GRADUATE CATALOG • 2010-2011

The purpose of an independent study is to enable a student to investigate a topic not covered in depth in regularly scheduled classes. It is generally assumed that the student has the necessary academic background and skills to pursue intensive scholarly work on the topic independently. Such work requires initiative, commitment to scholarship, excellent academic and study skills, and familiarity with the subject under study. The role of the instructor in such a course is primarily for consultation, advisement, and possible collaboration. Before proposing an independent study, the student should have explored other avenues for receiving instruction or course credit, including a course substitution chosen in consultation with the student’s advisor and/or the Director of the graduate program in question.

The student should discuss the following aspects of the course organization with the faculty member:

• Learning objectives
• Reasons for pursuing the independent study
• Relevance to the student’s academic program
• Schedule of meetings with the instructor
• Assignments and other work to be submitted
• Assessment and grading procedures

A student must prepare a proposal explaining these aspects of the learning experience and any other relevant information. The student must submit the proposal and an independent study form to the Graduate Program Director. The student also must receive approval from the Department Chair of the faculty member who will be supervising the independent study. The proposal and the independent study form bearing all required signatures must then be submitted to the Dean of the School of Adult and Graduate Education who, upon approval of the proposal, will forward the independent study form to the Registrar’s Office.

Independent studies are charged at the current day per-credit rate, unless otherwise noted. A faculty member who agrees to supervise an independent study receives compensation at the per-credit rate established for independent studies. Policies pertaining to the total number of independent study credits a student may receive vary across graduate programs. Please consult each program’s Graduate Student Handbook for specific details.