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 in pursuing an independent study course must first find a faculty member willing to supervise their independent study course. A student 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. 

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.