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High School Center Programs ⟶ Program Themes ⟶ Engineering

Engineering

Dream it. Design it. Build it. In the Engineering program, you’ll turn raw imagination into real-world innovation! Join a crew of makers and problem-solvers using science, math, and cutting-edge tech to re-engineer the world around us. Through team design challenges and epic hands-on building, you’ll unlock the ultimate skill set to conquer tomorrow’s biggest challenges.

 

Core Experiences

  • Design, build, and present your own working prototypes
  • Earn college credit and gain hands-on, career-connected learning experiences
  • Team up with university professors, research organizations, and working engineers
  • Showcase your designs in regional and/or national STEM competitions
  • Earn Autodesk Certified User credentials in AutoCAD, Revit, or Fusion 360

 

Program Goals

  1. Develop Foundational Knowledge and Skills
    Equip students with a strong academic and technical foundation in engineering principles, mathematics, and applied sciences through rigorous, standards-based coursework. Emphasize the development of analytical thinking, innovation, collaboration, and problem-solving skills essential for success in engineering and related fields.
  2. Provide Hands-On, Real-World Experience
    Engage students in project-based and experiential learning through engineering labs, robotics, and independent or team-based projects. Offer career-connected learning opportunities and partnerships with local businesses, higher education institutions, and engineering organizations to build technical proficiency and career readiness.
  3. Foster Career and College, Career and/or Community Pathways
    Support students in exploring and pursuing postsecondary education and careers in engineering, architecture, and advanced technology fields through a structured College Preparatory pathway.

 

Application & Locations

Selection Process: Interest-based application for all sites.  Wheaton HS also offers a criteria-based application requiring completion of Algebra 1 or a higher-level math class by the end of Grade 8.

Schools:

  • Southern Region: Bethesda-Chevy Chase
  • Eastern Region: Sherwood
  • Central South Region: Wheaton
  • Central Region: Rockville
  • Central North Region: Magruder
  • Northern Region: Poolesville

Course Progression

Below is a sample sequence of courses for students enrolled in the Engineering Program. Cells in blue are related to the program pathway. This is subject to change as programs are developed.

Pathway 1: Interest-based application (all sites)

Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12

Introduction to Engineering Design (Technology credit)**

Engineering 1 A/B*

Engineering 2
Aerospace Engineering A/B  or
Civil Engineering A/B  or
Digital Electronics A/B*

Engineering 3 A/B*

Honors Biology with Engineering Applications

Honors or AP Physics 1

Honors Chemistry

Advanced/AP Science  or
Engineering Elective  or
Career-Connected Learning/Employer-Driven Capstone  or
Dual Enrollment
Elective (Physical Education, Fine Art or Health)

Applied STEM Center Lab

Computer Science Elective (Python or Java, can be taken any year)

 Elective (Physical Education, Fine Art or Health)
U.S. History NSL Government World History Elective
World Language* World Language* World Language or General Elective World Language or General Elective
English English English English
Integrated Algebra I or higher Integrated Algebra II or higher Pre-Calculus or higher Calculus (Calc with Applications, or AP Calculus)

*Part of the MCPS graduation requirements includes either 2 credits in a world language or completion of a state-approved Career and Technical Education (CTE) program of study along with a minimum of 0.5 elective credit or more depending on the program of study. Engineering 1, 2, and 3 are part of the state-approved CTE program of study in Engineering. Students who plan to attend a four-year college or university after high school are encouraged to take world language courses to meet admission requirements and strengthen their college applications.

**Pending implementation plans for the Engineering CTE POS, Introduction to Engineering Design may be replaced with an alternative Engineering focused course in this sequence.

 

Pathway 2: Criteria-based application (Wheaton site only)

Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12

Engineering 1 A/B*

Engineering 2 (Digital Electronics A/B)*

Engineering 2 (Aerospace or Civil Engineering A/B)*

Engineering 3 A/B*

Introduction to Engineering Design (Technology credit)

Honors Chemistry

AP Chemistry

AP Physics C  or
AP Biology

AP Physics 1

Honors Biology

 Elective (PE or Fine Arts or Health) Elective (PE or Fine Arts or Health)

Center Precalculus A/B

Center Precalculus C/D

AP Calculus (AB or BC)

Math Elective
World Language* World Language* World Language or Elective World Language or Elective
English English English English
AP or Honors US History AP or Honors US Government (NSL) AP or Honors World History Elective (PE or Fine Arts or Health)
*Part of the MCPS graduation requirements includes either 2 credits in a world language or completion of a state-approved Career and Technical Education (CTE) program of study along with a minimum of 0.5 elective credit or more depending on the program of study. Engineering 1, 2, and 3 are part of the state-approved CTE program of study in Engineering. Students who plan to attend a four-year college or university after high school are encouraged to take world language courses to meet admission requirements and strengthen their college applications.

Program Requirements

In addition to MCPS requirements for graduation, students must complete the following to remain enrolled in the Engineering Program and earn the related certificate:

Pathway 1: Interest-based application (all sites)

  • Engineering 1, 2 & 3
  • 1 Credit in Computer Programming (Python or Java)
  • 1 Credit in Calculus (Calculus with Applications or Higher)
  • 1 Credit in advanced science/engineering course or career-connected learning option

Pathway 2: Criteria-based application (Wheaton site only)

  • Engineering (5 credits)
    • 1 Credit in computer science (AP CS Principles with Python or AP CS A Java)
    • Engineering 1
    • Engineering 2 - Digital Electronics
    • 1 credit from the following two courses
      • Engineering 2 - Aerospace Engineering
      • Engineering 2 - Civil Engineering
    • Engineering 3
  • Science (5 credits)
    • AP Physics 1
    • Honors Chemistry
    • Honors Biology
    • AP Chemistry
    • 1 credit from the following two courses
      • AP Physics C
      • AP Biology
  • Math (4 credits)
    • Completion through AP Calculus
    • 1 credit of Math electives each year after completing calculus