Independent Study
Guidelines for independent study, from the Office of the Registrar:
At Michigan State University, Independent Study is planned study, highly individualized, not addressable through any other course format, proposed in writing by the student on a standard form, accepted for supervision by a faculty member, and approved by the student's academic adviser and the teaching unit at the beginning of the semester.
Independent study should:
- Consist of work not described in the University catalog in any other format
- Be taken under a course number commensurate with the student's class level, major field, and experience
- Relate to a subject for which the student has adequate preparation
- Be directed by a faculty member with whom there is periodic contact and consultation throughout the study
- Not exceed 8 semester hours of credit in a single academic semester
- Not exceed 10 percent of the credits earned in a bachelor's program
- Be applied for on the form provided by the department or school or college
- Be approved on this form before the student enrolls for the course; registration should be completed by the end of the period for adding courses
Steps for registering for independent study credits:
- Step 1: Talk with the professor who will be supervising the Independent Study and together fill out an Independent Study form (PDF). Make sure you and the instructor sign the form.
- Step 2: Take the form to your adviser to sign and copy.
- Step 3: Turn in the completed and signed Independent Study form to 301 Morrill Hall in order to be able to enrolled.