(Click here if you are pursuing an individualized major rather than a minor.)

As a student pursuing a minor from the Individualized Major Program, you have the option to include in your minor up to 3 hours of internship and 3 hours of independent readings credit.

What is independent study?

Independent-study courses (sometimes called "tutorials") are one-on-one classes created by special arrangement between a student and a faculty member. Independent-study courses can range from a private course on campus to off-campus experiences including fieldwork and internships.

The IMP offers three different course numbers for independent study: X 390, X 473, and X 490. To determine which course number is appropriate for your situation, read the descriptions below or contact the IMP office.

IMP-X473 Internships

IMP-X 473 is the course number for internships. If you plan to undertake an internship as part of your IMP minor, please follow these guidelines:

• To obtain permission to enroll in IMP-X 473, you must submit an Internship Contract to the IMP office. After receiving the contract, the IMP office will contact your internship employer and ask them to supply a description of the internship, including duties, hours assigned, and duration of the work assignment, before permission will be granted.
• The maximum allowable credit for a single internship under IMP-X 473 is 3 hours. The number of credit hours allowable relates to hours worked in the following way: 50 work hours equals 1 credit hour; 51-100 work hours equals 2 credit hours; 101-150 work hours equals 3 credit hours.
• After receiving permission to enroll for X 473, you will receive access to the Canvas course page. During your internship you are required to submit weekly reflection papers using this page.
• An Internship Evaluation Form must be completed by your on-site supervisor and submitted to your sponsor(s) and the IMP office before a grade will be assigned. (X473 is graded on an S/F basis.)
  • Internship Contract
  • Internship Evaluation Form

  Before you decide to enroll in IMP-X 473, please consider the following: Your internship is valuable for the experience it gives you, regardless of whether or not you receive college credit for it. (We recognize, however, that many internship employers insist that students receive academic credit for internships.) Enrolling in IMP-X 473 costs money, just like enrolling in any other course; this is something to keep in mind particularly if your internship will take place during the summer when your enrollment won’t be covered under the flat fee.

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  IMP-X 490 Readings and Research

  IMP-X 490 is the course number for independent reading or research courses. Students receive letter grades for X 490. The number of credit hours received is equivalent to the work undertaken, with students typically earning 1-3 credit hours per enrollment. Your instructor for X 490 may be a faculty member of your choice. It may be helpful for you and your chosen instructor to review the Guidelines for Independent Study Instructors while designing your independent study.

  To obtain permission to enroll in X 490, submit a signed Independent Study Contract to the IMP office.

  • Guidelines for Independent Study Instructors
  • Independent Study Contract

  If you wish to take two non-internship independent studies in the same semester, you should register for X 490 and X 390 (because the registration system will not permit you to register for two instances of X 490 at the same time). Please note that your IMP minor may include no more than 3 hours of independent readings credit.

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  IMP-X 390 Readings and Research

  IMP-X 390 is the same as X 490. If you wish to take two non-internship independent studies in the same semester, you should register for X 490 and X 390 (because the registration system will not permit you to register for two instances of X 490 at the same time). Please note that your IMP minor may include no more than 3 hours of independent readings credit. If you're only taking one independent study in a given semester, you should register for X 490.

  To obtain permission to enroll in X 390, submit a signed Independent Study Contract to the IMP office.

  • Guidelines for Independent Study Instructors
  • Independent Study Contract
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