How to Choose Your Program of Study
Your Program of Study is the specific career or academic pathway you'll follow in high school. It focuses your coursework on areas that align with your future college and career goals.
📚 Who This Guide Is For
What is a Texas Program of Study?
🎯 Your Specific Career Pathway
A Program of Study is a focused sequence of courses that prepares you for a specific career or college major. According to the Texas Education Agency (TEA), these programs provide students with both academic knowledge and technical skills aligned to industry-recognized standards.
When you choose your program of study in 8th or 9th grade, you're selecting the exact pathway you want to follow—like Engineering, Health Science, Culinary Arts, or Education. This program determines which classes you'll take and what skills you'll develop throughout high school.
📂 How Endorsements Fit In
Each program of study falls under one of five broad categories called Endorsements: STEM, Business & Industry, Public Services, Arts & Humanities, or Multidisciplinary Studies. The endorsement is simply the umbrella category—what matters most is your specific program.
Examples:
- → You choose: Engineering (falls under STEM endorsement)
- → You choose: Culinary Arts (falls under Business & Industry)
- → You choose: Health Science (falls under STEM endorsement)
Why does your Program of Study matter?
Get a Head Start on Your Future
Students gain a head start by aligning high school coursework with potential career interests or intended college majors.
Real-World Experience
Programs of Study often include hands-on learning, certifications, or dual-credit opportunities, giving students college-level preparation.
Stand Out on Applications
Colleges and employers value applicants with specialized skills and focused experiences that demonstrate commitment.
Confirm Your Interests
These pathways help students build confidence and reduce the likelihood of switching majors later in college.
Demonstrate Interest in Holistic Review
Colleges use holistic admissions to evaluate the whole student. Completing a focused program of study shows demonstrated interest in a field, which strengthens your application by proving commitment and depth rather than just breadth.
Industry-Recognized Credentials
Many CTE programs prepare you to earn industry certifications and credentials that are valued by employers and can lead directly to high-skill, high-wage careers.
Career & College Readiness
Texas CTE programs align with the state's CCMR goals, ensuring you graduate prepared for both college success and immediate career opportunities.
💡 Real-World Example
A student interested in healthcare selects the Health Science program of study. During high school, they take courses in anatomy, medical terminology, and health sciences. They can earn certifications like CPR, work in clinical settings, and even earn dual credit at local colleges.
This specialized pathway helps them enter college with relevant experience, industry certifications, and potentially college credits—saving time and money while standing out on applications.
Completing a program of study can help students:
What are the 5 Texas Graduation Endorsement Areas?
Programs of study are organized under five endorsement categories. Texas offers over 80 approved CTE programs across 16 career clusters, as defined by the Texas Education Agency. Browse by area to find programs that interest you.
STEM Programs
Science, Technology, Engineering & Math
Choose from programs in engineering, computer science, healthcare, or scientific research. Includes CTE clusters: Health Science, Information Technology, STEM, and related technical fields.
SAMPLE PROGRAMS
- • Engineering
- • Computer Science
- • Health Science
- • Biotechnology
- • Information Technology
Business & Industry Programs
Career & Technical Education Pathways
Choose from programs in business, manufacturing, agriculture, hospitality, or skilled trades. Includes CTE clusters: Business Management & Administration, Marketing, Finance, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Transportation, Hospitality & Tourism, and Architecture & Construction.
SAMPLE PROGRAMS
- • Business Management
- • Welding & Manufacturing
- • Culinary Arts & Hospitality
- • Automotive Technology
- • Agriculture & Natural Resources
- • Construction & Architecture
Public Services Programs
Government, Education & Human Services
Choose from programs in teaching, law enforcement, government, or social services. Includes CTE clusters: Education & Training, Government & Public Administration, Law & Public Safety, and Human Services.
SAMPLE PROGRAMS
- • Law Enforcement & Corrections
- • Human & Social Services
- • Education & Training
- • Emergency Services
- • Public Administration
Arts & Humanities Programs
Creative Arts, Languages & Social Studies
Choose from programs in visual arts, performing arts, languages, or social sciences. Includes CTE clusters: Arts, A/V Technology & Communications.
SAMPLE PROGRAMS
- • Visual Arts & Design
- • Theater & Film Production
- • World Languages
- • Music Performance
- • Digital Media & Communications
Multidisciplinary Programs
Flexible & Well-Rounded Pathway
Create a customized program combining multiple interests or explore broadly through advanced coursework. Perfect for students pursuing multiple CTE areas or focusing on advanced academics.
PROGRAM OPTIONS
- • Advanced academics across subjects
- • AP/Dual credit focus
- • Combined CTE interest areas
- • Custom pathway design
Official Texas Resources
The Texas Education Agency provides detailed information about all approved CTE Programs of Study, including course sequences, industry certifications, and career pathways.
View all TEA-approved CTE Programs →How should I choose my Program of Study?
Explore Your Interests
Think about careers that excite you and what you want to study in college. Consider taking career interest assessments.
Talk to Your Counselor
They can explain specific programs available and help match your goals with the right CTE coherent sequence.
Review Program Options
Look at the specific programs and courses offered at your school. Each program follows a sequence of at least 2-3 courses.
Keep Options Open
Remember, you can adjust your program if your interests change! Many schools allow pathway changes with counselor approval.
📋 What Makes a Complete Program of Study?
According to TEA guidelines, a complete Program of Study includes:
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? Here are answers to the most common ones.
📋 Important Note
Graduation requirements and program offerings vary by district. Always check your district's specific policies and verify requirements with your school counselor to ensure you're meeting all necessary criteria for graduation.