Independent Study

An independent study is a course taken with ongoing supervision by a faculty member for rigorous learning and knowledge enhancement in an area of interest beyond the courses offered. The content of an independent study course should not duplicate any course currently available to students except in extenuating circumstances. One to three credit hours will be permitted per independent study.

  1. Students who want to complete an independent study must discuss the course proposal with the Program Director (or Division Dean in the absence of a Program Director).
    1. This proposal should include rationale for the topic/project, and
    2. suggested methods for evaluation of the project.
  2. If approved, the Program Director, in consultation with the Division Dean, will refer students to a designated faculty member, who will supervise the independent course of study.
  3. The designated faculty member and students will identify the course learning objectives, resources, strategies, target dates, how students will be evaluated, a plan for substantive contact hours, and other course requirements.
    1. The substantive contact hour plan, reflective of the credit hours for the course, must be included and approved by the Division Dean.
  4. The Program Director, Division Dean, and designated faculty member must sign the completed Independent Study Proposal Form.
  5. Students submit the Independent Study Proposal Form to the Office of Student Records.
    1. The participating student must be in good academic standing with a GPA of 2.7 or better.

The Independent Study Proposal Form is available on the website or in the Office of Student Records.