what is an independent study course in college?

In an independent study, you essentially create your own course on a topic of your choice, working in concert with your faculty advisor or other COE faculty member.

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How do I sign up for an independent study course?

Independent study is offered through most colleges and universities, as well as various organizations, such as museums and government agencies. Schools typically offer independent study as credit-bearing courses, many of which are transferable to other colleges.

How to enroll in independent study courses?

About Independent Study Courses Many colleges, universities and community colleges offer independent study courses for students who wish to study a subject or area not covered in existing courses...

What do you need to know about independent study?

 · An independent study course counts for academic credit depending on the time commitment of the student and the complexity of the topic, but they usually include between two and four credits. This will also determine your time commitment during the semester, which may range from ten to twenty hours a week. How’s the workload?

How to approach a professor for an independent study course?

An independent study is also a great chance to explore modes of learning that might differ from the established culture in the College of Education. Ideally, an independent study supplements and complements what your program’s curriculum already offers. Some faculty members also let you use an independent study to cover a topic that

Is an independent study hard?

Taking an independent study can be more difficult than a traditional course because you have to keep yourself on track. While you will have an adviser to supervise the course, you will be the one in charge of making sure you are completing enough work; there will be no teacher to give you assignments every day.

Is independent study a good option?

Independent study can be a great option for some pupils; however, it may not be the right option for every pupil who is not thriving in a regular classroom setting. Some pupils might be better served in an educational option that is classroom-based and offers a smaller learning environment and more individualization.

What is considered independent study?

Independent study is a form of educational activity undertaken by an individual student with little to no supervision. A student and their professor will generally agree upon a topic for the student to research with minimal instruction and guidance from the professor for an agreed upon number of academic credits.

What is the difference between online and independent study?

Online Independent Study students receive 1:1 instruction from a Credentialed Teacher and use an online learning system to complete lessons and turn in assignments. Independent Study students receive a school issued Chromebook, community college opportunities, school and teacher field trips.

What is the purpose of independent study?

Independent study allows you to learn about a subject that's unavailable in your school's established curriculum or about a topic you would like to explore in greater depth. You create your course, determine what you study, and then work one-on-one with a faculty member to earn academic credit.

How long is independent study?

Long-term shall refer to a student's participation in independent study for 15 or more cumulative school days in a school year. Students may participate in independent study on a full-time basis or in conjunction with courses taken in a classroom setting.

How do you become an independent study?

Independent study may be offered by a school in your district, a charter school, a school in another district, or county office of education. To find out if your district, county office of education, or other districts in your area offer independent study, please call the appropriate office.

What is the difference between thesis and independent study?

Independent studies may not be on topics covered by existing offerings in the department, even if they are not offered that particular semester. Theses are generally on open research problems. However, unlike a graduate thesis, students are not required to obtain a positive result.

Do professors get paid for independent study?

We probably know that much, so what other elements make an independent study unique? Your professors are almost never compensated for independent studies. You may not know this, but your professors are contracted to teach a certain number of courses per year.

Is independent study the same as homeschool?

Homeschool differs from independent study in that students are not actually enrolled at their local public school, and you as a parent or guardian are responsible for designing and implementing curriculum.

What is independent study online?

Independent study is an alternative education program that addresses individual student needs and learning styles. The model allows students to complete their academics outside the traditional classroom setting.

What are independent study courses?

Many colleges, universities and community colleges offer independent study courses for students who wish to study a subject or area not covered in existing courses or conduct an independent research project.

Can independent study be designed for one student?

Also, keep in mind that not all independent study courses need to be designed for just one student. If you have peers or classmates who are similarly interested in your proposed independent study subject, you may consider working jointly to propose an independent study course to an instructor.

How to be successful in independent study?

To be successful in an independent study course, a student needs to be proactive and self-motivated. To ensure that you receive appropriate approval and earn credit for your course, make sure you: 1 Start planning early. You may expect the approval process alone to take as many as eight weeks at some schools. 2 Have excellent organizational and time management skills in order to independently complete your studies and illustrate progress to your instructor throughout the term of the course. For help, check out this Study.com College Success course, which includes lessons on time management, staying motivated, stress management, setting goals, and improving study skills.

How to do independent study?

Along with needing an instructor and approval for your proposed independent study, keep in mind that: 1 You may be required to dedicate a certain number of hours each week to your independent study coursework, and meet with your instructor at specified intervals. 2 An independent study course may not be approved if it covers the same subject as an existing course that is offered at your school. 3 Independent study courses are not usually applicable to a degree program's general education requirements.

How long does it take to get approved for independent study?

You may expect the approval process alone to take as many as eight weeks at some schools.

What is Study.com?

To help you build your syllabus and successfully achieve your goals, Study.com offers a variety of resources, which include: Textbook substitutes and self-paced online courses in dozens of subjects, including business, math, social science, science, humanities, history, English, computer science, psychology, and foreign languages.

How many hours of independent study do you need to complete a semester?

This will also determine your time commitment during the semester, which may range from ten to twenty hours a week.

How do I sign up for independent study?

How do I sign up for an independent study? Well, first of all, you must have a targeted area of interest or topic that you would like to further study or understand. Second, you must contact a faculty member that is willing to supervise and guide you through your study and give you a grade based on your performance.

What is independent study?

An independent study is a course of study that a student pursues... well, independently. Students plan a course of study in cooperation with a willing advisor who also sticks around to make sure that the student stays on track and completes assignments and tests.

What are the two types of independent study?

Generally, there are two types of independent study programs: pre-packaged courses and self-designed courses. You will find that there are many pre-packaged online programs available from colleges and universities around the nation. While independent study courses have been a part of college studies for a long time, ...

Why do students pursue independent study?

Usually, students look to independent study when they have an interest in a special topic that’s not offered at most high schools. Some examples of special topics would be courses like Asian-American history, British Literature, or Chinese language. Beware!

Do high schools have independent study?

While independent study courses have been a part of college studies for a long time, high schools are just getting around to offering independent studies for students. As a matter of fact, if you attend a small high school you may find that there is no policy at all.

What is independent study for gifted students?

Fortunately, these students do have an option when it comes to their studies. Independent study is a great way to shape a program to your own personal needs.

What is independent study?

Independent study is a viable alternative for students who wish to study a topic that is not covered by the current course listings. Motivated students with an interest in a specific subject can consult professors and design their own programs.

Do independent study programs need to be conducted?

An independent study program does not necessarily need to be conducted via distance learning. Students who wish to take such a program can also do so while remaining on a school's campus.

Is independent study a viable option?

Independent Study. In select academic cases, traditional study is simply not a viable option for some students. Those who find their needs are not being met in the classroom can instead look into an independent study program, which offers a much greater degree of flexibility and customization. Lesson. Course.

What is an online course?

Online Courses. Online courses are extremely similar to paper-based courses, with the obvious exception being the means of delivery. Using an online portal provided by the school, students have access to all pertinent class materials, including readings, pre-recorded lectures, and discussion forums.

Do you need to be on a distance learning program to study independently?

In-Person Courses. An independent study program does not necessarily need to be conducted via distance learning. Students who wish to take such a program can also do so while remaining on a school's campus. Typically, students choose their own topic or subject and bring it to the attention of a professor.

Why do people study independently?

One of the most common reasons for independent study is a lack of available time, especially for college or nontraditional students. If you are employed, a parent, or simply extremely busy, taking courses outside the classroom is a convenient and effective way to complete coursework at your own pace and location.

Why is independent study important?

Independent study offers an outlet for gifted students to both pursue their own interests and remain engaged academically. Whereas an easy curriculum may prove boring, a more challenging and personalized program can help keep a gifted candidate focused on their studies.

What is independent study?

Independent study enables a student to pursue for course credit a research or other academic topic of interest under the supervision of a faculty member. Independent study is of two types: Independent Study (non-research) Research Independent Study.

Can you take more than one independent study course in a semester?

Note: Though uncommon, it is not prohibited for a student to take more than one independent study course in a semester, provided that the work in both independent studies is clearly distinct.

Do independent study courses have a R code?

Such independent study courses do not bear a Research (R) code and do not satisfy any general education requirements aside from the Small Group Learning Experience (SGLE) requirement. Courses entitled Research Independent Study are individual research in a field of special interest under the supervision of a faculty member within the department, ...

Can you submit a research independent study for a W code?

One and only one research independent study may be submitted and approved for a Writing (W) code in addition to the R code designation. No other curriculum code designations are permitted for research independent study courses. Students who wish to request a W code for one research independent study course must complete ...

When should independent study be approved?

The following policies apply to both types of independent study: Approval—The independent study should be approved, before the first day of class, by the supervising faculty and the Director of Undergraduate Studies or Certificate Program Director in the relevant department or certificate program. Additional approvals may be required.

How many hours of independent study is required for Duke?

A student should expect to spend at least 180 hours, including meetings and readings, on the project over the course of the semester for a 1.0 course credit independent study.

Can independent study be used in summer?

Independent study courses may not duplicate available course offerings in the semester or summer term in which the independent study is taken, nor may independent studies be used solely to provide low-level support for other projects or to observe or shadow the work of others.

Is independent study a part of learning?

In the past independent study has too often been viewed as being synonymous with learning by doing or with special term projects. Independent study needs to be viewed as an integral part of the total process of learning in all fields.

Should independent study be available for all students?

Although often identified as a tool for meeting the needs of gifted students, independent study should be available for all.

What are the benefits of independent study?

Successful independent study programs provide preparation for students and guidance along the way: 1 Students are taught knowledge and skills that cannot easily be communicated in classrooms. 2 As evaluated by exams, independent students learn at least as well as students in classes. 3 Independent study provides useful practice in the process of learning. 4 Independent study is viable when an educational institution is inaccessible to the learner. 5 Independent study meets the convenience needs of many learners. 6 Independent study develops self-motivation, concentration, and discipline. 7 The learner is taught to identify a problem, gather data, and take responsibility for conclusions. 8 The learner does all the work and cannot slide by on the anonymity of group activity.

Why are independent study programs criticized?

Independent study programs are sometimes criticized because they release students from group-learning situations. Students themselves, while they may select or volunteer for independent study experiences, are frequently unprepared because they lack experience with any other way to learn except in a classroom.

Why are students unprepared for independent study?

Students themselves, while they may select or volunteer for independent study experiences, are frequently unprepared because they lack experience with any other way to learn except in a classroom. However, some research has shown that computer-based learning is as effective as traditional instruction.

Why is independent study important?

As evaluated by exams, independent students learn at least as well as students in classes. Independent study provides useful practice in the process of learning. Independent study is viable when an educational institution is inaccessible to the learner. Independent study meets the convenience needs of many learners.

What do high school students do in independent study?

In summary, students at the high school level use independent study to do the following: Earn university credit before they begin college. Earn extra credits to finish high school early.

What is independent study?

Independent Study. Independent Study is intended to be an extension, or "spin-off," of a traditional course. It provides the student with an opportunity to pursue/research a subject in more depth and in a more independent manner than would be possible in a traditional course.

Can you take more than one independent study course?

Students may carry no more than one independent study course and one directed study course during a summer session. Both independent study and directed study courses are only possible by arrangement and at the discretion of the instructor and/or the department.

How many credits do you need to be an independent student at Brockport?

To be eligible for independent study: A non-degree graduate student must: Have completed six credits of course work at the graduate level at The College at Brockport with minimum grades of "B" in each course; and. Be able to demonstrate adequate background for the area of independent study.

What is direct study?

Directed Study. Directed Study is designed to be a substitute for a traditional course that is not offered in the semester for which the student wishes to enroll. The material covered in such courses is essentially the same as that covered in the traditional course.

How many credits can you take in independent study?

An independent study outline form is required to serve as the official course description. Students in programs with requirements of 36 credits or less may be allowed to take up to nine credits of independent study. Students in programs with requirements of more than 36 credits may be allowed to take up to twelve credits of independent study.

How many credits are required for direct study?

Credits earned in independent study courses may not exceed six credits per semester.

Does direct study require an outline?

Directed study uses the same application form but does not require an outline since the course description is the same as the traditional course. Any application must be signed by the student, the instructor/sponsor and the department chairperson.

What Is An Independent Study?

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How Does It Work?

Designing Your Own Independent Study

Pre-Packaged Independent Study Programs