Summary
Elective courses at Acadia University are credit-bearing classes that do not fulfill specific program requirements but still count toward your degree. Students are encouraged to choose electives based on interest, schedule compatibility, and prerequisite completion.
Body
Electives are a great way to explore new subjects, balance your schedule, and personalize your degree. At Acadia, an elective course is one that counts toward your degree but isn’t required for your major or minor.
Here’s how to choose one:
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🎯 Pick something that interests you – Whether it’s music, psychology, or environmental studies, electives let you explore beyond your core program
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📅 Check your schedule – Make sure the course fits with your existing timetable and doesn’t conflict with required classes
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✅ Review prerequisites – Some electives require prior courses or specific grade levels — check the Academic Calendar for details
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🧭 Use Student Planning in myAcadia – Browse available courses and see how they fit into your degree plan
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🧑🏫 Ask your academic advisor – They can help you choose electives that complement your goals or introduce you to new areas of study
Electives are also a great way to meet new people, try something creative, or build skills that support your career path.
📘 Helpful Definitions:
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Elective course: A class that counts toward your degree but isn’t required for your program
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Prerequisite: A course or requirement you must complete before enrolling in another course
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Student Planning: A tool in myAcadia used to plan and register for courses
📎 Suggested Links:
📝 Special Notes:
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Some programs have restrictions on which electives you can take — check with your advisor if unsure
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You can use electives to explore a potential minor or second major
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International students can ask the Wong International Centre for help understanding course expectations and academic culture in Canada