Academic Advising

Recommended Electives

Some students may be advised to take electives as part of the coursework toward completing their degree. Students who need an elective course(s) may consider a singular course(s) or course(s) within an academic minor. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their academic advisor in Student Academic Services before enrolling in electives.

Below is a list of recommended elective courses and academic minors for each undergraduate degree program in the College of Education. 


Early Childhood Education

Elective Courses

Courses to Consider

When selecting a course(s), be sure to verify the format (online or in-class) and campus where the course is held. Course descriptions and prerequisite listings for classes are available in the USF Course Inventory

  • EDF 2085: Introduction to Diversity for Educators
  • EME 2040: Introduction to Technology for Educators
  • DEP 4053: Developmental Psychology
  • EDF 3122: Learning and the Developing Child
  • EDF 3132: Child and Adolescent Development
  • EDF 3214: Human Development and Learning
  • EDE 4301: Instructional Planning for Diverse Learners
  • EDE 4223: Creative Experiences for the Child
  • EDF 3514: History of Education in the United States
  • EDF 3604: Schools and Society
  • EDF 4490: Studies in Research Design
  • EDG 4909: Positive Psychology
  • EEX 4742: Narrative Perspectives on Exceptionality
  • EXP 4404: Psychology of Learning
  • EXP 4304: Motivation
  • LDR 2010: Leadership Fundamentals
  • LDR 3331: Leading in the Workplace
  • LIS 2005: Library and Internet Research Skills
  • LIS 4380: Information and Social Media
  • SCE 4313: Science for all Students
  • SLS 3113: Critical Thought for Academic Transitions
  • SYO 3120: Sociology of Families
  • SYO 4250: Sociology of Education
  • SYP 3000/SOP 4004: Social Psychology

Academic Minors

If students need 12 or more credit hours from electives toward their degree, a minor may be appropriate. If not, a course(s) from within a minor may be appropriate. Information about minors is available in the USF Catalog

  • Applied Behavioral Analysis
  • Communications
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Foreign Language Education
  • Global Studies in Education
  • Leadership Studies
  • Psychology
  • Science of Physical Activity

Elementary Education

Elective Courses

Courses to Consider

When selecting a course(s), be sure to verify the format (online or in-class) and campus where the course is held. Course descriptions and prerequisite listings for classes are available in the USF Course Inventory

  • EDF 2085: Introduction to Diversity for Educators
  • EME 2040: Technology for Leading and Learning
  • AFA 2000: Introduction to the Black Experience
  • AMH 2020: American History II (1877-Present)
  • ANT 2410: Cultural Anthropology
  • DEP 4053: Developmental Psychology
  • EDE 4223: Creative & Design Thinking
  • EDF 3122: Learning and the Developing Child
  • EDF 3132: Child and Adolescent Development
  • EDF 3214: Human Development and Learning
  • EDF 3514: History of Education in the United States
  • EDF 3604: Schools and Society
  • EDF 4124: Child Growth and Learning
  • EDF 4490: Studies in Research Design
  • EDG 3801: Cybersecurity and the Everyday Citizen
  • EDG 4909: Positive Psychology
  • EEX 4742: Narrative Perspectives on Exceptionality
  • EVT 4651: Equity in Schools and the Workplace
  • GEY 2000: Introduction to Aging Studies
  • GEY 3625: Sociological Aspects of Aging
  • GEY 4612: Psychology of Aging
  • HSC 2130: Sex, Health, and Decision-Making
  • HSC 4631: Critical Issues in Behavioral Health Care
  • HUM 2130: Studies in Culture: Twentieth Century
  • LAE 4343: Writing across the Curriculum
  • LAE 4414: Children’s and Young Adult Literature: Diverse Portrayals of the Human Experience
  • LAE 4441: Diverse Children’s Literature
  • LDR 2010: Leadership Fundamentals
  • LDR 4204: Ethics and Power in Leadership
  • LDR 4230: Global Leadership
  • LDR 4951: Leadership Capstone Seminar
  • MHS 2031: Mental Health and Addictive Disorders
  • MHS 3204: Fundamentals of Applied Behavior Analysis
  • MHS 4202: Behavioral Assessment and Intervention Planning
  • MHS 4943: Practicum Seminar in Applied Behavior Analysis
  • MHS 4412: Research Methods and Ethical Issues in Applied Behavioral Analysis
  • MHS 4206: Applied Behavioral Analysis in Autism and Developmental Disabilities
  • MHS 4931: Selected Topics in Mental Health Law and Policy
  • PHI 1600: Intro to Ethics
  • SCE 4313: Science for all Students
  • SOP 4004: Social Psychology
  • SSE 4380: Global/Multicultural Perspectives in Education
  • SYA 4930: Topics in Sociology
  • SYG 2000: Introduction to Sociology
  • SYG 2010: Contemporary Social Problems
  • SYO 3120: Sociology of Families
  • SYO 4250: Sociology of Education
  • SYP 3000: Social Psychology
  • SPC 1608: Public Speaking
  • SYA 4930: Topics in Sociology: LGBT Youth in Education
  • SYP 3562: Family Violence
  • SYP 4763: Sociology of Childhood and Youth
  • WST 2600: Human Sexual Behavior
  • WST 4262: Literature by Women of Color in the Diaspora
  • WST 4310: History of Feminism in the U.S.
  • WST 4930: Selected Topics: LGBT Youth in Education

Academic Minors

If students need 12 or more credit hours from electives toward their degree, a minor may be appropriate. If not, a course(s) from within a minor may be appropriate. Information about minors is available in the USF Catalog

  • Applied Behavioral Analysis
  • Communication
  • Foreign Language Education
  • Global Studies in Education
  • Leadership Studies
  • Nutrition
  • Psychology
  • Queer and Sexuality Studies
  • Science of Physical Activity
  • Sociology
  • Women and Gender Studies

English Education

Elective Courses

Courses to Consider

When selecting a course(s), be sure to verify the format (online or in-class) and campus where the course is held. Course descriptions and prerequisite listings for classes are available in the USF Course Inventory.

  • AML 3000-4000 level courses
  • AML 2000-4000 level courses
  • DEP 4053: Developmental Psychology
  • DEP 4220: Autism Spectrum Disorders
  • EDF 3514: History of Education in the United States
  • EDF 4124: Child Growth and Learning
  • EDF 4490: Studies in Research Design
  • EDG 4909: Positive Psychology
  • ENG 4013: Literary Criticism
  • ENL 3000-4000 level courses
  • EXP 4404: Psychology of Learning
  • EXP 4304: Motivation
  • LDR 2010: Leadership Fundamentals
  • LDR 3331: Leading in the Workplace
  • LIT 2000-4000 level courses
  • SYO 4250: Sociology of Education
  • SYP 3000/SOP 4004 - Social Psychology

Academic Minors

If students need 12 or more credit hours from electives toward their degree, a minor may be appropriate. If not, a course(s) from within a minor may be appropriate. Information about minors is available in the USF Catalog.

  • Communications
  • Creative Writing
  • Foreign Language Education
  • Global Studies in Education
  • Leadership Studies
  • Literary Studies
  • Mass Communications
  • Science of Physical Activity

Exceptional Student Education

Elective Courses

Courses to Consider

When selecting a course(s), be sure to verify the format (online or in-class) and campus where the course is held. Course descriptions and prerequisite listings for classes are available in the USF Course Inventory

  • AFA 2000: Introduction to the Black Experience
  • AMH 2020: American History II (1877-Present)
  • ANT 2410: Cultural Anthropology
  • ASL 2140C: Basic American Sign Language (Deaf Studies Minor)
  • ASL 2150C: Intermediate American Sign Language (Deaf Studies Minor)
  • ASL 3514: Deaf Culture (Deaf Studies Minor)
  • DEP 4053: Developmental Psychology
  • EDE 4223: Creative & Design Thinking
  • EDF 2085: Introduction to Diversity for Educators
  • EDF 3132: Child and Adolescent Development
  • EDF 3214: Human Development and Learning
  • EDF 3514: History of Education in the United States
  • EDF 3604: Schools and Society
  • EDF 4124: Child Growth and Learning
  • EDF 4490: Studies in Research Design
  • EDG 3801: Cybersecurity and the Everyday Citizen
  • EDG 4909: Positive Psychology
  • EEX 4742: Narrative Perspectives on Exceptionality
  • EME 2040: Introduction to Technology for Educators
  • EVT 4651: Equity in Schools and the Workplace
  • GEY 2000: Introduction to Aging Studies
  • GEY 3625: Sociological Aspects of Aging
  • GEY 4612: Psychology of Aging
  • HSC 2130: Sex, Health, and Decision-Making
  • HSC 4631: Critical Issues in Behavioral Health Care
  • HUM 2130: Studies in Culture: Twentieth Century
  • LAE 4343: Writing across the Curriculum
  • LAE 4414: Children’s and Young Adult Literature: Diverse Portrayals of the Human Experience
  • LAE 4441: Diverse Children’s Literature
  • LDR 2010: Leadership Fundamentals (Leadership Studies Minor)
  • LDR 4204: Ethics and Power in Leadership (Leadership Studies Minor)
  • LDR 4230: Global Leadership (Leadership Studies Minor)
  • LDR 4951: Leadership Capstone Seminar (Leadership Studies Minor)
  • MHS 2031: Mental Health and Addictive Disorders
  • MHS 3204: Fundamentals of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA minor)
  • MHS 4202: Behavioral Assessment and Intervention Planning (ABA minor)
  • MHS 4206: Applied Behavioral Analysis in Autism and Developmental Disabilities (ABA minor)
  • MHS 4412: Research Methods and Ethical Issues in ABA (ABA minor)
  • MHS 4931: Selected Topics in Mental Health Law and Policy
  • MHS 4943: Practicum Seminar in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA minor)
  • PHI 1600: Intro to Ethics
  • SCE 4313: Science for all Students
  • SOP 4004: Social Psychology
  • SPA 3002: Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders (Deaf Studies Minor)
  • SPA 3470: Culture and Diversity in CSD (Deaf Studies Minor)
  • SPC 2608: Public Speaking
  • SSE 4380: Global/Multicultural Perspectives in Education
  • SYA 4930: Topics in Sociology
  • SYG 2000: Introduction to Sociology
  • SYG 2010: Contemporary Social Problems
  • SYO 3120: Sociology of Families
  • SYO 4250: Sociology of Education
  • SYP 3000: Social Psychology
  • SYP 3562: Family Violence
  • SYP 4763: Sociology of Childhood and Youth
  • WST 2600: Human Sexual Behavior
  • WST 4262: Literature by Women of Color in the Diaspora
  • WST 4310: History of Feminism in the U.S.
  • WST 4930: Selected Topics: LGBT Youth in Education

Academic Minors

If students need 12 or more credit hours from electives toward their degree, a minor may be appropriate. If not, a course(s) from within a minor may be appropriate. Information about minors is available in the USF Catalog.

  • Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)
  • Deaf Studies
  • Global Studies in Education
  • Leadership Studies 

Exercise Science

Elective Courses

Courses to Consider

When selecting a course(s), be sure to verify the format (online or in-class) and campus where the course is held. Course descriptions and prerequisite listings for classes are available in the USF Course Inventory.

  • APK 3120: Exercise Physiology (spring term only!)
  • EDF 2085: Introduction to Diversity for Educators (Global Studies in Education Minor)
  • EME 2040: Introduction to Technology for Educators (Global Studies in Education Minor)
  • EVT 4651: Equity in Schools and the Workplace
  • DEP 2004: The Life Cycle
  • GEY 4102: Aging in Modern Literature and Film
  • HSC 4573: Foundations of Food Safety (Nutrition Minor)
  • HSC 4537/CLT 3040: Medical Terminology
  • HSC 4631: Critical Issues in Public Health
  • HUN 2201: Human Nutrition (Nutrition Minor)
  • HUN 3272: Sports Nutrition (Nutrition Minor)
  • HUN 3296: Nutrition and Disease (Nutrition Minor)
  • HUN 3126: Food and Culture (Nutrition Minor)
  • HUN 3403: Nutrition and the life cycle (Nutrition Minor)
  • PEM 2131: Weight Training
  • PEM 2930: Yoga/Women Self Defense/ Boot Camp Fitness (same course number, different sections for different classes)
  • PEN 2136: Scuba Diving
  • PEL 1121: Golf 1
  • PEL 2122: Golf 2
  • PEL 1341: Tennis 1
  • PET 3031: Motor Behavior (Science of Physical Activity Minor)
  • PET 4380: Applied Exercise Science (Science of Physical Activity Minor)
  • PET 4510: Measurement and Evaluation in Physical Education (Science of Physical Activity Minor)
  • PET 4820: Sport Skill Competency (Science of Physical Activity Minor)
  • PHY 2053: General Physics 1
  • SPM 3012: Issues in Sport (Science of Physical Activity Minor)
  • WST 3015: Introduction to Women’s Studies

Academic Minors

If students need 12 or more credit hours from electives toward their degree, a minor may be appropriate. If not, a course(s) from within a minor may be appropriate. Information about minors is available in the USF Catalog.

  • Nutrition
  • Science of Physical Activity
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Health Education
  • Aging Studies

Mathematics Education

Elective Courses

Courses to Consider

When selecting a course(s), be sure to verify the format (online or in-class) and campus where the course is held. Course descriptions and prerequisite listings for classes are available in the USF Course Inventory

  • EDF 2085: Introduction to Diversity for Educators
  • EME 2040: Introduction to Technology for Educators
  • DEP 4053: Developmental Psychology
  • EDF 3132: Child and Adolescent Development
  • EDF 3514: History of Education in the United States
  • EDF 4490: Studies in Research Design
  • EDG 4909: Positive Psychology
  • EEX 4742: Narrative Perspectives on Exceptionality
  • LDR 2010: Leadership Fundamentals (Leadership Studies Minor)
  • LDR 4204: Ethics and Power in Leadership (Leadership Studies Minor)
  • LDR 4230: Global Leadership (Leadership Studies Minor)
  • LDR 4951: Leadership Capstone Seminar (Leadership Studies Minor)
  • SSE 4380: Global/Multicultural Perspectives in Education
  • SYA 4930: Topics in Sociology
  • SYG 2000: Introduction to Sociology
  • SYG 2010: Contemporary Social Problems
  • SYO 3120: Sociology of Families
  • SYO 4250: Sociology of Education
  • SYP 3000: Social Psychology

Academic Minors

If students need 12 or more credit hours from electives toward their degree, a minor may be appropriate. If not, a course(s) from within a minor may be appropriate. Information about minors is available in the USF Catalog.

  • Global Studies in Education
  • Leadership Studies

Middle Grades Mathematics Education

Elective Courses

Courses to Consider

When selecting a course(s), be sure to verify the format (online or in-class) and campus where the course is held. Course descriptions and prerequisite listings for classes are available in the USF Course Inventory

  • EDF 2085: Introduction to Diversity for Educators
  • EME 2040: Introduction to Technology for Educators
  • DEP 4053: Developmental Psychology
  • EDF 3132: Child and Adolescent Development
  • EDF 3514: History of Education in the United States
  • EDF 4490: Studies in Research Design
  • EDG 4909: Positive Psychology
  • EEX 4742: Narrative Perspectives on Exceptionality
  • LDR 2010: Leadership Fundamentals (Leadership Studies Minor)
  • LDR 4204: Ethics and Power in Leadership (Leadership Studies Minor)
  • LDR 4230: Global Leadership (Leadership Studies Minor)
  • LDR 4951: Leadership Capstone Seminar (Leadership Studies Minor)
  • SSE 4380: Global/Multicultural Perspectives in Education
  • SYA 4930: Topics in Sociology
  • SYG 2000: Introduction to Sociology
  • SYG 2010: Contemporary Social Problems
  • SYO 3120: Sociology of Families
  • SYO 4250: Sociology of Education
  • SYP 3000: Social Psychology

Academic Minors

If students need 12 or more credit hours from electives toward their degree, a minor may be appropriate. If not, a course(s) from within a minor may be appropriate. Information about minors is available in the USF Catalog.

  • Global Studies in Education
  • Leadership Studies  

Physical Education

Elective Courses

Courses to Consider

When selecting a course(s), be sure to verify the format (online or in-class) and campus where the course is held. Course descriptions and prerequisite listings for classes are available in the USF Course Inventory

  • EDF 2085: Introduction to Diversity for Educators (Global Studies in Education Minor)
  • EME 2040: Introduction to Technology for Educators (Global Studies in Education Minor)
  • HUN 2201: Human Nutrition (Nutrition Minor)
  • HUN 3272: Sports Nutrition (Nutrition Minor)
  • HUN 3296: Nutrition and Disease (Nutrition Minor)
  • HUN 3126: Food and Culture (Nutrition Minor)
  • HSC 4573: Foundations of Food Safety (Nutrition Minor)
  • HSC 4537/CLT 3040: Medical Terminology
  • HUN 3403: Nutrition and the life cycle (Nutrition Minor)
  • APK 3120: Exercise Physiology (spring term only!)
  • DEP 2004: The Life Cycle
  • PEM 2131: Weight Training
  • PEM 2930: Yoga/Women Self Defense/ Boot Camp Fitness (same course number, different sections for different classes)
  • PEN 2136: Scuba Diving
  • PEL 1121: Golf 1
  • PEL 2122: Golf 2
  • PEL 1341: Tennis 1
  • SPM 3012: Issues in Sport (Science of Physical Activity Minor)
  • PET 3031: Motor Behavior (Science of Physical Activity Minor)
  • PET 4380: Applied Exercise Science (Science of Physical Activity Minor)
  • PET 4510: Measurement and Evaluation in Physical Education (Science of Physical Activity Minor)
  • PET 4820: Sport Skill Competency (Science of Physical Activity Minor)

Academic Minors

If students need 12 or more credit hours from electives toward their degree, a minor may be appropriate. If not, a course(s) from within a minor may be appropriate. Information about minors is available in the USF Catalog.

  • Global Studies in Education
  • Leadership Studies
  • Nutrition

Science Education

Elective Courses

Courses to Consider

When selecting a course(s), be sure to verify the format (online or in-class) and campus where the course is held. Course descriptions and prerequisite listings for classes are available in the USF Course Inventory.

  • EDF 2085: Introduction to Diversity for Educators
  • EME 2040: Introduction to Technology for Educators
  • DEP 4053: Developmental Psychology
  • EDF 3132: Child and Adolescent Development
  • EDF 3514: History of Education in the United States
  • EDF 4490: Studies in Research Design
  • EDG 4909: Positive Psychology
  • EEX 4742: Narrative Perspectives on Exceptionality
  • LDR 2010: Leadership Fundamentals (Leadership Studies Minor)
  • LDR 4204: Ethics and Power in Leadership (Leadership Studies Minor)
  • LDR 4230: Global Leadership (Leadership Studies Minor)
  • LDR 4951: Leadership Capstone Seminar (Leadership Studies Minor)
  • SSE 4380: Global/Multicultural Perspectives in Education
  • SYA 4930: Topics in Sociology
  • SYG 2000: Introduction to Sociology
  • SYG 2010: Contemporary Social Problems
  • SYO 3120: Sociology of Families
  • SYO 4250: Sociology of Education
  • SYP 3000: Social Psychology

Academic Minors

If students need 12 or more credit hours from electives toward their degree, a minor may be appropriate. If not, a course(s) from within a minor may be appropriate. Information about minors is available in the USF Catalog.

  • Global Studies in Education
  • Leadership Studies

Social Science Education

Elective Courses

Courses to Consider

When selecting a course(s), be sure to verify the format (online or in-class) and campus where the course is held. Course descriptions and prerequisite listings for classes are available in the USF Course Inventory.

  • AMH 3000-4000 level courses – courses that cover a broad subject area are most relevant
  • ANT 3000-4000 level courses - courses that cover a broad subject area are most relevant
  • DEP 3103: Child Psychology
  • DEP 4053: Developmental Psychology
  • ECO 3622: American Economic History
  • ECO 3703: International Economics
  • EDF 4124: Child Growth and Learning
  • EDF 4131: Learning and the Developing Adolescent
  • EDF 4490: Studies in Research Design
  • EDG 4909: Positive Psychology
  • EEX 4012: Foundations of Special Education
  • EEX 4054: Perspectives on Learning and Behavioral Differences
  • EEX 4742: Narrative Perspectives on Exceptionality: Cultural and Ethical Issues
  • EUH 2000-4000 level courses - courses that cover a broad subject area are most relevant
  • EXP 4404: Psychology of Learning - PR: PSY 3213 with a grade of C or better
  • EXP 4304: Motivation - PR: PSY 3213 with a grade of C or better
  • FOT 4131: Understanding World Cultures
  • GEA 3194: Regional Geography
  • GEO 1930: Geography of Current Events
  • HIS 2000-4000 level courses - courses that cover a broad subject area are most relevant
  • INR 1000-4000 level courses – courses that cover a broad subject area are most relevant
  • LDR 2010: Leadership Fundamentals
  • LDR 3115: Contemporary Issues in Leadership
  • LDR 3331: Leading in the Workplace
  • POS 3000-4000 level courses - courses that cover a broad subject area are most relevant
  • SYO 3120: Sociology of Families
  • SYO 4250: Sociology of Education - PR: SYG 2000
  • SYP 3000/SOP 4004: Social Psychology
  • WOH 3209: Terrorism in World History

Academic Minors

If students need 12 or more credit hours from electives toward their degree, a minor may be appropriate. If not, a course(s) from within a minor may be appropriate. Information about minors is available in the USF Catalog.

  • Anthropology
  • Economics
  • Foreign Language Education
  • Global Studies in Education
  • History
  • International Studies
  • Leadership Studies
  • Political Science
  • Science of Physical Activity