A directed study course provides the student with an opportunity to pursue a specialized area that may not be available through standard course offerings. A student wishing to pursue a directed study must follow this process:

1. The student must submit a written proposal to the professor for approval.

2. If the proposal is accepted, the student (in collaboration with the instructor and student success advisor) submits the course syllabus and pertinent information electronically, via a Directed Study Application, which automatically goes to the dean and the registrar's office. 

Students may find the Directed Study Application form through the Office of the Registrar website or by accessing the form directly.

Students may engage in a directed study under the following regulations:

• The proposed study will consist of approximately 160 hours of study (for a four-semester-hour class).
• Any course that the student takes in a nonacademic setting will count as a directed study course. 
• Only three directed study courses may be taken in the student’s degree program.
• Students may take a maximum of 16 credits in their degree program in combination of directed studies, correspondence courses, or extension courses.
• A directed study course may not substitute for a required course.