Independent Study Policy

Liberal Arts Policy for Undergraduate and Graduate Level Independent Study

1. Nature and Purpose of Independent Study
   1. Students who desire to deepen their understanding and expertise in an area already familiar to them or who wish to develop and improve their research capacities in that area may pursue independent study.
   2. Courses offered for independent study may not substitute for core curriculum offerings.
   3. Independent study should not be used as substitute for a closed class.
   4. Independent study should not be used to accommodate a student’s work or study schedule.
2. Student Eligibility
   1. In order to qualify for independent study, student must have attained a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above.
3. Procedures
   1. Each student intent upon pursuing a directed course of study enters a written agreement for such study with a faculty member competent to direct the study topic on the basis of his/her training and experience.
   2. The Independent Study Agreement includes the following:
      1. The specific topic, subject, or problem to be investigated.
      2. The minimum number of meetings between the student and faculty member during term in which the study is to occur.
      3. The basis for evaluating the student effort.
      4. Approval of the department chair or designee prior to registration. 
   3. A copy of every independent study agreement is sent to the Office of the Dean. 

Application for Undergraduate and Graduate Independent Study (PDF)