In Webster’s undergraduate degree programs, like those of most American universities, the number of courses dedicated to the student’s major area of study represents about 1/3 of all the courses required to complete the degree. The other two thirds comprise the general education courses and elective courses.

Electives are courses that the student may choose freely from the entire curriculum.

There are several ways to use electives:

1. Explore areas of interest that may or may not be related to your major, or that have personal, as well as academic value. For example, take a course in Religious Studies to answer those deep questions you’ve always wondered about; or take a course in Mask Making. Expand your horizons, challenge yourself, satisfy your curiosity.
2. Strengthen your skills. For example, take an extra writing course; overcome your stage fright and polish your presentation skills in Public Speaking; perfect your use of spreadsheets in an Excel course; or improve your French.