An Independent study course is defined in the on-campus, undergraduate College Catalog as a course of study designed by a student to meet specific academic needs, taken outside regular classroom hours and supervised by one or more cooperating instructors. Elective credits only will be given, with the number of credits (not to exceed three) determined by the appropriate division Dean.

Guidelines for faculty participation can be found in Section 6.6 of the Faculty Handbook. The Trad Undergraduate catalog section on Independent Study can be found here.

Note: Each credit should represent 15 "Carnegie hours" (50 minutes) of "class time" and 30 "Carnegie hours" of "homework."

The Rice Workload Estimator helps estimate the amount of time a student takes to complete certain academic tasks.

Timing

The instructor who has been asked to supervise this independent study project must submit this proposal for approval from the Division Dean no later than three weeks prior to the beginning of the semester. The Division Dean must either approve or reject the proposal at least five days before the start of the semester.