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How Do I Choose the Best Undergraduate Courses?

G. Wiesen
G. Wiesen

To choose the best undergraduate courses, you should consider your areas of interest and ensure you meet the requirements for any degree you wish to receive. In general, undergraduate classes are designed to give you a wide range of learning and experience, so you should try to take interesting and different classes whenever possible. You should make sure you understand what courses you need to complete to graduate and receive the degree you want, however, and prioritize these classes. It can also be beneficial to talk to a counselor or adviser to ensure you choose the classes that are best for you.

Undergraduate courses are those classes a person attends while pursuing an undergraduate degree, such as an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Many of these courses are intended to ensure the student has a broad understanding of his or her specialized area prior to graduation, while other classes can be used to provide learning outside of his or her niche field. These classes, often called electives, provide you with a chance to take courses you might not otherwise attend. You should choose undergraduate courses within these elective opportunities that can introduce you to new ideas and subjects you might otherwise miss.

Woman standing behind a stack of books
Woman standing behind a stack of books

While a wide range of knowledge in different subjects is advantageous, you should definitely choose undergraduate courses that help you qualify for the degree you wish to receive. Most degree-granting institutions require that you take certain classes in order to qualify for graduation and earn your degree. You should be sure to choose the undergraduate courses you need to graduate, and prioritize these classes over non-essential classes that may be more interchangeable with other courses. There is typically some leeway within this course selection, however, so you may be able to choose one of several different classes to meet your requirements.

It can often be advantageous to speak to a counselor or adviser regarding your selection of undergraduate courses toward your degree. If you do not have a declared major, then you should typically speak with a general adviser who can help you understand what basic classes you can take that apply toward a wide range of degrees. Once you declare your major, however, then you should typically speak with an adviser in your chosen department for more specialized assistance. Advisers can help you choose the right undergraduate courses to ensure you graduate on time, and can also help you find courses you might otherwise miss or not be able to get into.

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