Independent Study

An Independent Study (I.S.) gives you the option to pursue a research or another academic topic that may interest you under the guidance of a regular rank faculty member.

  • Independent studies are provided by a regular rank Duke University faculty member. In rare cases, non-regular rank faculty may lead an independent study with the approval of the Department DUS and the Dean of Undergraduate Education.
  • You may do more than 1 independent study during a semester as long as the topics and work are distinctly separate.
  • You may NOT receive academic credit for work if you are also being financially compensated for the same work (e.g., paid internships, lab research).
  • These courses are individual, non-research based and are directed by Duke professors.
  • You will produce a graded final paper/project based on your study topic.
  • For students completing the requirements for Curriculum 2000, these courses do not carry a Research (R) code and do not satisfy any general education requirements aside from the Small Group Learning Experience (SGLE).
  • These courses are individual, research based and are directed by Duke professors.
  • You will produce a graded final written analysis and interpretation of your study topic.
  • For students completing the requirements for Curriculum 2000, these courses carry a Research (R) code and satisfy the Small Group Learning Experience (SGLE).

Writing (W) Code

  • You may also seek approval for adding a Writing (W) code to your research based I.S. View more information
  • You can only seek the Writing (W) code for one Independent study.

Follow these steps for both types of Independent Study (I.S.):

  1. Identify a regular rank faculty member who is willing to supervise your I.S.
  2. Meet with them to set goals, readings and a timeline + proposal.
  3. Process for getting the I.S. approved:
    1. Complete this FORM
    2. Submit the completed form to:
      1. the Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS)
      2. the Supervising Faculty Member or Certificate Program Director from the relevant department.
  4. Once approved, the DUS will provide you with the following to enroll:
    1. a course number
    2. a section number
    3. a permission number
  5. During the semester, you must complete 180 hours, including meetings with your supervising faculty and your own research/reading, to earn 1.0 credit for your independent study.
  6. Schedule regular meetings with your supervising faculty. It’s ideal to meet at least once every 2 weeks during the fall or spring semester and once a week during summer.
  • SUPERVISING FACULTY: Independent studies must be supervised by a regular rank Duke University faculty member within a relevant Duke University academic department. Non-regular rank faculty may lead an independent study with the approval of the Department DUS and the Dean of Undergraduate Education. Any questions regarding additional faculty from outside the relevant department should be referred to the supervising faculty.
  • FINAL PRODUCT & GRADING: Your supervising faculty member will evaluate the work for your independent study and submit a grade by the end of the semester. You must complete the academic or artistic project during the semester you are registered for the independent study.
  • MAJOR/MINOR/CERTIFICATE CREDIT: The Director of Undergraduate Studies for the department or the Certificate Program Director determines if your independent study will count towards the major, minor or certificate.
  • STUDY AWAY: If you are interested in completing an Independent Study during a Study Away experience, please see the Duke Abroad Handbook.