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Independent Study Policy and Procedure
Both the procedures of the College of Liberal Arts and the School of Fine and Performing Arts, listed below, must be followed before a student may register for and complete an independent study in the School of Fine and Performing Arts.
On this page:
- College of Liberal Arts Policy for Undergraduate and Graduate Level Independent Study
- School of Fine and Performing Arts Procedure for Independent Study Classes
Liberal Arts Policy for Undergraduate and Graduate Level Independent Study
- Nature and Purpose of Independent Study
- 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.
- Courses offered for independent study may not substitute for core curriculum offerings.
- Independent study should not be used as substitute for a closed class.
- Independent study should not be used to accommodate a student’s work or study schedule.
- Student Eligibility
- In order to qualify for independent study, student must have attained a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above.
- Procedures
- 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.
- The Independent Study Agreement includes the following:
- The specific topic, subject, or problem to be investigated.
- The minimum number of meetings between the student and faculty member during term in which the study is to occur.
- The basis for evaluating the student effort.
- Approval of the department chair or designee prior to registration.
- A copy of every independent study agreement is sent to the Office of the Dean.
Application for Undergraduate and Graduate Independent Study (PDF)
School of Fine and Performing Arts Procedure for Independent Study Classes
(MUS 4810/6810 – Advanced Studies in Special Subjects)
If a student needs/wants to do an independent study, the following procedure needs to be followed before the student may register for this class.
- Student must contact a teacher and have them agree to oversee the project (instructors are not compensated for their time on these projects).
- Both student and faculty member must fill out the COLA Independent Study Form (below).
- The form must include detail about:
- Meeting times
- Clear expectations
- Grading policy
- Basis for evaluation
- Deadlines
- Any other pertinent information
In lieu of this information, a detailed syllabus may be attached.
- The student, faculty and the school director all must sign the form before it is submitted.
- The form is sent to COLA and kept on file.
- This class and instructor is added to the system.
- At this point, the student may register for the class.
- At the completion of the class, a copy of the project must be given to the school director for audit purposes.
- Instructor can give a grade.
Application for Undergraduate and Graduate Independent Study (PDF)
