One of my favorite things to do with the blog is to be able to answer frequently asked questions, squash widely-held myths on subject and spotlight ordinary people doing remarkable things.
Last week, we looked at the theory and inherent value of general education courses. Today, we consider another requirement to earn your accredited online degree: Electives.
When I was in college, many of my friends viewed elective courses as “blow-off classes” only to realize that they still involved participation and homework. Don’t be fooled, music appreciation doesn’t mean you just get to listen to Pandora and get an A.
Before we begin looking at these online college courses more in depth, let’s establish a baseline to make sure we’re all on the same page.
American collegiate degrees differ from European college degrees. Degrees earned in American college and universities generally include three categories of courses: required general education, required courses for specific majors and electives, which allow students some latitude of choice.
At UA Grantham, you have program electives and general electives. That is, you’ll have the freedom to choose a variety of courses that are directly related to your major and others that aren’t necessarily tied to your focus.
The University Catalog provides a holistic view of all the programs, procedures and courses offered at UA Grantham. Dr. Margareta Smith Knopik, dean of UA Grantham’s school of arts and sciences, suggests looking for courses that don’t list any prerequisites.
She remembers what it was like to be a working mother and trying to find classes to fit her schedule. While she acknowledges that students in online degree programs don’t necessarily have to worry about fit, they should consider how their courses balance one another.
Smith Knopik cautions students in thinking electives don’t come with their fair share of work. “Easy isn’t a quantifiable term,” she said. “Choosing courses that you are interested in means that they [the courses] might provide a bit of breathing room. There will likely be less time spent preparing and researching and more time spent reading and discussing.”
It goes back to what we talked about last National Cheese Pizza Day. Electives really are the toppings that transform a degree program from a plain ole cheese pie to a one-of-a-kind experience!
Not sure that online is right for you? Check out answers to some of the most frequently asked questions and a comprehensive list of the pros and pitfalls some encounter. What are you waiting for?