Independent Study
Independent study provides an opportunity to explore areas of special interest. Students work individually with teachers to research topics. A minimum of seven one-hour meetings for 1 credit and 14 one-hour meetings for 2 credits is required; fewer meeting times than these must be pre-approved by the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs for Advising. Independent study topics may not duplicate other Conservatory courses. Independent study is not permitted in studio, ensemble, or chamber music. Independent Study petitions must be completed and approved no later than last day of classes in the preceding semester. Students interested in pursuing an independent study should first speak with a faculty member regarding their interest. After that faculty member has given provisional consent to supervise the independent study, the student should complete the Permission to Pursue an Independent Study form available from the Office of Academic and Student Affairs.
UNDERGRADUATE
Students in the Bachelor’s program may petition to earn 1 or 2 credits for each faculty-directed Independent Study (up to a limit of 3 credits); those in the Undergraduate Diploma program may request Independent Study only in music-related subjects. Independent Study credit applies to free elective requirements. Credit may only be applied to other areas with approval of the department chair of the specific area in question.
To qualify, an undergraduate must have a minimum CGPA of 3.00 and must submit an independent study petition to the instructor, department chair, academic advisor, and Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs for Advising.
GRADUATE
Graduate students may petition to apply independent study credit only toward elective requirements (up to a limit of 4 credits).
To qualify, a graduate student must have a minimum CGPA of 3.70 and must submit an independent study petition to the instructor, department chair, academic advisor, and the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs for Advising.