In addition to the department’s comprehensive course offerings, SoC students have the option to engage in an independent study for academic credit, working closely with a faculty sponsor to delve into specialized subjects beyond the regular curriculum, and develop individualized learning goals. The outcomes of an independent study encompass in-depth exploration of a chosen topic, fostering experimentation and creativity, collaborating with a faculty sponsor, refining research skills, nurturing critical thinking abilities, cultivating self-directed learning, enhancing communication proficiency, and synthesizing information from various sources to grasp the broader implications of the subject.

Policies and Procedures:

Independent study in SoC is available by petition to juniors and seniors who have a minimum 3.0 grade-point average. Sophomores who have a compelling academic rationale to do so are encouraged to petition to take an independent study.

Students must secure a faculty sponsor to guide their independent study. All proposals for independent study in SoC must be approved by the SoC Undergraduate Dean. After you obtain the signature of your faculty sponsor (and dept. chair for theatre majors), email the independent study petition in its entirety to the SoC Office of Undergraduate Programs and Advising via dear-soc@northwestern.edu. Once approved, you will be registered for the appropriate course by the Office of Undergraduate Programs and Advising. If there is a problem, the office will contact you. No more than one independent study per quarter will be approved.

The School of Communication does not limit the number of independent studies that a student may count toward their degree, but limits may apply to the major degree requirements with additional units of 399 counted as electives. Students should consult with their SoC academic advisor for details. Independent study may not be taken using the P/N option.

Independent Study in WCAS

SoC students may have the option to do independent study in WCAS departments; to register for those independent studies, they are required to follow the WCAS process for independent study. SoC does not limit the number of independent studies that SoC students may take in WCAS. However, no more than two such courses can count for the distribution requirements. Moreover, they can only count as additional distribution requirements, not towards courses for the three required distribution areas.