Statewide Program of Study: Engineering Foundations — Page 1�

Revised–June 2024

Engineering Career Cluster

The Engineering career cluster focuses on planning, designing, testing, building, and maintaining of machines, structures, materials, systems, and processes using empirical evidence and science, technology, and math principles. This career cluster includes occupations ranging from mechanical engineer and drafter to electrical engineer and to 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 will design, test, and evaluate projects related to engines, machines, and structures. This program of study incudes applying scientific, mathematical, and empirical evidence to solve problems through innovation, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of different engineering systems.

Secondary Courses for High School Credit

Aligned Advanced Academic Courses

Students should be advised 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 towards concentrator/completer status for this program of study.

Work-Based Learning and Expanded Learning Opportunities

Aligned Industry-Based Certifications

• Autodesk Associate (Certified User) Fusion 360
• Autodesk Associate (Certified User) Inventor for Mechanical Design
• Engineering Technology Foundations

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Example Postsecondary Opportunities

Apprenticeships

• Industrial Engineering Technician Apprenticeship

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Associate Degrees

• Manufacturing Engineering Technology/ Technician
• Robotics Technology/Technician

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Bachelor’s Degrees

• Electrical and Electronics Engineering
• Engineering, General

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Master’s, Doctoral, and Professional Degrees

• Electrical and Electronics Engineering
• Engineering, General

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Additional Stackable IBCs/Licensures

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

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%

Engineering Foundations

Successful completion of the Engineering Foundations program of study will fulfill requirements of the Business and Industry endorsement or the STEM endorsement if the math and science requirements are met.

Data Source: TexasWages, Texas Workforce Commission. Retrieved 3/8/2024.

For more information visit: https://tea.texas.gov/academics/college-career-and-military-prep/career-and-technical-education/programs-of-study-additional-resources

Statewide Program of Study: Engineering Foundations — Page 2

Engineering Career Cluster

Statewide Program of Study: Engineering Foundations

Course Information

Level 1

* Indicates course is included in more than one program of study.

Engineering Foundations

For additional information on the Engineering career cluster, �contact cte@tea.texas.gov or visit https://tea.texas.gov/cte 

[LEA name] does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability in its programs or activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: [title], [address], [telephone number], [email]. Further nondiscrimination information can be found at Notification of Nondiscrimination in Career and Technical Education Programs.

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Level 2

Level 3

Statewide Program of Study: Engineering Foundations — Page 4

Engineering Career Cluster

Statewide Program of Study: Engineering Foundations

Course Information

Level 3

For additional information on the Engineering career cluster, �contact cte@tea.texas.gov or visit https://tea.texas.gov/cte 

Engineering Foundations

[LEA name] does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability in its programs or activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: [title], [address], [telephone number], [email]. Further nondiscrimination information can be found at Notification of Nondiscrimination in Career and Technical Education Programs.

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Level 4

* Indicates course is included in more than one program of study.