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The independent study course is designed to allow a student to examine, in depth, an area in communications outside the constraints of the normal course work structure. This is a flexible course and a wide area of possible topics can be developed, but students should be aware that the independent study requires a great deal of time, effort and scholarship to be completed successfully.

Up to three credit hours can be earned by majors for an independent study project. The student must work directly with an individual professor and the department chairperson in designing such a course.

Proposals for an independent study must be evaluated the semester before the project begins. The proposal must be approved by the Russert Department chairperson and the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Regardless of the scope of the project, an independent study requires both a final paper and an oral examination.

To learn more about the University's Independent Study Guidelines, click here.