Curricular choices and academic success of students enrolled in an elective studies degree program

The present study investigated the transcripts of graduates of an elective studies degree program and compared those transcripts with the transcripts of a group of traditional liberal arts graduates. Results indicated that elective studies graduates developed individualized programs which, in terms of average number of credits completed within academic areas and departments, closely resembled averages for traditional students. Elective studies students, however, concentrated less within an academic discipline and completed courses in more departments, than regular liberal arts students did. Results for academic success variables indicated that elective studies students had slightly lower (but not significant) overall GPA's at graduation than the comparison group.