Independent Study

With an independent study course, the History Department offers students the opportunity to work under the direction of a faculty member to pursue a topic that is not covered (or not covered in sufficient depth) by regularly scheduled department courses. Types of independent study may vary, but typically students will be expected to complete a research project. Students intersted inÌýpursuing an independent study course must first find a faculty member willing to supervise their independent study course. AÌýstudent must then fill out the Independent Study Approval Form with their faculty supervisor. With approval from the Director of Undergraduate Studies, the student will then be enrolled in a 4000-level course.Ìý

Department Policies

  • Independent study credit is available to history and non-history students with a minimum of junior standing (60 credits) and an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Students are expected to complete a minimum of 75 hours of academic work to receive 3 credit hours.
  • A maximum of 3 HIST independent credit hours may be taken in one semester and typically a maximum of 3 independent study credit hours may be applied to the history major.
  • Independent study credit will count toward the history major as upper-division coursework.
  • A maximum of 8 independent study hours may be taken within one department and a maximum of 16 independent study hours may be applied to a degree in the College of Arts and Sciences.
  • To receive credit, all independent studies must have prior approval. Credit will not be given retroactively. Registration for independent study credit must be completed by the second week of classes in a given semester.
  • Independent study credit cannot be used for the following:
  • in place of a history requirement (HIST 1800, 3020, or capstone senior seminar)
  • to fulfill Arts and Sciences general education requirements
  • to earn credit for internship-type experiences
  • as compensation for work in a University department
  • Independent study credit may be awarded for:
  • volunteer work – if work is part of and relevant to the completion of the independent study project
  • work in business – if the work is part of and relevant to the completion of the independent study project
  • extra work completed in addition to regular coursework – independent study must be established prior to the course
  • Independent study approval is at the discretion of the Undergraduate Studies Director.