* The specific college or university: Each institution has its own requirements.
* The student's major: Some majors have more required courses, leaving fewer slots for electives. Others might have fewer requirements, allowing for more electives.
* The type of degree: A Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree often allows for more electives than a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree, which tends to be more focused on science and math courses.
Generally, a bachelor's degree requires around 120 credit hours. A significant portion of those are dedicated to major-specific requirements, general education requirements (like English composition, math, and humanities), and sometimes minor requirements. The remaining credits are then available as electives. This could range from as few as zero electives in a highly structured program to as many as 30 or more credit hours in a less structured program. A reasonable estimate might be anywhere from 12 to 24 credit hours dedicated to electives, but this is a very rough guideline. Students should always check their specific university's catalog or academic advisor for accurate information.