Independent Study
Information for enrolling in a higher education independent study— HE 897.
Before Registering
- Secure a faculty member who is willing to serve as an advisor for your independent study
- Submit a proposal to the faculty member outlining the nature of the study and the resources to be used to support the topic
- Obtain approval for the independent study from the Higher Education Program by submitting your proposal to the program director. See below for proposal requirements.
- Develop a unique title with the approval of the faculty member—one that is not currently used by an existing Mason course.
- Discuss with the faculty member the criteria used for grading the independent study (e.g., length of paper(s), project, and readings).
- Periodically meet with the faculty member to discuss one’s progress and to obtain instructor feedback.
Proposal Requirements
Each proposal should include:
- A state of purpose and rationale for independent study.
- List/description of learning outcomes.
- A description of workplace responsibilities or list of proposed readings (should be about 2,000 pages).
- Proposed frequency of contact with supervisor/mentor or faculty member and the nature of discussions at those meetings.
- A description of how learning outcomes will be accomplished.
- A rubric or criteria describing how student learning will be assessed.
Proposals are due one month before the start of the semester.