- These subjects are compulsory for all students.
- Their purpose is to give you the basic and necessary information about your subject.
- For example, if you are doing a Master’s in Computer Science, then subjects like Data Structures or Operating Systems will be considered core.
Elective Subjects:
- These are the subjects that you can choose according to your choice and career.
- These subjects allow you to specialize in a particular field.
- For example, a student can choose Artificial Intelligence or Cyber Security as an elective.
Every university has its own guidelines. At some places, electives are not compulsory, while in some institutions, electives are combined with core subjects and made mandatory to complete the degree.
How to choose Elective Courses? Know easy and effective ways
Now that you have taken admission in the university and the list of electives is in front of you, it may be a bit difficult to decide which elective to take. But if you keep some things in mind, then this decision will become easy.
1. Keep your career goals in mind
The most important thing is that you choose your electives keeping your future career in mind.
Example:
- If you want to work in an NGO or research organization in the future, then electives like “Social Policy” or “Public Administration” will be better for you.
- On the other hand, if you want to go into the corporate sector, then taking electives like “Business Analytics” or “Management Theory” can be beneficial.
Some electives also provide opportunities for projects, case studies or internships, which give you real-world experience.
2. Do not ignore your interests
Studying is not just for getting a degree, but it is also a process of learning with enjoyment. Therefore, you must think about your personal interests.
Example:
- If you enjoy working with data, then electives like “Data Visualization” or “Statistical Analysis” will be fun and useful for you.
Many times it happens that we take a subject just for a degree, but due to lack of interest that subject becomes a burden.
So, choose those electives that attract you and in which you want to study deeply for a long time.
3. Do not be afraid to try new subjects
The biggest advantage of elective courses is that they give you a chance to step into a new field. Masters is a time when you can hone yourself in many different skills.
Example:
- If you have ever been interested in photography, graphic design, or learning languages, then such creative electives will not only give you fun but will also develop professional skills.
Some universities also offer electives like “Creative Writing”, “Film Studies”, or “Sports Science”, which can enhance new aspects of your personality.
4. Do not hesitate to take advice
Many times, after looking at the list of electives, one gets confused about which subject to take. In such a situation, talking to a professor, career counselor or senior students in your department can be a good option.
The academic advisor can give the right suggestions based on your interests, previous studies, career goals and time management.
They can also tell you which electives can help you in a minor specialization, or which subjects can strengthen your weaknesses.
5. Choose the workload wisely
Many electives have more assignments, group projects or field work. Master’s course is already demanding, so keep your time and effort in mind while choosing electives.
Example:
- If you are already busy in an internship, then it would not be right to take an elective with a very high load. Try to maintain a good balance between electives and core subjects.
Some additional tips that can help you choose electives
- Be sure to read the syllabus file or course outline of the course. In that you will be able to know what will be taught in that subject, which skills will be learned and who is teaching.
- While selecting electives, keep future entrance exams in mind. For example, if you are preparing for exams like NET/JRF or UPSC, then take such electives which will help you in those subjects.
- Give preference to electives with an internship option, because they give real-world experience.
- If you like coding, language, statistics, or research
- If you lack practical subjects like methodology, then improve these skills through electives.
Conclusion
Choosing electives is not just a formal process. It is an opportunity that can completely change your master’s experience.
- Choose electives keeping your career in mind.
- Ask yourself — will this subject give me pleasure? Will it enhance my personality?
- Don’t be afraid to explore new subjects, but consider them an opportunity to learn.
- Seek advice when needed — your advisor, professors, and seniors are there to help you.
A well-thought-out decision can shape your future.
