Independent Study

The University offers students the opportunity to engage in independent study with a faculty mentor to pursue interests in topics not available in the regular curriculum. An independent study may be undertaken for 1 to 6 credits. A student may take no more than three Independent Study courses for up to 9 credits in total, which may be applied to their cumulative course credits.  These credits are available to any student who has earned 60 credits (or, with permission of the Chair, 30 credits), has a 3.0 cumulative GPA, and has demonstrated significant ability to work independently. The deadline to register for an independent study is the last day of the add/drop period.

Numbered as 4999, Independent Study courses are designed with consultation and consent of the faculty mentor. Once approved by the faculty mentor, the independent study contracts, including the amount of credit to be assigned, and the student's unofficial transcript are reviewed and authorized by the department chair. After approval the contract is then forwarded to the Office of the University Registrar by the student for final registration processing.

In certain, limited circumstances, an independent study for an individual or a group of students replicates a course needed for graduation; such an independent study allows students to complete program requirements even if the course is not available to the students in question as part of the regularly scheduled offerings.

Faculty or staff (only) may initiate the Independent Study Course Contract found on the Registrar Office Forms webpage.