Columbia Engineering students must complete 9-11 points of elective nontechnical coursework. The total combined number of nontechnical points (including nontechnical requirements and nontechnical electives) must add up to at least 27 credits. Advanced Placement (AP) credit in appropriate subject areas can be applied toward the elective nontechnical requirement.

The SEAS Bulletin has a list of approved nontechnical elective courses.