Endorsements

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

The Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) endorsement is a curriculum path that allows a student to focus on courses directly related to science, technology, engineering and advanced mathematics.

CAREERS

In the STEM field, there are an extensive amount of careers to choose from including: engineering, computer programming, software developer, and research scientist. Students interested in pursuing a career related to these areas are encouraged to consider a STEM endorsement and pathway.  

COURSE SELECTION

A student may earn a STEM endorsement by completing the requirements specified in the foundation plan, including Algebra II, chemistry and physics, in addition to one of the following:

• A coherent sequence of courses for four or more credits in career and technical education (CTE) that consists of at least two courses in the same career cluster and at least one advanced CTE course. The courses may be selected from Chapter 130 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Career and Technical Education), Chapter 127 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Career Development and Career and Technical Education), or CTE innovative courses approved by the commissioner of education. The final course in the sequence must be selected from Chapter 127, Subchapter O, of this title (relating to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) or Career Preparation I or II and Project-Based Research in Chapter 127, Subchapter B, of this title (relating to High School), if the course addresses a STEM-related field; 
• courses required to complete a TEA-designated program of study related to STEM;
• three credits in mathematics by successfully completing Algebra II and two additional mathematics courses for which Algebra II is a prerequisite;
• four credits in science by successfully completing chemistry, physics, and two additional science courses.

Arts and Humanities 

The Arts and Humanities endorsement is a curriculum path that allows a student to focus on courses directly related to fine arts, English literature, foreign languages and social studies.  

CAREERS

Students interested in pursuing a career path in the entertainment industry or as an interpreter, or writer, for example, may want to consider the Arts and Humanities endorsement to guide course selection.

COURSE SELECTION

A student may earn an arts and humanities endorsement by completing the requirements specified in the foundation plan and one of the following:

• five social studies credits;
• four levels of the same language in a language other than English;
• two levels of the same language in a language other than English and two levels of a different language in a language other than English;
• a coherent sequence of four credits by selecting courses from one or two categories or disciplines in fine arts 

Art and Humanities Endorsement includes courses directly related to:

• Art
• Music/Band
• Theatre
• Choir
• Languages Other than English
• Advanced Placement Social Studies

Public Service

The Public Services endorsement is a curriculum path that allows a student to focus on courses related to the public services field including the education, health care, and human services.

CAREERS

There is a wide range of careers available in the public service!  Some paths include law enforcement, firefighter or EMT, government official, medical, human resources administrator or teacher. Students interested in pursuing an intentional path toward any of these careers should consider a Public Services endorsement to guide course selection.

COURSE SELECTION

A student may earn a public services endorsement by completing the requirements specified in the foundation plan and one of the following:

• a coherent sequence of courses for four or more credits in CTE that consists of at least two courses in the same career cluster and at least one advanced CTE course;
• courses required to complete a TEA-designated program of study related to public services;
• four courses in Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC).

Business and Industry

The Business and Industry endorsement is a curriculum path that allows a student to focus on courses related to the business field.

CAREERS

Related business careers include: information technology specialist, architecture, communications, engineering, construction, welding, and various agricultural fields. Students interested in pursuing an intentional path in the business world may want to consider the Business and Industry endorsement to guide course selection.

COURSE SELECTION

A student may earn a business and industry endorsement by completing the requirements specified in the foundation plan in addition to one of the following:

• a sequence of courses for four or more credits in career and technical education (CTE) that consist of at least two courses in the same career cluster, including at least one advanced CTE course;
• courses required to complete a TEA-designated program of study related to business and industry; 
• or four English credits from Chapter 110 and three levels in one of the following areas:
  • advanced journalism: newspaper
  • advanced journalism: yearbook
  • public speaking
  • debate
  • advanced broadcast journalism

Multidisciplinary

The Multidisciplinary endorsement allows for students to further study a foundation area or a variety of courses from various endorsements.

CAREERS

Because of the broad nature of a multidisciplinary endorsement, students can choose from a wide variety of careers. If students are unsure of their career interests and wish to cross-study multiple subjects, they may want to consider this endorsement to guide course selection.

COURSE SELECTION

A student may earn a multidisciplinary studies endorsement by completing the requirements specified in the foundation plan, in addition to one of the following:

• Take 4 advanced courses that prepare a student to enter the workforce successfully or postsecondary education without remediation from within one endorsement area or among endorsement areas that are not in a coherent sequence;
• Take 4 credits in each of the 4 foundation subject areas to include English IV and chemistry and/or physics;
• Take 4 Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or dual credit courses selected from English, mathematics, science, social studies, economics, languages other than English, or fine arts.

*For more information on this and other endorsements, please visit our page on House Bill 5*  

As always, your counselors are ready and able to answer any questions you may have about choosing a career or choosing courses related to any of the above endorsements.