Tennessee's STEM Applications pathway bridges academic science and engineering disciplines with real-world manufacturing and technology challenges. This interdisciplinary pathway develops problem-solving, systems thinking, and technical communication skills essential for advanced manufacturing careers.
Students apply mathematics, physics, chemistry, and engineering principles to design and build functioning systems. Projects include designing mechanisms, optimizing material properties, programming control systems, and analyzing data from real manufacturing processes.
Graduates pursue careers in engineering, quality management, research and development, or technical consulting. Many continue to Tennessee universities' engineering programs (Vanderbilt, UT Knoxville, Memphis, MTSU) with strong foundational knowledge. Others enter manufacturing roles with a systems-thinking advantage.
STEM Applications at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Tennessee's STEM Applications standards emphasize engineering design thinking, systems analysis, and hands-on problem-solving. The state aligns with Next Generation Science Standards and partners with universities for curriculum development.
Assessment includes project-based learning, portfolio development, and participation in STEM competitions. Students document design processes, justify engineering decisions, and communicate findings to stakeholders.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| STEM Foundations |
| STEM Applications I |
| STEM Applications II |
| STEM Capstone |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓NOCTI Welding
- ✓OSHA 10-Hour General Industry
- ✓OSHA 30-Hour General Industry
- ✓Forklift Operator Certification
- ✓Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA)
- ✓Autodesk Certified User - Inventor
- ✓MSSC Certified Production Technician (CPT)
- ✓MSSC Certified Logistics Associate (CLA)
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.
Quality Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $38,410 - $57,340
Adjusted for cost of living: $41,515
Process Engineer
ExperiencedSalary range: $72,320 - $131,780
Adjusted for cost of living: $105,912
Research & Development Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $38,410 - $57,340
Adjusted for cost of living: $41,515
Manufacturing Engineer
ExperiencedSalary range: $79,740 - $116,230
Adjusted for cost of living: $106,172
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students work on real manufacturing challenges through partnerships with local companies and university research initiatives.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in DECA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Tennessee CTE Programs
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Tennessee Standards Built In
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Teacher Customization
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Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Tennessee standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in Tennessee
STEM
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.
STEMMechatronics
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 ManufacturingPrecision Machining / Machining Technology
Tennessee's Precision Machining pathway prepares students for careers in advanced manufacturing, a sector increasingly critical to the state's economy with major facilities in Nashville, Knoxville, and the Tri-Cities region. Students develop expertise in CNC programming, machine tool operation, precision measurement, and quality control—skills essential for aerospace, automotive, and industrial equipment manufacturing. Hands-on laboratory work emphasizes computer-aided design (CAD), programming, and operation of modern machining centers and turning equipment. Students work with precision instruments and learn to read technical drawings, calculate tolerances, and troubleshoot equipment issues. Graduates secure employment as CNC machinists, tool and die makers, quality inspectors, or manufacturing technicians with leading employers such as Nissan (Smyrna), General Motors (Spring Hill), and regional aerospace suppliers. Many advance to supervisory roles or continue education in engineering technology programs at Tennessee universities.
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