Completing an Independent Study project is an excellent way to explore a topic in depth, discover a passion that can become a career, and develop skills that can set you apart when you apply for jobs or graduate study.
If you are interested in completing an Independent Study, please refer to the requirements and application steps below.
Minimum overall GPA of 3.0.
Either a single semester independent study project (POLI 406, 1 unit), or a two-semester independent study project (POLI 405 and 407, 0.5 unit each).
The student must discuss the project idea with a Political Science faculty member and reach an agreement about the scope of the proposed research project and a schedule of meetings and deadlines throughout the term. On average, students completing POLI 406 will spend eight to ten hours a week on the project (POLI 405 and 407 about four to five hours a week per semester). The final paper is typically 20 pages or longer, not including a list of references.
Students complete the application for Independent Study, which includes a 250-word abstract detailing the scope of the research question, design, and method of analysis. The project may be based on previous work such as a seminar paper or independent study, but it must represent a significant and original project over and above any past work.