Elective courses provide students with a unique opportunity to shape their programs of study to fit their individual goals. Electives can be used in several ways. A student may use the opportunity to explore other academic areas or may choose to use electives to add greater depth to the major area of study by taking additional courses in the major department that are not required for a specific program. A major program can also be broadened by taking courses from related departments. For example, a student majoring in management with an emphasis in marketing who is interested in consumer behavior might take additional courses in psychology and statistics. A student interested in the creative aspect of marketing could consider additional courses from media communications or from art.

Students may choose to devote their electives to the fulfillment of all of the required courses in another major department and thus complete a double major. They may  also decide to devote a cluster of courses (18-21 credits) in a different department to complete a minor (see Course Requirements) .