Independent study may be pursued in two different ways, either through the ES Program or through the department allied with the student's focus. Note that several foci require independent work as part of the focus. Any ES major wishing to graduate with honors in the major must complete either an ES thesis or an environmentally related thesis in another department that is part of the student's focus (e.g., a geology thesis is required for an environmental geology focus) or part of a joint or double major.
INDEPENDENT STUDY THROUGH THE ES PROGRAM
Students who wish to pursue independent study in the field of environmental studies may enroll in ENVS 0500. The intent of offering ENVS 0500 is to make available to all ES majors an opportunity to engage in independent work regardless of whether or not the student is working toward honors in the major and is, therefore, conducting a senior thesis. Permission to enroll in ENVS 0500 requires that a student have a faculty member who is affiliated with the ES Program agree to serve as the advisor of his or her ENVS 0500 project. Requirements for the grade in ENVS 0500 are determined by agreement between the student and the advisor before the project is begun. The ENVS 0500 project may be research oriented or readings oriented. In special instances, an independent project may be of such a magnitude that it cannot be completed in one semester. In such cases, students, with their advisors' permission, have the option to conduct the work over two semesters. Students may conduct two different independent projects during their undergraduate careers.
INDEPENDENT STUDY THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT AFFILIATED WITH THE FOCUS
ES majors may also pursue independent study through the department that is affiliated with the student's focus. Some foci (e.g., Creative Arts, Environmental Geology, Environmental Nonfiction) actually require this. Students pursuing this option are governed by all of the rules established by those departments. These students are encouraged to consult with their academic advisors early so that they understand what these requirements are.