Skip to main content

High School Center Programs ⟶ Program Themes ⟶ Engineering

Engineering

The vision of the Engineering regional program is to empower future innovators through a rigorous, interdisciplinary education. Students are challenged to explore real‑world problems, engage in cutting‑edge research, and design solutions that shape the future through collaboration. Through a focused, experiential curriculum, students develop the technical knowledge and problem‑solving skills needed to lead in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.

 

Core Experiences

  • Earn Autodesk Certified User credentials in AutoCAD, Revit, or Fusion 360
  • Connect with industry professionals, university faculty, and industry mentors
  • Participate in competitions and student organizations
  • Earn college credit

 

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 opportunities for internships, mentorships, and partnerships with local businesses, and higher education institutions, and engineering organizations to enhance 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 also has criteria-based application with the requirement of completing Algebra 1 or 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 the programs are developed.

Pathway 1: Interest-based application (all sites)

Grades 6–8 Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12

Career Advising

 

Completion of Algebra 1 by end of grade 8

Summer Enrichment & Preparation

Introduction to Engineering Design (Technology Credit)

Engineering 1*

Engineering 2 (Aerospace or Civil Engineering or Digital Electronics)*

Engineering 3*

Honors Biology

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 (Physical Education, Fine Art or Health)
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.

 

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

Grades 6–8 Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12

Career Advising

Summer Enrichment & Preparation

Introduction to Engineering Design (Technology Credit)

Engineering 2 (Digital Electronics)*

Engineering 2 (Aerospace or Civil Engineering)*

Engineering 3*

Engineering 1*

Honors Chemistry

AP Chemistry

AP Physics C or AP Biology

AP Physics 1

Honors Biology

 Elective (Physical Education, Fine Art or Health) Elective (Physical Education, Fine Art 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 (Physical Education, Fine Art 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 mustcomplete the following to remain enrolled in the Engineering Program and earn the related certificate:

Pathway 1: Interest-based application (all sites)

  • Introduction to Engineering Design (If taken in middle school, students will take two engineering electives below)
  • Engineering 1 & 2
  • Engineering 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)
    • Introduction to Engineering Design (If taken in middle school, students will take both enfineering electives below)
    • 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