All programs are encouraged to include free electives in their curricula to satisfy their educational objectives.  Moreover, students who would like to take courses beyond those required for their degree are encouraged to do so. 

Where curricula include free electives, no other limitations should be imposed upon the student's choice of these electives provided the student has satisfied the prerequisites and provided that no elected course should cover material:

1. that is considered remedial;

2. that is at an elementary level after the student has taken comparable material at an advanced level; or

3. that is substantially presented in a course or courses previously taken.

Students are encouraged to use their free electives to explore fields of study different from those required in their curriculum.

Free electives may be taken on a credit-only basis up to a maximum of 12 credit hours.

Types of courses that are frequently selected as free electives include environmental awareness courses, fine arts, introductions to a discipline or technology designed for non-majors, additional humanities and social sciences, and courses that are part of a minor, a second major, or dual degree. Any elective in a curriculum is interpreted as a free elective unless qualifications are specifically listed.