Independent Study

Independent study, directed study, and certain research courses afford students the opportunity to pursue concentrated study in a selected topic under the supervision of a faculty member. Students enrolled in independent study are expected to observe time limits corresponding to semester limits unless specifically arranged by the instructor. A Request for Independent Study form signed by the instructor, department chair, program director and the appropriate academic dean must be filed with the departmental office of the respective graduate program. Requests for an independent study should be made in the semester prior to the semester of the planned independent study. Independent study requests must be approved and fees paid before study is begun. Grades are reported for independent study in the same manner as for other courses.

Students who wish to register for credits that will be counted toward their degree but that will be earned through off-campus activities, such as research or independent study at a national laboratory, must list these activities as part of their plan of study and receive prior approval from their advisor and dean. Credits are calculated on the basis of 1 credit for three hours per week per semester and may not exceed the limits of full-time registration, namely 12 credit hours per semester and 6 per summer session.