What is an Independent Study?

An Independent Study project is designed by the student to pursue an area of study not covered by the established curriculum.  Independent Study projects are completed without class attendance and with a minimum of formal supervision by an instructor

Students are expected to describe in advance the questions they propose to investigate or goals they hope to achieve, and what they intend to do to carry out these investigations or achieve these goals.  Faculty and student work together to define the criteria for evaluating the results.

An Independent Study project may carry 1 - 4  graduate semester credits.  Students are expected to do the equivalent amount of work involving 23 - 30 hours per credit.