What Is an Elective?
An elective is a course you choose yourself, either freely or from an approved list, instead of one that your degree specifically requires. Electives let you explore interests, build skills outside your main subject and fill the remaining credits you need to graduate.
Types of electives
| Type | What it means |
|---|---|
| Free elective | Almost any course counts, subject to prerequisites |
| Major or program elective | You choose from a list within your subject area |
| General education elective | You choose from a menu that meets a breadth requirement |
| Open or minor elective | Used to complete a minor or a second area of study |
Programs differ in how much room they leave. Many liberal arts degrees have plenty of free choice, while professional degrees such as engineering, nursing and education often have few free electives because the curriculum is tightly structured.
How to choose electives
Look at your goals. An elective can strengthen your main subject, such as statistics for a psychology major, or give you a skill employers value, such as writing, data analysis or a language. It can also help you test a possible minor or career path.
Consider workload as well. Balance a demanding course with a lighter one, and check how the course is graded. Talk with your advisor, and read student reviews and syllabi when they are available.
Planning and mistakes to avoid
Check prerequisites, since popular electives fill early. Make sure the course counts in the category you need, which you can confirm in your degree audit. Taking courses that count toward nothing can delay graduation.
Related terms
See major, minor, concentration, general education requirements and degree audit. Electives differ from core curriculum courses, which every student in a program must take.
Frequently asked questions
How many electives do I have to take?
It depends on your program. Some degrees leave a large block of free electives, and others, such as engineering or nursing, leave very few. Check your degree requirements or degree audit.
Can I take any course as an elective?
Free electives usually allow almost any course, though some are restricted by prerequisites or level. Restricted or major electives must come from an approved list.
Do electives affect my GPA?
Yes. Electives are graded like other courses and count toward your GPA, unless taken on a pass/fail basis. Choose carefully if your GPA matters for scholarships or graduate school.