Elective Suggestions
What are elective courses?
Elective courses are considered courses you take because you want to rather than to fill a specific requirement. They still count as credit towards your degree, since you need to complete at least 120 credit hours (depending on your intended major, comprised of 40+ courses, typically 3-credit each) to graduate with your Bachelor degree.
Elective courses are your opportunity to explore and build skills and knowledge in different academic areas, and usually outside of your specific major/program. You can take a course because it seems fun/interesting or because it aligns with your academic and career goals. Electives are courses that YOU choose! So, they are up to you!
Why should I take elective courses?
Explore majors, minors, and other disciplines - By taking an elective course, you can explore another academic area of interest. You may find that taking the course confirms your interest and that you want to declare a minor or double major in that area. Electives are also an excellent way for exploratory students and/or students who are unsure about their program to consider alternative academic options.
Build relevant knowledge and skills - Maybe you are a Politics students with a particular interest in economic policy - then take an introductory economics course. Maybe you are an art student with an interest in opening your own studio some day - then take some business courses. Elective courses can be the means to build knowledge and skills that may be relevant and beneficial for your future academic and career goals.
Create a well-rounded educational experience - Having experience and knowledge in areas outside of your major makes you a more informed and well-rounded individual. Taking classes in other departments or on new topics/academic areas may give you insight into things you may have not considered before.
Because the course seems fun or interesting! - You do not need a specific reason to take an elective course. If it seems fun and interesting to you and you have room in your academic plan, then take it!
Fulfill the minimum 120-credit hours required for graduation - Students need to complete at least 120 credit hours in order to graduate. Most students will find that they have space in their academic plan to incorporate elective courses, while others may find that it is necessary to enroll in electives to meet this graduation requirement. Since each major/program is different, please consult with your CACS Academic & Career Advisor (ACA) if you have any questions or concerns about how electives fit into your intended major.
What courses do you suggest as electives?
Liberal Arts Curriculum Courses - The majority of the courses in the Liberal Arts Curriculum are meant to introduce students to different academic areas and are taught with the understanding that not all the students taking the course will be majoring/minoring in that academic area. For those who are undecided/unsure about their majors, starting on the requirements for the Liberal Arts Curriculum allows you to explore without worrying about how the courses would count once you decide on a major.
Introductory major, minor, or certificate courses - Interested in a particular subject area? Take a look at the introductory course for the program you want, since it is an easy way to get introduced to the subject area and decide if you potentially want to declare a second major or add a minor and/or certificate.
Elective Course Suggestions - Our office, the Center for Academic and Career Success, created a short list of courses focusing on a variety of themes. These courses are typically well-suited to incoming first-year students who are interested in exploring different majors and disciplines.
Still unsure about which courses to select? You can always reach out to your Academic & Career Advisor (ACA) for recommendations based on your individualized academic plan.