Governor's State University
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Independent Study Policy (Policy 17)

Approved By:

President Paula Wolff

Issued:

Revised:

Last Reviewed:

Related Policies:

Policy Owner / Contact Person:

Provost's Office

Additional References:

Policy Categories:

Academic Policies

  1. Independent study shall be defined as: all individualized course work, planned and developed by the student and accepted by the faculty sponsor (exclusive of master's thesis, master's final, co-op, internship, project or practicum.) 
    1. Independent study proposals must be in writing and are subject to the prior written approval of the faculty sponsor followed by the written approval of the division chair. 
    2. A maximum of 9 hours of undergraduate independent study, and 6 hours of graduate independent study may be applied to degree requirements. 
    3. Students may enroll for a maximum of 3 hours of independent study in any one trimester. 
    4. Independent study shall not be used as a substitute for courses specified in the student study plan - exclusive of free electives. 
    5. Independent study credit hours may be used to satisfy residency requirements where residency is defined as the number of hours taken at GovState toward a degree. 
  2. Exceptions to b, c and d above may be granted by the division chair with approval of the college dean or school director. 
  3. Individual programs may specify more restrictive limits on independent study.