Independent Study

Including independent study credits can help individualize a program of study so you can delve more deeply into an area of interest. You get to work closely with a faculty mentor to essentially create and complete a course that is tailored for you. Different course numbers are used depending on the type of work you are doing, and the number of credits varies.

Student responsibility is substantial, requiring self-directed planning and selection of learning activities to meet the goals mutually agreed upon by student and instructor.

Course Descriptions

N299: Independent Reading

Independent Reading provides an opportunity for pre-nursing students to read in a particular area of nursing under the guidance of a faculty member who has expertise in the area.

Grading: A-F
Credits: 1-2 credits
Requirements: none

N698: Directed Study in Nursing

Directed Study in Nursing provides an opportunity for undergraduate students to explore questions and interests that are not addressed currently in nursing courses. Students will work closely with a faculty mentor.

Grading: Credit/No Credit
Credits: 1-2 credits
Requirements: at least 2 years of undergraduate coursework

N699: Directed Study in Nursing

Grading: A-F
Credits: 1-2 credits
Requirements: at least 2 years of undergraduate coursework

Can It Be a Clinical Experience?

While an independent study experience may include a clinical component, independent study experiences are not clinical in nature and are not to be used for clinical experiences.

How Do I Decide How Many Credits?

Each credit of independent study should require 3 hours per week of work, totaling at least 45 hours per credit, per semester.

How Do I Set Up an Independent Study?

To set up an independent study:

Identify your area of interest and potential mentors. To find potential mentors, review the School of Nursing faculty web page. Any faculty member with an appointment in the School of Nursing may oversee independent study experiences.
Contact faculty, present your proposed independent study, and gain approval.
The student completes the authorization to enroll for the agreed upon course (299, 698, or 699). View the Office of the Registrar’s page for information on enrollment deadlines.