(a) In this section, “applied STEM course” means an applied science, technology, engineering, or mathematics course offered as part of a school district’s career and technology education or technology applications curriculum and approved, as provided by § 28.027, by the State Board of Education for purposes of satisfying the mathematics and science curriculum requirements for the foundation high school program under § 28.025.
(b) The board shall work with institutions of higher education to ensure that credit for an applied STEM course may be applied to relevant degree programs offered by institutions of higher education in this state.

(c) The board shall include applied STEM courses in the board’s review of courses considered for approval for offer by a public junior college or public technical institute.