(a) A student shall specify in writing an endorsement the student intends to earn upon entering Grade 9.
(b) A district shall permit a student to enroll in courses under more than one endorsement before the student's junior year and to choose, at any time, to earn an endorsement other than the endorsement the student previously indicated. This section does not entitle a student to remain enrolled to earn more than 26 credits.
(c) A student must earn at least 26 credits to earn an endorsement.
(d) A school district may define advanced courses and determine a coherent sequence of courses for an endorsement area, provided that prerequisites in Chapters 110-117, 127, and 130 of this title are followed.
(e) To earn an endorsement a student must demonstrate proficiency in the following.
(1) The curriculum requirements for the Foundation High School Program as defined by §74.12 of this title (relating to Foundation High School Program).
(2) A fourth credit in mathematics that may be selected from one full credit or a combination of two half credits from two different courses, subject to prerequisite requirements, from the following courses:
(A) Algebra II;
(B) Precalculus;
(C) Advanced Quantitative Reasoning;
(D) Independent Study in Mathematics;
(E) Discrete Mathematics for Problem Solving;
(F) Algebraic Reasoning;
(G) Statistics;
(H) a comparable Advanced Placement (AP) mathematics course that does not count toward another credit required for graduation;
(I) AP Computer Science A;
(J) International Baccalaureate (IB) Computer Science Higher Level;
(K) Engineering Mathematics;
(L) Statistics and Business Decision Making;
(M) Mathematics for Medical Professionals;
(N) Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science;
(O) pursuant to the Texas Education Code (TEC), §28.025(b-5), after the successful completion of Algebra II, a mathematics course endorsed by an institution of higher education as a course for which the institution would award course credit or as a prerequisite for a course for which the institution would award course credit. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) shall maintain a current list of courses offered under this subparagraph; and
(P) after the successful completion of Algebra I and Geometry, a locally developed mathematics course or other activity, including an apprenticeship or training hours needed to obtain an industry-recognized credential or certificate that is developed pursuant to the TEC, §28.002(g-1).
(3) A student may complete a course listed in paragraph (2) of this subsection before or after completing a course listed in §74.12(b)(2)(A) of this title.
(4) The fourth mathematics credit may be a college preparatory mathematics course that is developed and offered pursuant to the TEC, §28.014.
(5) The fourth mathematics credit may be satisfied with one credit of a two-credit IB mathematics course selected from Chapter 111 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Mathematics) that does not count toward another credit required for graduation.
(6) An additional credit in science that may be selected from one full credit or a combination of two half credits from two different courses, subject to prerequisite requirements, from the following courses:
(A) Chemistry;
(B) Physics;
(C) Aquatic Science;
(D) Astronomy;
(E) Earth Systems Science;
(F) Environmental Systems;
(G) Specialized Topics in Science;
(H) a comparable AP science course that does not count toward another credit required for graduation;
(I) Advanced Animal Science;
(J) Advanced Plant and Soil Science;
(K) Anatomy and Physiology;
(L) Medical Microbiology;
(M) Pathophysiology;
(N) Food Science;
(O) Forensic Science;
(P) Biotechnology I;
(Q) Biotechnology II;
(R) Principles of Technology;
(S) Scientific Research and Design;
(T) Engineering Design and Problem Solving;
(U) Engineering Science;
(V) pursuant to the TEC, §28.025(b-5), after the successful completion of physics, a science course endorsed by an institution of higher education as a course for which the institution would award course credit or as a prerequisite for a course for which the institution would award course credit. The TEA shall maintain a current list of courses offered under this subparagraph;
(W) a locally developed science course or other activity, including an apprenticeship or training hours needed to obtain an industry-recognized credential or certificate that is developed pursuant to the TEC, §28.002(g-1);
(X) pursuant to the TEC, §28.025(c-3), a student pursuing an arts and humanities endorsement who has the written permission of the student's parent or a person standing in parental relation to the student may substitute a course that is not being used to satisfy another specific graduation requirement selected from:
(i) Chapter 110 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for English Language Arts and Reading);
(ii) Chapter 113 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Social Studies);
(iii) Chapter 114 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Languages Other Than English); or
(iv) Chapter 117 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Fine Arts); and
(Y) credit may not be earned for both physics and Principles of Technology to satisfy science credit requirements.
(Z) The fourth science credit may be satisfied with one credit of a two-credit IB science course selected from Chapter 112 of this title (relating to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Science) that does not count toward another credit required for graduation.
(7) Two additional elective credits that may be selected from the list of courses specified in §74.11(g) or (h) of this title (relating to High School Graduation Requirements).
(f) A student may earn any of the following endorsements.
(1) Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Students who entered high school prior to the 2022-2023 school year may earn a STEM endorsement by completing the requirements specified in subsection (e) of this section, including Algebra II, chemistry, and physics or Principles of Technology and:
(A) 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. 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 (Career Preparation General or Career Preparation for Programs of Study) and Project-Based Research (Career and Technical Education Project-Based Capstone) in Chapter 127, Subchapter B, of this title (relating to High School), if the course addresses a STEM-related field;
(B) courses required to complete a TEA-designated program of study related to STEM;
(C) three credits in mathematics by successfully completing Algebra II and two additional mathematics courses for which Algebra II is a prerequisite by selecting courses from subsection (e)(2) of this section;
(D) four credits in science by successfully completing chemistry, physics, and two additional science courses by selecting courses from subsection (e)(6) of this section; or
(E) in addition to Algebra II, chemistry, and physics, a coherent sequence of three additional credits from no more than two of the categories or disciplines represented by subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), and (D) of this paragraph.
(2) Business and industry. Students who entered high school prior to the 2022-2023 school year may earn a business and industry endorsement by completing the requirements specified in subsection (e) of this section and:
Cont'd...
(A) 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. The courses may be selected from Chapter 130 of this title, Chapter 127 of this title, or CTE innovative courses. The final course in the sequence must be selected from one of the following:
(i) Chapter 127, Subchapter C, of this title (related to Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources);
(ii) Chapter 130, Subchapter A, of this title (relating to Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources);
(iii) Chapter 130, Subchapter B, of this title (relating to Architecture and Construction);
(iv) Chapter 130, Subchapter C, of this title (relating to Arts, Audio/Video Technology, and Communications);
(v) Chapter 127, Subchapter F, of this title (relating to Business, Marketing, and Finance);
(vi) Chapter 130, Subchapter D, of this title (relating to Business Management and Administration);
(vii) Chapter 130, Subchapter F, of this title (relating to Finance);
(viii) Chapter 127, Subchapter J, of this title (relating to Hospitality and Tourism);
(ix) Chapter 130, Subchapter K, of this title (relating to Information Technology);
(x) Chapter 130, Subchapter M, of this title (relating to Manufacturing);
(xi) Chapter 130, Subchapter N, of this title (relating to Marketing);
(xii) Chapter 127, Subchapter P, of this title (relating to Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics);
(xiii) Chapter 130, Subchapter P, of this title (relating to Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics);
(xiv) Chapter 130, Subchapter Q, of this title (relating to Energy); or
(xv) Career Preparation I or II (Career Preparation General or Career Preparation for Programs of Study) and Project-Based Research (Career and Technical Education Project-Based Capstone) in Chapter 127, Subchapter B, of this title if the course addresses a career from a field listed in clauses (i)-(xiv) of this subparagraph;
(B) courses required to complete a TEA-designated program of study related to business and industry;
(C) four English credits by selecting courses from Chapter 110 of this title to include three levels in one of the following areas:
(i) public speaking;
(ii) debate;
(iii) advanced broadcast journalism;
(iv) advanced journalism: newspaper;
(v) advanced journalism: yearbook; or
(vi) advanced journalism: literary magazine; or
(D) a coherent sequence of four credits from subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of this paragraph.
(3) Public services. Students who entered high school prior to the 2022-2023 school year may earn a public services endorsement by completing the requirements specified in subsection (e) of this section and:
(A) 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. The courses may be selected from Chapter 130 of this title, Chapter 127 of this title, or CTE innovative courses. The final course in the sequence must be selected from one of the following:
(i) Chapter 127, Subchapter G, of this title (relating to Education and Training);
(ii) Chapter 127, Subchapter I, of this title (relating to Health Science);
(iii) Chapter 130, Subchapter J, of this title (relating to Human Services);
(iv) Chapter 127, Subchapter M, of this title (relating to Law and Public Service); or
(v) Career Preparation I or II (Career Preparation General or Career Preparation for Programs of Study) and Project-Based Research (Career and Technical Education Project-Based Capstone) in Chapter 127, Subchapter B, of this title if the course addresses a field from a cluster listed in clauses (i)-(v) of this subparagraph;
(B) courses required to complete a TEA-designated program of study related to public services; or
(C) four courses in Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC).
(4) Arts and humanities. A student may earn an arts and humanities endorsement by completing the requirements specified in subsection (e) of this section and:
(A) five social studies credits by selecting courses from Chapter 113 of this title; or
(B) four levels of the same language in a language other than English by selecting courses in accordance with Chapter 114 of this title, which may include Advanced Language for Career Applications; or
(C) 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 by selecting courses in accordance with Chapter 114 of this title; or
(D) four levels of American sign language by selecting courses in accordance with Chapter 114 of this title; or
(E) a coherent sequence of four credits by selecting courses from one or two categories or disciplines in fine arts from Chapter 117 of this title or innovative courses approved by the commissioner; or
(F) four English credits by selecting from the following:
(i) English IV; or
(ii) Independent Study in English; or
(iii) Literary Genres; or
(iv) Creative Writing; or
(v) Research and Technical Writing; or
(vi) Humanities; or
(vii) Communication Applications; or
(viii) AP English Literature and Composition; or
(ix) AP English Language and Composition; or
(x) IB Language Studies A: Language and Literature Standard Level; or
(xi) IB Language Studies A: Language and Literature Higher Level; or
(xii) IB Language Studies A: Literature Standard Level; or
(xiii) IB Language Studies A: Literature Higher Level; or
(xiv) IB Literature and Performance Standard Level.
(5) Multidisciplinary studies. A student may earn a multidisciplinary studies endorsement by completing the requirements specified in subsection (e) of this section and:
(A) four 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; or
(B) four credits in each of the four foundation subject areas to include chemistry and/or physics and English IV or a comparable AP or IB English course; or
(C) four credits in Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or dual credit selected from English, mathematics, science, social studies, economics, languages other than English, or fine arts.
(6) STEM. Students who entered high school in the 2022-2023 school year or later may earn a STEM endorsement by completing the requirements specified in subsection (e) of this section, including Algebra II, chemistry, and physics or Principles of Technology and:
(A) courses required to be designated a CTE completer in one of the following TEA-approved programs of study related to STEM:
(i) biomedical sciences;
(ii) civil engineering;
(iii) cybersecurity;
(iv) electrical engineering;
(v) engineering foundations;
(vi) geospatial engineering and land surveying;
(vii) mechanical and aerospace engineering;
(viii) networking systems;
(ix) nursing science;
(x) programming and software development;
(xi) renewable energy;
(xii) robotics and automation technology; or
(xiii) web development;
(B) three credits in mathematics by successfully completing Algebra II and two additional mathematics courses for which Algebra II is a prerequisite by selecting courses from subsection (e)(2) of this section;
(C) four credits in science by successfully completing chemistry, physics, and two additional science courses by selecting courses from subsection (e)(6) of this section; or
Cont'd...
(D) in addition to chemistry, physics, and Algebra II, one additional mathematics course listed in subsection (e)(2) of this section for which Algebra II is a prerequisite and one additional science course listed in subsection (e)(6) of this section.
(7) Business and industry. Students who entered high school in the 2022-2023 school year or later may earn a business and industry endorsement by completing the requirements specified in subsection (e) of this section and:
(A) courses required to be designated a CTE completer in one of the following TEA-approved programs of study related to business and industry:
(i) accounting and financial services;
(ii) agriculture business, leadership, and communications;
(iii) agricultural technology and mechanical systems;
(iv) animal science;
(v) architectural drafting and design;
(vi) automotive and collision repair;
(vii) aviation maintenance;
(viii) aviation pilots;
(ix) business management;
(x) carpentry;
(xi) construction management and inspection;
(xii) cosmetology;
(xiii) culinary arts;
(xiv) diesel and heavy equipment maintenance and commercial drivers;
(xv) digital communications;
(xvi) distribution, logistics, and warehousing;
(xvii) drone (unmanned vehicle);
(xviii) electrical;
(xix) entrepreneurship;
(xx) environmental and natural resources;
(xxi) food science and technology;
(xxii) graphic design and interactive media;
(xxiii) HVAC and sheet metal;
(xxiv) industrial maintenance;
(xxv) information technology support and services;
(xxvi) lodging and resort management;
(xxvii) manufacturing technology;
(xxviii) maritime;
(xxix) marketing and sales;
(xxx) masonry;
(xxxi) oil and gas exploration and production;
(xxxii) plant science;
(xxxiii) plumbing and pipefitting;
(xxxiv) printing and imaging;
(xxxv) real estate;
(xxxvi) refining and chemical processes;
(xxxvii) retail management;
(xxxviii) travel, tourism, and attractions; or
(xxxix) welding;
(B) courses required to be designated a CTE completer in one of the following TEA-approved programs of study related to business and industry, if the mathematics and science requirements for the STEM endorsement are not met:
(i) civil engineering;
(ii) cybersecurity;
(iii) electrical engineering;
(iv) engineering foundations;
(v) geospatial engineering and land surveying;
(vi) mechanical and aerospace engineering;
(vii) networking systems;
(viii) programming and software development;
(ix) renewable energy;
(x) robotics and automation technology; or
(xi) web development; or
(C) four English credits by selecting courses from Chapter 110 of this title to include three levels in one of the following areas:
(i) public speaking;
(ii) debate;
(iii) advanced broadcast journalism;
(iv) advanced journalism: newspaper;
(v) advanced journalism: yearbook; or
(vi) advanced journalism: literary magazine.
(8) Public services. Students who entered high school in the 2022-2023 school year or later may earn a public services endorsement by completing the requirements specified in subsection (e) of this section and:
(A) courses required to be designated a CTE completer in one of the following TEA-approved programs of study related to public services:
(i) biomedical science, if the mathematics and science requirements for the STEM are not met;
(ii) diagnostic and therapeutic services;
(iii) early learning;
(iv) exercise science, wellness, and restoration;
(v) family and community services;
(vi) fire science;
(vii) government and public administration;
(viii) health and wellness;
(ix) health informatics;
(x) law enforcement;
(xi) legal studies;
(xii) nursing science, if the mathematics and science requirements for the STEM are not met; or
(xiii) teaching and training; or
(B) four courses in Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC).
(g) A course completed as part of the set of four courses needed to satisfy an endorsement requirement may also satisfy a requirement under §74.12(b) and (c) of this title and subsection (e)(2), (4), (5), and (6) of this section, including an elective requirement. The same course may count as part of the set of four courses for more than one endorsement.
Source Note: The provisions of this §74.13 adopted to be effective July 8, 2014, 39 TexReg 5149; amended to be effective August 22, 2016, 41 TexReg 5039; amended to be effective August 28, 2017, 42 TexReg 3139; amended to be effective August 27, 2018, 43 TexReg 4190; amended to be effective August 1, 2019, 44 TexReg 3802; amended to be effective August 1, 2020, 45 TexReg 4178; amended to be effective August 1, 2022, 47 TexReg 4502; amended to be effective August 1, 2024, 49 TexReg 5501
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