Alternative Study Options

An Independent Study Project (ISP) provides an alternative to regularly scheduled courses, enabling undergraduate and graduate students to pursue a specific area of interest through a supervised project for credit. For these projects, students work independently but with tutorial supervision.

A Collaborative Study Project (CSP) allows two undergraduate or two graduate students to work together to complete a faculty-supervised independent study project. A CSP is usually supervised by two faculty members, but may be supervised by a single faculty member with the appropriate approval.

Sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students with a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or above may initiate an ISP or CSP by preparing a proposal and filling out the appropriate application (available at the Registrar’s Office). The necessary paperwork must be completed and signed by a faculty member willing and able to serve as a tutor, and submitted to the Registrar no later than the end of the second week after the start of the semester in question. Each ISP or CSP is eligible for three credits. A total of nine credits of Independent Study work may be credited toward any four- or five-year undergraduate degree.

The Interdisciplinary Study Option (ISO) is open to Juniors in good standing with a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher. The purpose of ISO is to permit students to augment their major in a meaningful way. Juniors with an approved study plan may apply ISO credit, earned outside their major, towards the degree requirements of their major by substituting ISO credits for an equal number of credits normally earned in their home department. Between three and twelve ISO credits may be counted for major credit. Applicants must submit a written proposal stating the reason that his/her major studies will be enhanced by study in another discipline. Applications are available in the Registrar’s office.

Resources