What is independent study?

Independent study is a course of study developed by a student with the guidance of a faculty member. An independent study generally focuses on a topic that is more specialized than the courses offered in the department. For example, a student interested in microfinance who has already taken a course in development may continue to study microfinance with the assistance of an interested faculty member. If you are interested in pursuing a particular topic as an independent study you need to contact a faculty member and arrange for that faculty member to supervise your work. Information about the research interests of the faculty members can be found on the faculty information page on the department’s Web site.