elective
n. countablen. a class or subject you choose to take at school or university. Unlike required classes, you pick these based on your own interests.
n. an optional course of study chosen by the student from a range of available subjects. Often contrasted with core or mandatory requirements within a curriculum.
I chose photography as my elective this semester.
While her major is in biology, she decided to take a creative writing elective to improve her communication skills.
The university offers a diverse range of electives, allowing students to explore niche interests like medieval history or digital marketing alongside their primary degree requirements.
From elect + -ive.
Commonly used in North American educational contexts; often paired with the verb 'take' or 'choose'.