Programs of Study
About
Programs of Study align college and career readiness standards and career and technical education standards with the knowledge, skills, and abilities students are expected to demonstrate. Programs of Study incorporate multiple entry and exit points, which include sub-associate degree credentials, industry-recognized certifications, Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees, and credit transfer agreements between community colleges.
Authority
THECB’s responsibility for Programs of Study is outlined in Texas Education Code 61.8235l. Administration of the Program of Study Advisory Committee by THECB follows Texas Government Code 2110.0012.
Program of Study Advisory Committee
The Program of Study Advisory Committee advises the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board on development of Program of Study curricula for career and technical education in public two-year institutions, including both the establishment and revision of curricula. The Commission of Higher Education has final authority to appoint Program of Study Advisory Committee members, who serve staggered terms of up to five years.
The Program of Study Advisory Committee is composed of up to twenty members with at least one representative of secondary education, one representative of postsecondary education, one representative of business and industry, and one representative from each of the Texas Workforce Commission, the Texas Education Agency, and the Texas Department of Licensure and Regulation or other credentialing body. Other career and technical education experts may fill the remaining member positions.
The Program of Study Advisory Committee meets at least twice year. It convenes Program of Study Task Groups to assist in the development of Program of Study curricula with examination of specific Programs of Study within established career clusters. Task Groups are composed of representatives of public two-year institutions that offer a credential program for which a Program of Study curriculum is proposed and may also include secondary education, business and industry, and other career and technical education experts. Task Group members are nominated by Coordinating Board staff and members of the Advisory Committee.
Program of Study Career Clusters 2026
Developed in collaboration with the Texas Workforce Commission and Texas Education Agency, in 2026 the Coordinating Board established a set of fourteen career clusters to organize Programs of Study.
- Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
- Architecture & Engineering
- Arts, Audio Visual Technology and Communications
- Business, Marketing, and Finance
- Construction
- Education and Training
- Energy
- Health Science
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Human Services
- Information Technology
- Law and Public Service
- Manufacturing
- Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics
Program of Study Rules Update
Rules regarding institutional responsibilities and the governance and duties of the Program of Study Advisory Committee were reviewed and revised by the Coordinating Board in 2025.
Institutional responsibilities for Program of Study curricula are outlined in Texas Administrative Code 4P 2.50-2.54. The Program of Study Advisory Committee governance structure and tasks are described in Texas Administrative Code 1X 1.270-1.277.
Program of Study Pre-2025
The following Programs of Study were approved and published prior to Program of Study revisions in 2025. They are considered active until and unless revised through the current Program of Study process.
Information Technology
Contact
Program of Study inquires can be sent to Dr. Sheri Ranis, Director for Workforce Education and Innovation.