Independent Study – Undergraduate
About This Policy
- Last Updated
- 09/03/2024
- Policy Owner
- Academic Affairs
- Responsible Office
- Academic Affairs
This policy is for undergraduate students only.
Independent Study can refer to two related, but different, circumstances where students may be eligible to take courses alongside an instructor. Policies regarding both cases are below:
New Course
Study consistent with the academic program’s credit structure per week for the semester developed as an elective course (unless otherwise noted as a degree requirement in the catalog description) with special content undertaken by an individual student with supervision by a designated instructor.
After consultation with a program coordinator/department chair regarding content, and in consultation with an academic advisor regarding suitability to curricular progress, undergraduate students may be allowed to undertake academic credit on an independent study basis, up to a maximum number of credits (not to exceed 12) set by the academic program.
No later than the first two weeks of the semester in which the Independent Study would be conducted, requests must be made by submitting a completed and signed Independent Study Application to the Registrar. The full course name, subject code and course number (minus the section number), number of credits, and a designated semester are required on the application approved by the instructor and department chair/school director, and dean, along with learning objective(s) and course description or outline.
As of one week after enrollment in the Independent Study, a student can only drop the course with additional approval of the VP for Enrollment Management. Independent Study courses are supervised, but self-directed; must be credit bearing.
Eligible Student
- Completed at least 2 semesters of study.
- Has a current 3.0 GPA.
- Has compelling reason (not personal convenience).
- Not on academic hold.
- International students must follow federal regulations regarding Independent Study.
Eligible Course
- There must be a catalog code for Independent Study; course content must not be part of the established curriculum, but supports students who want to explore a subject in greater depth. Students will receive either a letter grade or pass/fail, as determined at the outset of the course.
- Course must be able to be completed in one semester.
Existing Course
An existing course offered to an individual student because otherwise scheduling conflicts render it unavailable.
Eligible Student
- Has compelling reason (not personal convenience).
- Not on academic hold.
- International students must follow federal regulations regarding Independent Study.
Eligible Course
- A course must be in the catalog as part of a program’s established curriculum.
Scheduling a new section is not a reasonable option for the department to meet the student(s) needs, necessitating independent study. - Course can be completed in one semester.