Independent Study
Through the Computer Science or Information Systems independent study
course (CSC 499 or CIS 499), students can earn one to three credits for one semester
of independent, but supervised, study or project work completed in an academic setting.
The option is intended to enrich the student's knowledge in an area that is not covered
by regular course offerings. Students interested in pursuing a graduate program
are strongly urged to consider the independent study course to test
out their potential for independent research and advanced study.
Students interested in pursuing some independent exploration and completing a thesis may
consider the thesis option (CIS 493 or CSC 493).
Eligibility requirements. To be eligible for an independent study, the student
must:
- Have at least junior standing in the College (54 credits).
- Have an established Brockport GPA (must have completed at least one
semester at Brockport.
- Have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 or higher.
Individual independent study instructor-sponsor may have additional requirements, such as
knowledge of specific subjects, programming languages or software. Besides meeting
the formal prerequisites, candidates should be
self-motivated and interested in real-world learning, and should have good
communication and problem-solving skills.
Restrictions: Certain forms of work experience are expressly excluded from
consideration for independent studies:
- Independent study credits cannot be given for work carried out in an employment situation.
- Independent study credits cannot be given for projects already completed or
in progress.
- Independent study credits cannot be counted towards the major elective requirement.
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Application procedure
- Each interested student should begin by carefully reading the description of
the independent study option and verifying his/her eligibility.
- If the student meets the eligibility requirements for the independent study option,
he/she should contact faculty members, discuss possible study topics, and then
identify a full-time member of the department faculty who agrees to
serve as his/her instructor-sponsor. In case of joint supervision by two or more
faculty members, a primary instructor will be identified.
- Finally, the student must complete and submit an Independent Study Application Form
and an Independent Study Outline Form
to the instructor-sponsor, and then to the Chair of the Department for approval.
- All Independent Study paperwork must be submitted to the Registrar's Office by the
student by the published deadlines.
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Independent Study activities
The Independent Study Outline, signed by the student and the instructor-sponsor, must provide
in sufficient detail a clear description of the project, the requirements (deliverables),
method of instruction, contact/meetings with the instructor-sponsor, and a bibliography.
This outline forms the basis
for final grading for the course. It is strongly recommended that students present their
findings during the annual
Brockport Scholars Day.
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Necessary forms
The forms may be obtained from the Department of Computer Science or the Office of the Registrar:
- Independent Study Application Form
- Independent Study Outline Form
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