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Independent Study Option and Approval Process

Purpose of Independent Study

Independent study is a valuable way for students to further specialize and focus their interests in the graduate program. However, in order for an independent study to be accepted as a substitute for an elective offering, the proposal must meet several criteria.

Foremost for any independent study project to be acceptable, it must have demonstrated academic value. The academic nature of the particular proposed independent study is one that cannot be found within a traditional course offering.

Secondly, for any independent study to be accepted, it must have the support of a faculty sponsor.

Finally, the Graduate Program Director must also agree and sign to indicate that the independent study meets program acceptance.

Academic Merit

The independent study is offered as a way to further enhance the curriculum of a student. Independent studies are not acceptable or allowed as a substitute for a required course.

Since credit is awarded for an independent study similar to an academic course, employment activities conducted in conjunction with an assistantship or experiences of a professional development nature alone, while all of value, are not acceptable for academic credit.

Credit

Academic credit for an independent study ranges from one to three credits based on the scope of the project. The decision regarding the appropriate amount of credits to be awarded is made by the faculty sponsor and Program Director.

Registering for an Independent Study:

To register for an independent study, you must first complete an Independent Study Contract and send it to:

Graduate Programs
305 Isenberg School
University of Massachusetts
Amherst, MA 01003

Sample Independent Study with Professor Iqbal Agha, Operations Management

“As a licensed pilot, I was skilled in flying planes but was also curious about the costs involved in producing them. Working with Professor Ali, I was able to frame my own independent study on the feasibility of producing and selling General Aviation aircraft at a substantially lower price than the market currently offers. While the conclusions of the research proved the proposal was not possible, the approach to learning the process proved very rewarding.”

Patrick Daykin


Sample Independent Study with Professor Easwar Iyer, Marketing

“I was very interested in the growth of corporate social responsibility and wanted to apply it to my marketing background. Professor Iyer, an expert in consumer behavior, worked with me to design an independent study that analyzed individual values and beliefs that can influence consumer decisions.”

Kyle Cahill