An elective is a course that you are permitted to choose. There are science electives, humanities electives, physical education electives, foreign language electives, etc.

The first 2 years satisfy your core-requirements, like getting an AA does.

Your major is the group of specific classes that allow you to receive a B.A. or B.S. in a specific field (art, math, marine biology, etc.)

If you take enough electives in a specific field of study (art history, for example) you might be awarded a “minor” in Art History. Not all schools do this, and the requirements vary from school to school. This would be along with your B.S. in Business (or whatever).

See my earlier response to details about applying your online credits to U of A.

And yes – you are better off taking classes that will count for a real elective (like history) than a class you will need to retake!

I’m not sure how U of Phoenix works really, but I’ve heard that it’s not uncommon for those online universities and tech schools (DeVry as another example) to offer classes that aren’t transferable to a regular 4-year university. That’s why U of A can say that certain classes from U of P may not fulfill their undergrad standards. It’s really smart that you’re researching this ahead of time, by the way 🙂

In my 4-year university experience, there’s your major, whatever that may be. Then if you want you can minor in something else, which is a bit like majoring in that subject but the requirements are fewer, hence the term “minor.” Electives are classes that you take to fill your schedule and unit requirements, but are generally classes you take more for “fun” and to get a well-rounded education. Electives don’t fit into your major or minor requirements.

If I was in your position, I would NOT want to take math twice (hehee) so if history or something else WILL transfer, and U of P doesn’t require you to take math, then go for history.

Good Luck with your studies!

Major: A major is the degree you are getting. For example, if you major in economics it means many/most of your classes are economics classes and your degree will say your received a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics. Minor: A minor is a degree that requires you to take less classes in that subject. For example, a major in Economics may require 40 credits in economics classes but a minor may only require 20 credits. However, the minor is in addition to the major. You have to have a major, a minor is optional. Associate’s Degree: This a 2 year degree often offered by junior colleges. It requires half as many classes as a Bachelor’s degree.

Core classes: those that anyone pursuing a degree must take, regardless of major, such as basic math and English 101.

Major classes: a group of required (and sometimes a few elective) classes (it was 8 for my major) related to your field. For electives to count toward your major, they often have to be junior or senior level courses. This will be the field where you are concentrating the most amount of study, hence your “major”.

Minor classes: a group of required (and sometimes a few elective) classes (it was 5 each for my 2 minors) related to your field. For electives to count toward your minor, they often have to be junior or senior level courses. This will be the field where you are concentrating on, but only as a secondary field, hence your “minor”.

Electives: Any non-required class. Since they are not required, you “elect” to take them. Sometimes electives will count toward your major or minor, sometimes they are just there to fill credit hours.

Example: History of Spain counted toward my History minor because it was a senior level course, but US History III did not, because it was only a sophomore leevl course and my college history department would only count electives of junior or senior level toward my minor.