Directed research (FSoS 8794) and independent study (FSoS 8193)

Developing research competencies including designing, conducting, analyzing, and disseminating research is a high priority for FSoS graduate students. Over the course of your graduate program, we encourage you to invest your required 7 credits*** of directed research credits strategically with different faculty members to learn different methodologies, consider different theoretical perspectives, and master different bodies of knowledge. The required 3 outreach & engagement credits can be taken as either directed research or independent study, depending on the nature of the project. A contract is required for both types of credits.

1. Discuss potential projects with a faculty member who must agree to supervise your work during the semester.

2. Write a detailed contract that describes your project, outlines learning objectives, the learning activities in which you will engage to meet the learning objectives, the number of hours and timeline proposed for project completion, the product or outcome that will be evaluated for a grade, and how the A-F grade will be determined.

3. Submit an online Directed Research Contract or Independent Study Contract for review and approval.

4. After the GPC and/or DGS reviews it, the GPC will forward the contract to your faculty supervisor. Note: If the submitted contract requires more information and/or clarity, it will be returned to you to make the necessary changes. 

5. After your faculty supervisor approves the contract, you will be issued a permission number that will allow you to register for the credits.

6. A copy of the approved contract will be forwarded to your advisor. 

Note:  Per University guidelines, 1 credit = 3 hours of time invested in learning each week throughout the 15 weeks of the semester (3 credits = 9 hours per week = 135 hours per semester). 

*** Students may take 2 of the 7 required credits with faculty outside FSoS. The FSoS Directed Research contract must be completed and submitted via the FSoS process (Steps 1-6 above). If the external supervisor requests that a student complete their contract, please consult with the FSoS GPC before proceeding.