STEM Pathway in West Virginia
West Virginia's STEM Pathway provides comprehensive science and technology education for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Strong STEM skills support advancement in virtually all technical fields.
Students learn scientific method, data analysis, technology applications, and mathematical modeling. Projects integrate multiple STEM disciplines with real-world applications.
Graduates pursue STEM careers in engineering, technology, healthcare, and science fields. Many continue to four-year STEM programs at universities. Internships support readiness for advanced positions.
STEM Pathway at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
West Virginia's STEM standards emphasize integrated STEM learning and problem-solving. The framework covers science, technology, engineering, and mathematics across multiple disciplines.
Curriculum integrates biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and mathematics with technology applications. Assessment includes science projects, engineering design challenges, and data analysis demonstrations.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| STEM Foundations and Scientific Method |
| Integrated Biology and Chemistry |
| Physics and Engineering Applications |
| Advanced STEM Research and Innovation |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓OSHA 10-Hour General Industry
- ✓FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
- ✓TRUST (Recreational UAS Safety Test)
- ✓Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA)
- ✓Autodesk Certified User - Inventor
- ✓Autodesk Certified User - AutoCAD
- ✓Unity Certified User - Programmer
- ✓CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+)
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.
STEM Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $36,350 - $59,720
Adjusted for cost of living: $40,492
Research Scientist
ExperiencedSalary range: $107,240 - $228,820
Adjusted for cost of living: $190,208
STEM Engineer
ExperiencedSalary range: $76,330 - $139,170
Adjusted for cost of living: $115,183
Research Director
ExperiencedSalary range: $57,650 - $123,630
Adjusted for cost of living: $89,662
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students intern at research institutions, technology companies, manufacturing firms, and WVU/Marshall STEM departments throughout West Virginia.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in SkillsUSA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps West Virginia CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
West Virginia Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with West Virginia's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as West Virginia standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in West Virginia
Engineering Technology
West Virginia's Engineering Technology pathway develops applied engineering and technical skills. The state's manufacturing and infrastructure sectors need skilled engineering technologists. Students learn CAD, technical drawing, manufacturing processes, and equipment operation. Hands-on projects include designing and manufacturing components. Graduates work as engineering technicians, technical support specialists, or manufacturing engineers. Many continue to four-year engineering technology programs. Some pursue apprenticeships leading to professional engineering credentials.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics)Pre-Engineering and Project Lead the Way
West Virginia's Pre-Engineering pathway provides rigorous STEM preparation for engineering careers and further education. Strong engineering programs at WVU and Marshall support pathway success. Students learn engineering design, computer-aided design (CAD), physics, and problem-solving. Projects use Project Lead the Way (PLTW) curriculum with real-world engineering challenges. Graduates pursue engineering degrees at WVU, Marshall, or other universities. Advanced students may enter engineering apprenticeships or technician roles. STEM knowledge prepares students for diverse technical careers.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics)Software Development
West Virginia's Software Development pathway develops programming and application development skills. Strong demand for software developers and growing remote work opportunities support career growth. Students learn programming languages (Python, JavaScript, C++), software design, databases, and version control. Hands-on projects include developing functional applications. Graduates work as software developers, junior programmers, or application developers. Many continue to computer science programs at WVU or Marshall. Advanced skills and portfolio projects support remote work opportunities.
Information TechnologyReady to Build STEM Pathway Programs at Scale?
See how Sage can help you create standards-aligned curriculum for STEM Pathway in West Virginia.