Independent Study & Directed Research Courses

An independent study course may be used for students when the course needed for their degree requirements is not available in a given semester. A directed research course can be offered if you want to specifically research a more specialized topic to enhance your program of study. Independent study and directed research courses are requested to be created outside of the current course offerings within a semester and not all courses may be taken in this format. These courses are not handled in the same manner as registering for traditional course offerings. Refer to the process for requesting an independent study or directed research course below.

You may consider requesting an independent study course for any of the following reasons:

• Completion of a graduation requirement
• For a teach-out of a program
• Completing an older degree program with no other options to substitute for the course requirement

You may consider registering for a directed research course to enhance your learning experience, but this will not necessarily fulfill a degree requirement.

You will need to submit a request for an independent study or directed research course prior to the semester or sub-term that you would like to take the course. If you are a residential student, a form must be submitted no later than the last day of Add/Drop week. Any exceptions to this time frame must be approved by the Dean.

If you are unsure about pursuing an independent study or directed research course, please contact the department that oversees your degree program. They can help to identify if this approach would be the best option for you.