Independent Scholar

Independent Scholars plan their own curricular programs with the assistance of a faculty adviser. Independent Scholars cannot propose two majors, but can pursue an independent scholar major and one minor. For the 2025-26 academic year, application materials are due to the Curriculum Committee by Monday, October 6, 2025, for fall review; and Monday, February 16, 2026, for spring review.

Eligibility

For an application to be considered, a student must be in the sophomore year and have a GPA of 3.5 or higher. If approved, students must fulfill all requirements for the degree using their approved Independent Scholar plan as their major course of study. Independent Scholar proposals will be evaluated in light of feasibility, academic disciplinary integrity, and demonstrated ability of the student. A successful proposal must articulate a fully developed program of study, must include a methods course, and must demonstrate compellingly that the student’s academic goals cannot be met through existing majors.

Application Process

To be designated an Independent Scholar, a student must undergo a rigorous approval process overseen by the Curriculum Committee. The process begins with an interview with the Dean of Curriculum. The student must subsequently prepare and submit a well-defined program of study to the Curriculum Committee, which includes a clear description of the goal(s) of the proposed major, a thoughtful description of the independent work that will fulfill the INDE 0800 requirement, and the courses that comprise the major alongside an alternate course plan should a particular course not be taught in a given semester. The proposal must also be accompanied by a written endorsement of a faculty member who is willing and qualified to supervise the student’s progress through the major, as well as a statement of support from an alternate faculty member. The Curriculum Committee will review all submitted materials, after which it will convene a meeting with the candidate and advisers. Final approval of the proposed major rests with the Curriculum Committee. An applicant whose proposal is denied is entitled to meet with the Dean of Curriculum and/or the Curriculum Committee to discuss the outcome of the review.

Oversight

The Curriculum Committee will solicit updates from each Independent Scholar twice a year. Any changes to the program of study (ie. the originally-proposed course plan) must be submitted to the Curriculum Committee for approval before the student enrolls in the course. This includes substitutions for alternate courses described in the original proposal (ie. they too must be approved prior to enrolling). 

The faculty advisor must cosign all registration materials. The Major Declaration Form and Degree Audit Forms will be signed by both the faculty advisor and Dean of Curriculum. 

Students who elect to withdraw from the Independent Scholar Program, or who have their independent scholar status withdrawn, may be allowed, at the discretion of the Curriculum Committee, to graduate in general studies, without a formal major in any department.

Senior Work

The INDE 0800 is a culminating experience for the independent scholar program of study. This project brings together the course work the student has completed and incorporates all aspects of the major into one final project. Students applying to be independent scholars will be asked to provide a thoughtful indication of possible INDE 0800 projects at the time that they submit their proposals. Students will be allowed, however, to change the topic of their INDE 0800 project in response to new interests and information acquired during the course of their major study.

The INDE 0800 project is undertaken for one or two terms (and may include the Winter term). The methods course must be completed before starting the INDE 0800 project. Students who wish to be considered for honors must define and work with a thesis committee. Thesis work most typically follows the procedures for the department most closely related to the project. Scholars may choose to work with an individual faculty member, usually the student’s adviser. The choice of senior project is flexible. For example, with permission from the advisor, a student in the performing arts might want to incorporate a dance performance, musical composition, or some other feature into their course of study.

Honors

To be considered for honors, independent scholars normally must meet two criteria: a minimum average of B+ in courses taken in the major and a minimum grade of B+ on the senior work component. The Dean of Curriculum oversees the first requirement and will inform the advisor of the student’s eligibility. The senior work component must be evaluated by a committee of three faculty members (one of whom, at the advisor’s request, may be a faculty member on the Curriculum Committee). Minimum thesis grades for each level of honors are B+ (Honors), A- (High Honors), and A (Highest Honors), but the determination of the appropriate level will be made by the thesis committee.

For more information about this program, contact the Dean of Curriculum.