Policies on Independent Study and Internships

1. Credit for Independent Study is awarded for study or research outside normal course offerings; credit for Internships is awarded for work experience related to an academic program, not for performing a job.

2. Students must have at least one introductory course or equivalent experience in an area as a prerequisite to Independent Study and Internships. Independent Study students are required to spend at least three hours of work per week per credit. Internship students are expected to spend at least two hours per week per credit at the on-site location and at least one additional hour per week per credit in reading, study, and preparation.

3. No more than four credits will be granted for an Independent Study or Internship. Credit will be granted only once for the same or a similar work situation or placement. No more than nine credits of Independent Study and Internship coursework will be accepted toward the 60+ credits required for the associate’s degree; no more than 15 credits of Independent Study and Internship coursework will be accepted toward the 120+ credits for the baccalaureate degree. The nine-and 15-credit limits are the maximum for the combined number of Independent Study and Internship credits. Enrollment in more than four credits of coursework in Independent Study and an Internship in any given semester is not encouraged; permission will be granted only in unusual circumstances. Internships in professional programs may have different limits and requirements.

4. Students interested in Independent Study or an Internship must make arrangements with a full-time faculty member to sponsor the project. Internship students also require an onsite supervisor to evaluate their project. The individuals involved will sign a contract stipulating the expectations for completion of the course, evaluation criteria, and awarding of credit.

5. Arrangements for Independent Study and Internships must be made during the semester before the student wishes to enroll in these courses and must be approved by the faculty sponsor, onsite supervisor (where applicable), and the chairperson of the department or coordinator of the program.

6. For Internships, at least one onsite visit must be made by the faculty sponsor during the semester. At this time, a joint conference with all participants in the project will be held for evaluation. For all Independent Study and Internship students a meeting and an evaluation of progress with the faculty sponsor is expected at least bimonthly. Internships in professional programs may have different limits and requirements.

7. Independent Study and Internship proposals are kept on file in the Academic Department. Registration for Independent Study and Internship courses must be completed within the first three weeks of the semester.

8. Independent Study and Internship courses may not be used to satisfy general education requirements for any degree program. Independent Study and Internship courses may be used as electives in fulfillment of core or major requirements only if the application explicitly states that the course may so be used.