An independent study is an opportunity that allows you to gain course credit while exploring your own personal interests on a deeper level. Completing an independent study opens a window of opportunities (gaining research experience, building your resume, gaining a letter of recommendation…and more). If you’re interested in this and you’re wondering how to get started… Iโve got the steps for you!
- Talk to your academic advisor
Most universities have an option to complete an independent study to gain course credit for their work. Your advisor should provide you with the proper forms and equip you in the right direction to gain course credit. An independent study must meet certain requirements so you have to follow those guidelines. - Find a professor who does research with a topic that you are interested in.
A professor who already completes work within a certain topic will likely support you within your independent study. This professor will be able to support you based on your goal! For example, my university didnโt have a SLP program, but I was interested in this field. I previously had class with a professor who completed research on neurological development, so I proposed a research topic related to his research. - Propose the independent study to your professor
You must come in with a research proposal. What I loved about completing an independent study was all the freedom I had. You can do a descriptive, correlational, experimental, review, or even a meta-analytic independent study.
I proposed a descriptive case study researching the correlation between neurological development and speech-language development. My professor was on board – he loved my idea. My professor made some adjustments, but he supported me every step of the way to make sure I was on the right track. I completed this independent study by interning under a SLP where I was able to conduct a case study. - Set out objectives with your professor & get to researching!
The independent study guidelines your university follows may vary, but my professor created a syllabus for me to follow. He worked with the SLP to make sure I was collecting proper data. I checked in with my professor weekly, had assignments due every 2 weeks, and received feedback afterwards to continue my research.
If you’re wondering why you should complete an independent study – you can gain course credit while doing your own research, while also gaining an abundance of experience. Read more here!
*Disclaimer: this is based on my own experience at my undergraduate institution! It may vary at your institution, so you must check with your institution to adhere to their independent study process.