What Is an Independent Study?

An independent study is a course that lets you design and carry out a project of your own, under the supervision of a faculty member, and receive academic credit for it. It might be a reading course on a topic not covered in the catalog, a research project, a creative work or a field study. You meet with the faculty mentor regularly, often weekly or every two weeks, and are assessed on written work or a final product.

How it works

You usually need to find a professor who agrees to supervise, and together you agree on a learning plan: the question or topic, a reading list or methods, deliverables such as papers or a portfolio, a schedule of meetings and how the grade will be decided. The department or registrar approves the plan, often using a standard form, and you register under an independent study course number.

The workload should match the credits. As a rule of thumb, about three hours of work per week per credit hour applies, as in any course.

Why students choose it

• Pursuing a niche interest that no course covers.
• Preparing for graduate study or an honors thesis by developing research skills.
• Building a relationship with a faculty mentor, who may later write recommendations.
• Creating a portfolio piece or project for applications and jobs.

Tips for a strong proposal

Be specific. State a clear question, outline realistic goals and break the work into milestones. Show that you have the background to succeed, mention relevant courses and propose how you will be assessed. Faculty are more likely to agree if the plan is organized and the topic fits their expertise.

Limits and cautions

Independent studies depend on self-discipline, since nobody sets deadlines but you and your mentor. Some colleges cap the number you can count toward your degree, and some cannot be used to satisfy core requirements.

Related terms

See capstone, seminar, research assistant, practicum and elective.