CTE Pathways: Engineering & Architecture

Mathematically and creatively inclined? A career in engineering or architecture may be just the ticket. Students will discover the careers available to them when continuing down these pathways and become career-ready for whichever option calls to them. Problem-solvers may especially enjoy the careers that await.

Engineering Pathway

In our Engineering Design pathway, students will build a foundation of engineering and architectural knowledge. In their third year along the pathway, students will have the opportunity to take a deeper dive either into aerospace engineering or civil engineering and architecture before coming back together for their capstone course.

Courses

YEAR 1: Honors Engineering I

Course Description

This course is a Concentrator course that provides students with the foundational skills in science, technology, engineering, and design concepts in preparation for a career in engineering or engineering technology. After an introduction to the basics of Design Thinking, students explore broad areas of engineering disciplines, including Design Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering. Students end the year developing a solution to a real world problem and share their work publicly in a showcase event.

This course meets the University of California D-Science (engineering) requirements. This course also receives UC Honors credit.

YEAR 2: Honors Engineering Capstone

Course Description

Students will take their next steps to be career ready by learning about energy and power transfers, materials and structures, control systems and kinematics. Throughout the course, students will make calculations, conduct testing and come up with solutions to design problems.

For More Information

Contact:

Frank Menjivar, CTE Teacher
fmenjivar@dusd.net

Outcomes

Students who complete Honors Engineering I will take an exam to receive a Certification. The certification will be determined in Spring 2026.

Mechatronic Pathway

This one-course pathway provides students with a hands-on environment to work with technological systems. Students will dive into the engineering process, solving system problems with creative solutions. The pathway sets students up for success as they continue down the career path via academic, vocational or technical courses.

Courses

YEAR 1: Honors Mechatronics I

Course Description

Honors Mechatronics I is an advanced level course covering topics in mechanical engineering, control theory, computer science, and electrical engineering. The focus for the fall and winter semesters will be on robotics, with students engaged in the practice of designing, building, testing, and tweaking. All students will be expected to participate in team activities during class time (and are encouraged to do so outside of class time). Approximately 50% of class time in the fall semester will be used for robotics team group work, with the other 50% of class time used for individual projects. The focus for spring semester will be electronics, culminating with a final project where students will be expected to build a smart device that solves a problem by coupling sensor input with some kind of electronic or physical action.

This course meets the University of California D-Science (engineering) requirements. This course also receives UC Honors credit.

YEAR 2: Honors Mechatronics Capstone

Course Description

Honors Mechatronics Capstone integrates academic and technical skills while providing students with a foundation and an opportunity to explore a broad range of Engineering and Mechatronic disciplines. Students will expand skills and knowledge gained in their previous engineering courses. They will learn advanced design, programming, and embedded system skills such as advanced data structures and object-oriented programming,
PCB design, CAD, CAM, open- and closed-loop control systems, and machine learning. Students will also explore additional advanced hardware and software techniques. The coursework is centered around hands-on, inquiry-based, cumulative projects in the laboratory setting. The projects focus on the application of physics principles in a variety of forms, including rotational mechanics, electrical engineering, computer science, and optics. Students will work individually and in teams to build, design, and test complex mechatronic systems. At the end of the course, students will complete a capstone project that combines many of these skills and document their progress and learning.

For More Information

Contact:

Aaron Tostado, CTE Teacher
atostado@dusd.net

Outcomes

Students who complete Honors Mechatronics I will take an exam to receive a certification in Onshape and Solidworks.

Learn More: CTE Pathways at Warren

Each CTE Pathway is industry-focused and usually consists of 2-3 courses. The last course in the pathway is the capstone. When students complete a course they may receive college credit or receive an industry certificate. Click on each industry below to see details about the courses and outcomes.