Student Favorites: Non-Engineering Courses

The bulk of the engineering curriculum is focused heavily on math, science, and design principles. However, having a course in your schedule outside of your major can help break up the grind of deep academic work in your engineering major. From flower arranging and stargazing to movies and rock and roll, there are a wide variety of recreational courses that students from all majors enjoy. Whether you’re a senior looking for a light second semester or a freshman with a credit hour to fill, a fun class (or several!) lets you cultivate new hobbies, revisit preexisting passions, and flourish as a well-rounded student.

AMST 32500 - Sports, Technology, and Innovation

Sports, Technology, and Innovation explores the scientific reshaping of sports and is a great way to expand your technology and data analytics knowledge to basketball, fantasy football, e-sports, and more. This three credit-hour course focuses on the transformation of the sports world on and off the field through engineering and technoscientific developments. AMST 32500 even counts as an Upper Level elective.


ASTR 26300 - Descriptive Astronomy: The Solar System

Descriptive Astronomy: The Solar System combines Purdue’s rich astronomical background with an engaging and accessible program to produce a unique science course. This three-credit hour class is intended for non-physics majors and counts as a lab science course. ASTR 26300 covers everything from supernovae to dark matter and includes night-sky observation sessions viewing the stars with your professor and classmates to bring textbook material to life.

EAPS 10600 - Geosciences In The Cinema


Geosciences In The Cinema is an entertaining, multidisciplinary course sure to appeal to science buffs, movie fans, and anyone looking to add variety to their schedule. Incorporating climate patterns, natural disasters, dinosaurs, and pop culture, this three-credit class is a great option for underclassmen, fulfills a Science and Technical elective requirement, and has no prerequisite. You can expect both documentary and popular film viewings as assignments and lectures based on various scientific and sociological aspects pertaining to them.

HIST 31405 - Science, Technology, Engineering And Mathematics (STEM) and Gender

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Gender examines the evolving relationship between STEM innovation and gender in 20th-century America and casts a broad net to study amateur and professional scientists and engineers, educational systems, and the impact of industrialization. The history of women in science spaces is highlighted, and students design a product to help bridge the gender gap in STEM as the final project. This three-credit course can be used to fulfill an Upper Level, Science, Technical, and Humanities elective requirement and may be of particular interest to students who enjoyed ENGR 19400 – Women in Engineering Seminar.

HIST 37100 - Society, Culture, And Rock And Roll

Society, Culture, And Rock And Roll is a highly entertaining and enjoyable course that fuses historical analysis with musical recordings of infamous and lesser-known rock and roll hits. This class analyzes societal factors, economic aspects, and technological developments in the 1950s that shaped rock and roll as we know it today. HIST 37100 counts as a Humanities and Upper Level elective and consistently gets rave reviews – expect it to fill up fast!

HORT 27000 - Floral Design And Interior Plant Management

Floral Design And Interior Plant Management is another student favorite that dives into care of indoor plants, floral design principles from florist and consumer perspectives, and hands-on construction of floral projects. In addition to finding relaxation amidst a stressful course load, participants also craft their own blooming bouquets to brighten their dorm rooms or apartments. Interested students should be aware that this course comes with an additional fee which covers the cost of weekly floral materials!

PES Courses: Physical Education and Skills

Currently, Purdue offers four PES courses: golf, bowling, and tennis and pickleball. Both golf and the tennis/pickleball courses offer beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels in their curriculum. These courses are perfect for any student seeking fresh air, recreational exercise, and an escape from academic work. In this casual environment, participants can continue their favorite sport from high school or try something new!


Exploring your interests, getting physical activity, seeking knowledge beyond your major, and taking a well-earned break are all crucial to preventing burnout and ultimately making you a better student. A fun class is a fantastic way to build these endeavors into your schedule and get the most out of your college experience at Purdue.



Natalie Anderson MechE '27

Recruitment Project Committee


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