The Independent Scholar Program is designed to meet the needs of outstanding students who have clearly defined educational goals that cannot be fulfilled within the framework of a normal departmental or interdisciplinary major.
Independent study is a significant portion of the program.
In order to qualify to be an Independent Scholar, students normally must demonstrate a high level of scholarship. The IN 800 thesis is a cumulating experience for this program of study. This thesis brings together the course work the student has completed and incorporates all aspects of the study into one final project. Students applying to be independent scholars are asked to provide an indication of possible IN 800 projects at the time that they submit their proposals. Students are able, however, to change the topic of their IN 800 project in order to respond to new interests and information acquired during the course of their study.