Endorsement Area and Programs of Study

In the State of Texas there are five Endorsement Areas for high school students. The Endorsement Areas consist of Arts and Humanities, Business and Industry, Multi-Disciplinary Studies, Public Service, and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Students must select an Endorsement Area upon entering the ninth grade. Students earn an endorsement by completing the curriculum requirements for the endorsement, including a fourth credit of math and science and two additional elective credits.

Endorsements consist of a related series of courses that are grouped together, by interest or skill set, into a Program of Study. For example, within the Endorsement Area of Business and Industry there is a wide array of Programs of Study such as Welding Technology, Accounting, Animal Science, Business Management, and many more for students to select as a Program of Study.

Please view the Endorsement Area videos below for an overview. For information on the Multi-Disciplinary Studies endorsement please contact your high school counselor.

Our Graduation Requirements page provides further details on the following topics:

• Links to resources that provide information and guidance to help students explore their interests and aptitudes
• Programs of Study overview PDF that lists the Endorsement Areas, Programs of Study, campus availability for each Program of Study, and college credit and certifications that students can earn
• The Endorsement and Course Information Guide for the 2019-2020 school year
• The three graduation plans available to students

General Overview of Endorsements

Arts and Humanities Endorsement

Business and Industry Endorsement

Public Service Endorsement

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Endorsement