House Bill 5 (HB5) was passed by the Texas Legislature in 2013 which changed high school graduation requirements and defined endorsement options which allowed students more choice in coursework. Focusing on science, the Foundation High School Program (FHSP) requires three science credits for graduation -- Biology, IPC or an Advanced Science Course, and another Advanced Science Course. Post-HB5 included the introduction of CTE courses which could satisfy the Advanced Science Course Credit which aligns to student interests such as Engineering, Biotechnology, and Animal Science. The STEM endorsement requires Chemistry, Physics, and two other science electives above and beyond the FHSP. Previous graduation requirements included Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and a lab based-based course which align with admission requirements to both 4-year colleges and selective universities. HB5 removed Algebra II, Chemistry, and Physics from graduation requirements keeping Biology under the FHSP as the only required science. This policy brief focuses on science course taking and the effect of HB5 implementation on student selection of advanced science courses. Interest in STEM careers carries significant future economic implications and the potential for a robust STEM workforce in both Texas and the U.S, making science course-taking a policy priority.