Choosing Electives

Free Electives - Now You’re Talking!

When you take a look at any recommended schedule for a degree program, you’ll often see several slots marked for free or general electives. This doesn’t mean that those classes won’t cost you anything - quite the opposite, in fact. You’ll be paying the same amount for those credit hours no matter which class you take (assuming that the classes are covered by your full-time tuition rate).

Here, the word “free” means you’re free to choose. You can literally take almost any class you want and it will count toward your degree. It could be:

An additional course in your major area of study
A class on a topic you’ve always wanted to know more about
An offbeat class that sounds like it would be a lot of fun and wouldn’t require too much work

The choice is yours.

Understanding Elective Requirements

The number of free electives that you’ll have to take will depend on:

The type of degree you’re pursuing
Your university’s credit requirements for a bachelor’s degree
Your field of study’s core requirements

Some degree programs may be so packed with core classes that there’s only room for one or two free electives. Other programs may be more flexible. If you’re pursuing a double major or combination-degree program, your options will be far more limited.

What Should You Take?

Many full-time students think of free electives as opportunities to:

Pad their schedules with interesting classes
Take a break from difficult courses
Find “easy A” classes to boost their GPA
Fill schedule gaps at certain times of day

However, in today’s competitive job market, it’s important to get maximum value from your college education. Consider choosing electives that teach skills which will make hiring managers sit up and take notice.

General Recommendations

For All Majors

Statistics Classes
- Many universities offer specialized stats classes for different majors
- Data analysis is needed in almost every professional job
- Demonstrating statistical knowledge can give you an advantage
Computer Programming Classes
- You don’t need to master programming
- Basic familiarity can set you apart from other applicants

For STEM Majors

Consider taking:

Psychology classes
Communication courses
Social science electives These can help develop soft skills important for collaborative environments.

For Non-Business Majors

Consider basic business classes such as:

Business Finance
Economics
Project Management

Consult with business professors to find the most relevant courses for your career goals.

Balancing Career Preparation with Personal Interests

While college is meant to prepare you for your future career, it’s also an opportunity to:

Broaden your horizons
Explore new ideas
Discover new interests

Find the right balance between career preparation and personal exploration - this balance will be different for each individual.

Strategies for Maximizing Your Education

1. Take Additional Classes Each Semester

Full-time tuition typically covers 12-18 credits
Taking extra classes can be like getting a free year of education
Consider your workload capacity carefully

2. Use Pass/Fail Options

Take additional classes as Pass/Fail
Won’t affect your GPA
Shows basic subject mastery on transcript

3. Audit Classes

Formal or informal auditing available
Shows up on transcript (formal audit)
Flexible commitment level
Most professors welcome interested students

4. Self-Study Options

Request course materials from professors
Study independently
Ideal for summer learning
Can get professor references for self-study

5. Consult with Professors

Don’t hesitate to ask for advice
Most professors appreciate student initiative
If one professor is unavailable, try another

Remember

This is your education. Don’t hesitate to tailor it to help you achieve both your personal and professional goals.

Have you picked your major yet? Try our Majors Matcher tool to find the best fit for your interests and career goals.