Independent Study Guidelines

The Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences Program offers four types of independent study opportunities for students. The Environmental Sciences have their own TESC course for each of the four Independent Study options. IAS students may earn a maximum of 15 Independent Study credits at UWT. Internships may account for 10 of these credits.

Directed Readings (TESC and TIAS, 1-5 credits per quarter, Graded or Credit/No Credit)

Under the supervision of a faculty member, students read advanced scholarly material of mutual interest. Students are expected to submit a bibliography of works to be read along with their completed Independent Study Form for Directed Readings. In addition to other agreed-upon assignments (critical book/film reviews, etc.), students typically are expected to complete a final paper. Generally, a 4-5 page paper equals one (1) credit.

Undergraduate Research (TESC and TIAS, 1-5 credits, Graded or Credit/No Credit)

Undergraduate Research involves working with a faculty member on an advanced research project of mutual interest. In addition to working on the research project, students will be expected to complete at least one final paper. Generally, a 4-5 page paper equals one (1) credit.

Senior Thesis (TESC and TIAS, 5 credits only, Graded only)

Senior Thesis is an independent research project planned and carried out by the student under the direction of a faculty member on a significant scholarly topic selected by the student in consultation with the faculty member. Generally, a 35-50 page thesis is expected.

Internship (TESC 1-10 credits, TIAS 1-5 credits, Credit/No Credit only, Maximum of 10 credits at UWT; Internships are available to UWT students during their final 45 credits at UWT)

Internships combine academics and work at a site outside the classroom setting. Details about the academic and work expectations are outlined in a mutually agreed-upon contract between the work site supervisor, a faculty member, and a student. In addition to working at the site, students are expected to complete academic requirements including a work log/journal, a final paper related to the work project and a self-evaluation of the internship experience. Generally, three (3) hours of work per week during an eleven-week quarter is equal to one (1) credit. Please see the IAS Internship Guidelines for additional details.

Independent Study coursework is academic work outside the classroom setting and is detailed in a mutually agreed-upon contract between a faculty member and a student. It can provide students with a unique opportunity to work on carefully selected projects under the direct tutelage of faculty members with a shared interest. Independent Study sponsorship is done at the discretion of the IAS faculty. Students considering pursuing Independent Study should prepare during the quarter preceding the one in which they plan to register for an Independent Study course.

Steps in the Process

1. Select a topic: determine what you want to read, research and write about and, for internships, the type of setting in which you want to work as an intern.
2. Choose the appropriate type of Independent Study from the list above.
3. Determine the number of credits you wish to attempt. Check with an IAS adviser or faculty member about appropriate placement of these credits in your program of study.
4. Select from the grading options.
5. Consider which member of the IAS Faculty teaches courses in that area (It greatly helps to have taken a course from that faculty member, and have familiarity with the subject matter). Please note that part-time faculty are under no obligation to work with students on independent studies; all independent study contracts between students and part-time faculty will require review by the IAS Associate Director before an entry code will be issued.
6. Contact the faculty member with your plan of study.
7. Once you and the faculty member have an agreed-upon plan, complete the appropriate independent study form. Forms are located on the Independent Study page. FORMS MUST BE TYPED! It is your responsibility to obtain the appropriate course number and SLN from the quarterly registration guide. Sign the completed form.
8. Ask your faculty sponsor to review and sign the completed form (for internships, you will also need a signature from your site supervisor). Make copies of the signed form (the original will be kept in the IAS program office) so you have copies for your faculty sponsor, your site supervisor if this is an internship, and for your own records. Bring the original signed form to the IAS Program Office to obtain an entry code for registration. PLEASE NOTE: all independent study contracts between students and part-time faculty must be reviewed by the IAS Associate Director before an entry code will be issued.
9. COMPLETION OF THE FORM DOES NOT MEAN YOU ARE AUTOMATICALLY ENROLLED. USE THE ENTRY CODE TO REGISTER BEFORE THE TENTH DAY OF THE QUARTER.

Tip for Success

Start early! Prepare during the quarter preceding the one in which you plan to register for an Independent Study course. Be aware that the professor you approach about sponsoring your independent study project may modify or decline your request. Our faculty members have many obligations, and are not always able to take on these extra teaching responsibilities. It can work to your benefit to be flexible—possibly the professor you have chosen may be available to work with you during another quarter. Part-time lecturers may also sponsor Independent Study Courses, but their time and office hours are extremely limited.

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