An independent study is a learning experience that allows a student the opportunity for self-directed learning relating to an area of academic and/or professional interest. The independent study will involve, in a broad sense, critical analysis and application or development of theories and concepts relating to the area of inquiry chosen by the student. Although the student may engage in creative projects or field research, such endeavors must be accompanied by academic approaches and written assignments.
To qualify for an independent study, the students must be matriculated in the Department of Human Development, the independent study must be related to the educational goals of the student and the student should have sufficient background to undertake the independent study and learn from the experience.
To apply for an independent study, the student must submit a completed Independent Study Cover Sheet and proposal to a faculty member with experience related to the area in which the independent study will be performed. Preparation of the proposal requires thought and consideration, so planning should begin well before the registration period for the semester in which the internship will be performed. A student can register for an independent study only after the proposal has been approved by the faculty sponsor.Registration for independent study must be done in the Human Development Department Office, UDC-407. Students cannot register online for HDEV 397/497.
All HDEV independent study proposals should be filed no later than the middle of the second week of class. No proposals will be considered after the deadline for adding courses has passed.
A copy of the student's cover sheet and proposal will be placed in his or her academic file.
Independent study is graded with either normal grading option or satisfactory/unsatisfactory. The grading option is determined at the discretion of the faculty sponsor.
Independent study can be taken for one to four credits. As a general guideline, a four-credit independent study will require a written assignment(s) of at least 20 pages.
An independent study cannot be undertaken if a course is available or offered in the intended area of study. HDEV 397/497 Independent Study Guidelines (.pdf, 20.7 kb) may be downloaded here.
The faculty sponsor can be any full- or part-time faculty currently appointed in the Department of Human Development in CCPA. He or she is responsible for supervising the independent study, approving the independent study proposal, ensuring that it is implemented properly and for submitting the final grade to the Registrar's Office. The faculty sponsor will be available for regular contact with the student during the independent study.
The Independent Study Cover Sheet (.pdf, 39.7 kb) must be accompanied by a typed proposal which addresses the following:
An integrated departmental approach to graduate instruction results in exposure of all graduate students to faculty from each specialization, thereby offering students the opportunity to gain theoretical and practical expertise from a number of different perspectives. The three graduate programs train students to carry out basic and applied research and to communicate concepts effectively. This preparation enables our graduates to compete successfully for academic appointments, positions at research or clinical institutions, and placements in human services and industry. All graduate students in good standing receive tuition waivers and are supported by stipends which go a long way especially given the low cost of living in the Binghamton area.
