The basic core classes that students must take in college before they can graduate include, but are not limited to, math, writing, science and social studies. Under each category, students have the option of selecting from a variety of course topics. For instance, students may be able to choose between an algebra or a geometry course to fulfill their math requirement. And science courses can be anything from human biology to earth science. Some universities offer students a way to avoid core classes through a standardized exam, known as the College Level Examination Program, or CLEP. With a high enough score on the test, students demonstrate to the college that they understand the coursework, therefore fulfilling the requirement without having to take the class.
When students get into their degree programs after the basic core classes have been completed, they will be required to take introductory classes that introduce them to their field of study. Students may not skip over these courses or think that they can graduate without taking them. In fact, some degree programs require the introductory courses to be completed in order for the student to move up to the next tier of classes.
College students have to take electives, as these classes count toward the total number of credits earned by the student. Many degree programs will set a minimum number of mandatory elective credits that are necessary for degree completion. Electives are courses that are outside of the student's core curriculum and usually offer a new type of experience for students. For instance, a student majoring in psychology may have a forensic psychology class as an elective, or a class about the psychology of animals. These are fun courses that expose students to something outside of their set curriculum.
Each degree program has its own set of course requirements that are mandatory for graduating. Apart from introductory and elective classes, special degree programs can require students to take a certain number of credits in a particular area of study. For instance, music students may have to complete 36 credit hours of musical performance courses and 12 credit hours of music theory classes. In this scenario, the department is concerned with the type of coursework that is completed, as opposed to mandating specific classes.