Electives

An elective must be an organized course, instructional in nature, and in a subject area that a student is expected to learn and not already know. A good question to ask yourself as you prepare an elective course is “Would a conventional school accept this as a credit course?” A textbook must be included in the instructional process and must be a BJU Press textbook where available. The instructor must have a pre-determined objective standard of evaluation that may include projects, tests, and quizzes. If projects are included, they should be progressively more difficult so as to teach new skills. At least one paper exam must be used. Please include as many details about the course as possible when you fill out the Elective and Transfer Reporting Form. We specifically need to know how the course will be taught and evaluated, and the amount of in-class time per week. This form must be submitted prior to the beginning of the semester. Please call our office if you have questions.

We have divided the electives into two categories: Academic and Lab-type. Below is a definition for each category and examples of courses that fit into the category. The amount of time needed for earning credit is also included.

Academic Electives

An Academic Elective is a textbook-based course with instruction occurring directly from the textbook. Examples include: State History, Foreign Language, Art Appreciation, Family Life Skills, Health, and Music Theory. The course will receive 1/4 unit of credit for one semester if the instruction time lasts between 2.5 and 4 hours per week. It will receive 1/2 unit of credit for the semester if the instruction time lasts between 4 and 5 hours per week.

Lab-type Electives

A Lab-type Elective is a course designed to include a hands-on, practical application of instruction. Examples include: Art, Home Economics, Keyboarding, Computer Science, Auto Shop, Band, and Drama. A textboook must be included, but it is not the main course of instruction. At least one paper exam must be incorporated. The course will receive 1/4 unit of credit for one semester if there are between 3 and 4 hours of in-class time per week, at least half of which is instruction time. It will receive 1/2 unit of credit for the semester if there are between 4 and 5 hours per week of in-class time, at least 3 of which is instruction time.

Private music lessons will not receive units of credit. However, they will be noted on the transcript as receiving a participation grade. Be sure to include them on the Elective and Transfer Reporting Form and Semester Grade Reporting Form.

Physical Education Electives