing pathway prepares students for careers in modern manufacturing that combines traditional machining with advanced technologies including automation, robotics, computer numerical control (CNC), and additive manufacturing. As one of Tennessee's largest employment sectors, manufacturing provides substantial career opportunities throughout the state, from automotive production in Middle Tennessee to advanced materials manufacturing in East Tennessee. The pathway emphasizes both fundamental manufacturing skills and emerging industry technologies. Students gain hands-on experience with precision measurement, machine operations, quality control procedures, manufacturing safety protocols, and computer-aided manufacturing systems. The curriculum integrates STEM concepts with practical manufacturing skills, preparing students for industry certifications recognized by Tennessee's manufacturing employers. Tennessee's Advanced Manufacturing pathway benefits from the state's robust manufacturing sector including automotive assembly, aerospace components, chemical production, and advanced materials. Strong industry partnerships provide students with authentic manufacturing experiences, apprenticeship opportunities, and direct employment pathways. Graduates are prepared for immediate employment as manufacturing technicians, pursuit of advanced manufacturing certifications, or continuation to manufacturing engineering technology degree programs.
Advanced ManufacturingComputer Science
Tennessee's Computer Science pathway prepares students for careers in software development, web programming, mobile app development, and technology innovation. This comprehensive program provides rigorous training in computational thinking, programming languages, algorithm development, and software engineering practices. With Tennessee's growing technology sector—particularly in Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, and the emerging tech corridors—computer science skills are increasingly valuable across all industries. The pathway emphasizes both foundational computer science concepts and practical application development. Students learn multiple programming languages including Python, Java, JavaScript, and SQL while developing problem-solving abilities and logical thinking skills essential for software development. The curriculum integrates contemporary practices including agile development methodologies, version control systems, collaborative coding, and software testing that reflect professional development environments. Tennessee's Computer Science pathway prepares students for immediate employment as junior developers or IT professionals, pursuit of advanced computing certifications, or continuation to four-year computer science degree programs. The state's technology industry partnerships provide authentic learning experiences and employment pathways. Graduates develop computational thinking and technical skills applicable across STEM careers and the modern digital economy.
Information TechnologyMechatronics
Tennessee's Mechatronics pathway combines mechanical, electrical, and computer science skills for careers at the intersection of automation and manufacturing. As factories increasingly employ robotics and automated systems, skilled mechatronics technicians are in high demand across the state. Students learn to design, build, program, and troubleshoot automated systems combining motors, sensors, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and computer interfaces. Projects include building robotic systems, programming motion sequences, and diagnosing integrated mechanical-electrical failures. Graduates work as automation technicians, robotics maintenance specialists, control system programmers, or process engineers with manufacturers, automotive suppliers, and technology companies. Salaries range from $42,000 entry-level to $70,000+ for experienced technicians.
Advanced ManufacturingRelated 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.
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