What Are the Pros and Cons of Elective Classes?

By Staff Writer | Last Updated August 4, 2015

Community College Review explains that elective classes are a common component of many high school and college degree programs. One advantage of an elective course is that it can help a student select a major, or choose a second major or a minor. While such courses offer students a broader, more well-rounded experience, some individuals consider a more in-depth, specialized degree a better alternative.

According to Community College Review, elective classes allow a student to design some aspects of his educational experience beyond choosing a degree. Some students use electives to add supplementary knowledge and skills to a care program. A marketing student can benefit from psychology electives, for instance. Other students use electives to take classes related to non-vocational areas of interest for personal development.

Each elective course a student is allowed is one less required general education or degree class he must take. Parents, educators and some employers prefer that a student benefit from taking a greater number of general education or field-specific classes. Electives may also take away from the ability of program faculty to incorporate internship, or hands-on field experiences into their programs. A student paying tuition and fees for a non-essential elective course is also less likely to see a dollar-based return on investment such courses.