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Electives

Understanding Electives in Higher Education

Electives are courses chosen by students based on interest, outside the core requirements of their major or degree. They allow flexibility in academic exploration and skill development.

Glossary Terms
Term
Description
Elective Course

A course not required for a major but chosen to fulfill total credit hour requirements.

General Elective

Any course from outside a student’s program that counts toward degree completion.

Free Elective

A course taken purely by student choice with no program restrictions.

Program-Approved Elective

An elective selected from a pre-approved list aligned with a student’s program.

Interdisciplinary Elective

A course that spans multiple disciplines, often fulfilling multiple academic interests.

Elective Credit

Credit hours earned from elective courses that contribute to total degree requirements.

Evolving Elective Structures

Institutions are expanding elective offerings with microcredentials, interdisciplinary pathways, and skills-based modules. This allows students to tailor degrees toward career goals and personal interests.