Independent Studies

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR

Independent Studies offers students the opportunity to pursue in-depth an idea of their own choosing under the one-on-one mentorship of leading faculty.

There are different routes to Independent Studies. For some it is an idea that grabs hold; for others a particular professor. As a research-intensive university, there’s a responsibility to involve students as early as possible in the research process. A significant part of this process is the opportunity to engage one-on-one with faculty – to learn both about research and researchers. Independent Studies can also be an opportunity for both the student and faculty to engage in collaboration across academic units, something that can be creative and rewarding for both faculty and student.

Independent Studies brings students to the core of a university – the development of new knowledge and new ideas. For many students in their senior years, it is an opportunity to explore ideas that they might be contemplating for study at the graduate level. It acquaints them with leading academics in their area at other universities and has led them to apply and be accepted in the programs at these universities.

Pursuing in-depth individual research can be an intensely gratifying experience. This is what we want to aim at. We want to help in as many ways as possible for students to understand knowledge; how to obtain it, manage it, and use it to help their lives and those of others. We need thinkers who are not afraid to challenge scientific, social, or political convention; people who thrive in pushing back the boundaries of knowledge.

Knowledge is at the core of the 21^st century and knowledge is the currency of the university. Independent Studies an essential part of developing new knowledge.

We cannot stress strongly enough our commitment to undergraduate research and the validity and import of this research within the innovation ecosystem that is this University.

For more information about Independent Studies, please visit the following pages: Independent Studies TRN courses, application process & course structure, and frequently asked questions.

Leslie Boehm
Director, Independent Studies and Comprehensive Paper