Texas High School Pathways: Your Personalized Route to College, Career & Life Success

High schools, specifically in Texas, offer more than just a diploma—they offer a pathway to your future. Through a combination of endorsements and Programs of Study (POS), students can explore their interests, gain valuable skills, and graduate with a clear direction.

But there’s more.

Aligning your POS with your intended college major shows admissions officers that you’re focused, intentional, and deeply committed to your future field of study.

For example, if you plan to major in nursing, completing a Health Science program of study in high school—complete with certifications, lab work, and clinical experiences—proves you’re not only interested, but prepared. That kind of alignment helps you stand out in competitive college admissions and scholarship processes.

When you can connect the dots between your high school courses, extracurriculars, and future goals, you’re demonstrating the kind of purpose-driven planning that colleges (and future employers) love to see.

It’s more than preparation—it’s proof of passion.

What Are High School Pathways?

High school pathways are structured academic plans that combine core graduation requirements with career-focused and interest-based coursework. These pathways help students:

• Discover their strengths

• Explore future careers

• Prepare for college, workforce, or military success

Endorsements & Programs of Study: What’s the Difference?

An endorsement is a broad area of study that helps guide a student’s overall high school coursework—much like declaring a major in college. Texas offers five endorsement options: STEM, Business & Industry, Public Services, Arts & Humanities, and Multidisciplinary Studies. Within each endorsement, students choose a more specific Program of Study (POS)—a carefully designed sequence of courses that provides targeted knowledge, hands-on learning, and often leads to industry-recognized certifications. While the endorsement sets the general direction, the POS outlines the detailed path, preparing students for college majors, career fields, or both.

Students typically select their Program of Study in 8th grade and begin it as freshmen in high school. This early planning is intentional—most POS tracks span four years, beginning with foundational courses and progressing to advanced coursework, practicums, or real-world experiences by senior year.

If your student isn’t quite sure what they want to do yet—that’s okay! In fact, it’s completely normal. I encourage families to explore career interest profilers, which can offer valuable insights and uncover potential career paths your student may not have considered. These tools can be a great first step in matching interests to a meaningful and purposeful high school plan.

Endorsement Options:

Within each endorsement, students can choose a Program of Study (POS)—a more specific sequence of courses focused on a particular career path or academic goal.

Example Pathway in Action

• Endorsement: Business & Industry

• Program of Study: Culinary Arts

• Course Progression: Principles of Hospitality → Advanced Culinary Arts → Culinary Practicum

This structure allows students to explore a general field while gaining real-world, job-ready skills.

Why It Matters: The Real Benefits

A well-chosen Program of Study supports both immediate success and your future goals. Here’s how:

How to Learn More & Plan Your Path

Every high school offers different Programs of Study, so it’s important to explore what’s available at your campus.

Here’s how to get started:

1. 🔍 Visit Your School’s Website

   • Look for the Academic Planning Guide or Course Catalog

   • Review the Programs of Study aligned with each endorsement

2. 🧑‍🏫 Talk to Your School Counselor

   • Get help matching your interests with the right program

   • Ask about certifications, dual credit, and internship opportunities

Your High School Journey = Your Launchpad

Your high school years should do more than meet basic requirements—they should set you up for the life you want to lead.

Take the time to:

• Explore your options

• Ask questions

• Choose a pathway that aligns with your goals

No matter where you’re headed—college, the workforce, or the military—these high school pathways give you the skills, experiences, and confidence to get there.