All degrees require completion of a specified number of credit hours. For some degrees, the courses needed to meet general education, degree program and major requirements will meet most of this credit hour requirement. For others, however, a fairly significant number of credit hours will still be required after completion of all required coursework.

To meet the credit hour requirement students complete elective coursework or courses of their own choosing. The term “elective” is often confusing because while the specific courses chosen are up to the student, the fact that they must be chosen and hours must be completed is not optional.