Engineering Career Cluster

Revised June 2024

The Engineering career cluster focuses on planning, designing, testing, building, and maintaining machines, structures, materials, systems, and processes using empirical evidence, science, technology, and math principles. This career cluster includes occupations ranging from mechanical engineer and drafter to electrical engineer and mapping technician.

Statewide Program of Study: Engineering Foundations

The Engineering Foundations program of study focuses on occupational and educational opportunities associated with a wide range of skills applied in the engineering industry. Students design, test, and evaluate projects related to engines, machines, and structures. This program includes applying scientific, mathematical, and empirical evidence to solve problems through innovation, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of engineering systems.

Secondary Courses for High School Credit

• Level 1:
  • Principles of Applied Engineering
  • Introduction to Computer-Aided Design and Drafting
• Level 2: Intermediate Computer-Aided Design and Drafting
• Level 3: Engineering Science
• Level 4: Engineering Design and Problem Solving

Aligned Advanced Academic Courses

• AP:
  • AP Calculus AB
  • AP Computer Science A
  • AP Physics 1
  • AP Statistics

Students should consult a counselor to consider these course opportunities to enrich their preparation. AP or IB courses not listed under the Secondary Courses for High School Credit section of this framework document do not count toward concentrator or completer status for this program of study.

Work-Based Learning and Expanded Learning Opportunities

Work-Based Learning Activities

• Intern at an engineering, robotics, or aerospace company
• Visit an engineering firm and shadow multiple types of engineers

Expanded Learning Opportunities

• Participate in SkillsUSA or TSA
• Join a local engineering association and attend meetings

Example Postsecondary Opportunities

Apprenticeships

• Industrial Engineering Technician Apprenticeship

Associate Degrees

• Manufacturing Engineering Technology/Technician
• Robotics Technology/Technician

Bachelor’s Degrees

• Electrical and Electronics Engineering
• Engineering, General

Master’s, Doctoral, and Professional Degrees

• Electrical and Electronics Engineering
• Engineering, General

Additional Stackable Licenses/Certifications

• Professional Engineer (PE License)
• Engineer in Training (EIT) Certification

Example Aligned Occupations

Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians

• Median Wage: $61,138
• Annual Openings: 765
• 10-Year Growth: 11%

Aerospace Engineers

• Median Wage: $115,694
• Annual Openings: 483
• 10-Year Growth: 18%

Mechanical Engineers

• Median Wage: $99,937
• Annual Openings: 1,755
• 10-Year Growth: 19%

Aligned Industry-Based Certifications Offered in LCISD

• Autodesk Associate Certification in AutoCAD
• Autodesk Associate Certification in Fusion 360
• Autodesk Associate Certification in 3ds Max
• Autodesk Associate Certification in Revit Architecture

Additional Information

Successful completion of the Engineering Foundations program of study fulfills requirements of the Business and Industry endorsement or the STEM endorsement.

Data Source: TexasWages, Texas Workforce Commission (Retrieved March 8, 2024)

https://tea.texas.gov/academics/college-career-and-military-prep/career-and-technical-education/programs-of-study