Sorry this might be a stupid question. But if you finish taking all of your GE classes and Major classes then you are done? My school requires 120 credits,but if my math is correct then I would still need a good amount of credits even after I complete all of my major and GE classes? Do you simply just take a bunch of random useless 101 classes to meet the credits?
Typically, you take elective classes at the same time you progress through your major and GE sequence. They can be 101 classes, but typically they are courses you’re interested in taking. Some things, besides intro courses, that you could take include additional courses in your major, more advanced courses in a subject you’re interested in, or even completing courses to minor in another field. Note that 120 credits, which is the graduation requirement at most schools, is an average of 15 credits a semester, which is a typical course load every semester.
I would pick an area you are interested in and take some classes in that topic. I am an Electrical Engineer but took 4 classes in Anthropology. Some people did Economics…or a foreign language. I would also take some advance classes in the area of your major that you are particularly interested in. Also maybe take some classes that are just fun.
Depending on your school, you could add a second major (typically 30-36 credits), a minor (15-18 credits), or simply go for a well-rounded education.
Your college probably has courses that are taught by amazing profs or which have interesting topics. In your major, you may want to take a couple of extra classes to strengthen your knowledge there. You may have always wanted to learn underwater basket weaving. Your interest in philosophy might lead you to a class on existentialism. You might take a Public Speaking class to strengthen your resume. You might take a literature class because your friend is taking it. You might learn another language. You might take an internship for credit or do an independent study to present your research at NCUR.
The electives probably won’t be “useless 101” classes because your school may have a requirement that a certain percentage of the courses you complete be at a more advanced level. But don’t discount introductory classes. Those are the ones that give you general knowledge that allow you to do well at things like job interviews or social events.
I should add that, personally, I’m a double major, double minor. I still have taken some pure elective courses that didn’t fulfill any of my requirements. Those include private lessons, music ensembles, and other music courses above what’s required for the minor, as well as electronics (which is a 200-level course in the physics department), and linguistics (a 300-level course in the modern languages department).
If you have free electives, you can take whatever interests you. These may include additional advanced courses in your major or courses in other subjects.