Independent Study
LDRV 399/499
Exercise your originality and intellectual autonomy.
Engage in a self-driven project or undergraduate research with a professional mentor. You might engage in literature reviews, learn to collect and analyze data, or work in the field on Organizational Research projects. Entrepreneurs are constantly doing field research, and this experience can be tailored to pursue those passions as well.
We recommend this if your Future Goals include any of the following:
Deep diving into your interests & options to determine your next best step
Preparing to apply to Graduate Schools (as this can incorporate several things of relevance - research skills, grad school research + application preparation, etc.)
Diverging from the beaten path with a unique project plan
Caveat: An Independent Study can always be designed to have elements of a Preceptorship and/or Internship as preferred, but it is the only option that can be substituted for the Senior Capstone (as this substitution requires the completion of a culminating project or paper).
Core Requirements
Approval from Faculty & Your Advisor
Course is completed with a full-time faculty member as Mentor/Supervisor.
Live Synchronized Sessions (Set individually with the supervising professor.)
45 hours of work per unit of credit, per semester. (1-3 unit options are available.)
All required elements are submitted via D2L
Presentation1b.mp4Course Goals
An Independent Study course promotes self-directed learning and deep exploration of chosen subjects beyond traditional classrooms. It emphasizes problem-solving, independent thinking, and creativity within the student's chosen area of study. Independent Study encourages students toward self-discovery and personal growth, while providing the opportunity to refine professional skills such as time management, organization, communication, scientific writing, and self-assessment.
Course Learning Objectives
At the end of this course those who fully participate will be able to:
Demonstrate initiative and intellectual autonomy
Design and execute a personalized learning plan
Demonstrate proficiency in time management, organization, and prioritization
Effectively communicate their ideas, findings, or outcomes
Critically evaluate their own learning experience, identify areas for improvement, and develop strategies for continued growth
Unique Options
Marketing Yourself + Going on the Job Market: Don’t yet have a clear vision for your career path? That’s okay! Integrate this Professional Development Option into your Independent Project Plan and zero in on the job of your dreams.
Undergraduate Research: There are many ways in which you can include Undergraduate Research as a facet of your Independent Project Plan. Already have a topic in mind that you’d like to dig into? Propose it! You can also seek out opportunities to work with experts inside or outside of the Leadership Department on research already in progress.
Replacement for Organizational Leadership Capstone (LDRV 498): If you feel that the standard Senior Capstone (LDRV 498) it is not quite right for you, consider substituting it with an Independent Study Course (LDRV 499). With this option, your Independent Study Plan will still require completion of a culminating project deliverable.
Additional Options
Previous Unique Independent Study Projects
Needs Assessments
Company-targeted executive summaries - The importance of employee lifecycle planning for engagement
Creation of a Company Handbook - Drawing on evidence from the student's own company
Literature Reviews
Writing samples for graduate applications
Work 1:1 with our faculty!
You can be a part of a lab with Dr. Perkl, or do an independently driven project under the mentorship of any of our full-time faculty members (for example - those interested in organizational research would request Dr. Perkl, but for those who want to focus on marketing, small business and entrepreneurship, or case writing would request Prof. Wittman. These opportunities are approved on a case-by-case basis based on a student's record in our courses, application for the experience, and ability to manage arranging their own participation in this option).
The UA supports students engaging in solving real world problems with faculty.
Graduate School Preparation:
Additional Programs (inc. NASA Space Grants, Chemical Sciences, Minority Health, and Biology)
Benefits & Challenges
Flexibility:
Benefit: Enables students to explore topics of personal interest and design their own learning path.
Challenge: Students must be self-motivated, disciplined, and self-driven to stay focused and complete the study independently.
Time management:
Benefit: Promotes self-management and organization skills as students work independently on their study.
Challenge: Collaboration may be limited and direct interaction with peers may reduce opportunities for feedback and discussion.
Depth of knowledge:
Benefit: Allows for in-depth exploration and research on a specific subject, fostering expertise in a focused area.
Challenge: Practical experience may be limited and may lack hands-on training and real-world application, depending on the nature of the study.
Application Requirements
You must apply to take this course. After application and acceptance into the course, you will work directly with a supervising professor.
Please review the Independent Studies Form & Guidelines document for additional information about requirements.
Refer to the steps in Drafting Your Proposal for details on how to apply.