What Is a Program of Study (POS)?

A Program of Study (POS) is a carefully planned sequence of high school courses that helps students explore and prepare for a specific career field or college major—typically starting in 9th grade. POS courses align with Texas graduation requirements and provide meaningful opportunities such as:

• 🎓 Earning college credit or dual credit
• 💼 Obtaining career certifications
• 🧪 Participating in hands-on learning and practicums
• 🎯 Preparing for college, workforce, or military pathways

Each POS is part of a student’s endorsement—a broader area of study like STEM or Business & Industry. While the endorsement sets the direction, the POS acts as a step-by-step roadmap that helps students build knowledge, skills, and credentials in a specific field.

Why It Matters

Choosing the right Program of Study can:

✅ Help students discover their strengths and interests
✅ Build a résumé of skills, experiences, and certifications
✅ Prepare students for in-demand, high-growth careers
✅ Connect classroom learning to future college majors
✅ Save time and money through early college credit or industry credentials

💡 Bonus Tip for College Admissions: Colleges notice when students show intentionality. Aligning your POS with your intended college major demonstrates commitment, direction, and real-world readiness—traits that can strengthen college applications, scholarship essays, and interviews.

When Do You Choose a POS?

Students typically choose their Program of Study in 8th grade, before entering high school. While this may feel early, it’s intentional—most POS tracks are designed to span four years, starting with introductory courses in 9th grade and building toward advanced coursework, certifications, or internships by senior year.

Starting early ensures students have time to complete the full sequence and make the most of the opportunities available to them.

Example POS: Culinary Arts

Endorsement: Business & Industry
Program of Study: Culinary Arts

Course Sequence:

1. Principles of Hospitality and Tourism (9th grade)
2. Introduction to Culinary Arts (10th grade)
3. Culinary Arts (11th grade)
4. Practicum in Culinary Arts (12th grade – may include internships or job shadowing)

In this pathway, students gain real-world skills in food safety, meal preparation, customer service, and restaurant operations. Many complete the program with a ServSafe or Food Handler Certification, preparing them for entry-level positions or culinary arts programs in college.

Planning to major in Hospitality Management or attend culinary school? This POS shows colleges that you’ve already taken meaningful steps toward your future—and you’re serious about your goals.

Connect Your POS to Your College Major (When Possible)

Not sure what you want to study after high school? That’s okay! A POS can help you explore your interests while developing transferable skills.

If you do have a clear goal—like nursing, engineering, or education—choosing a related POS allows you to build experience, confidence, and a deeper understanding of your field before investing time and money in college coursework. This early alignment can help you confirm your interests, avoid unnecessary college major changes, and graduate on time.

Final Tips for Families & Students

• 📚 Review your school’s Academic Planning Guide to explore the Programs of Study available at your campus.
• 🧭 Talk to your school counselor about your endorsement, goals, and the best-fit POS for your interests.
• 💻 Complete a career interest inventory to uncover your strengths and explore career fields you may not have considered.

Your high school journey is more than a checklist of courses—it’s the beginning of your future.

Start strong. Stay curious. Choose with purpose.