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Independent Study

Independent study provides an opportunity for students to undertake a well-defined research project. These courses are intended for students who demonstrate the ability to work with intermittent faculty guidance and have sufficient background in the subject. Students conduct their projects independently under the guidance of a faculty member. Independent study emphasizes a reduction in formal instruction and an increase in the student’s responsibility and initiative in the learning process.

If the independent study learning outcomes are equivalent to a course offered by the university, it may be recorded on the student transcript using that subject and course number; otherwise, it will be recorded as an independent study using the discipline subject code, course number 499 (undergraduate) or 600 (graduate), and title Independent Study.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

  • Matriculated student;
  • Minimum earned credit requirements are determined by departments and are specific to the program;
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, unless a waiver is justified by unusual circumstances. A waiver may be granted, provided that it is approved by the advisor, department chair and academic dean;
  • Independent study courses must fulfill a program requirement to be financial aid eligible;
  • Graduate capstones may not be completed through an independent study course; and,
  • Departments and academic deans may establish additional eligibility criteria.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Students and faculty sponsors are jointly responsible to define and justify independent study projects.
  • Students and faculty sponsors must meet periodically throughout the semester to ensure proper progress.
  • By the end of the semester, the student submits a complete final report to the faculty sponsor.
  • The faculty sponsor submits a letter grade to the Registrar’s Office.
  • The student’s final report on the independent study project becomes part of the official department files.

APPLICATION PROCESS

  • Students may request faculty sponsorship through the department chairperson or their advisor.
  • Students and faculty sponsors jointly prepare the Application for Independent Study, including a detailed description of the study.
  • Approval of an independent study course by the faculty sponsor, advisor, department chairperson, and the academic dean attests to the academic value of the study and to the advisor’s professional evaluation that the student has the ability to master a body of knowledge with minimal faculty guidance.
  • The completed Application for Independent Study, signed by the relevant parties, must be submitted to the Academic Dean’s office no later than the second official day of classes.
  • An independent study may not begin until the application is fully approved.