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University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Agricultural Economics

Decision-making At Work for Nebraska

Independent Study

  • The amount of work required for each semester hour of independent study credit is the same as would be required for any course at UNL. In general, this means that 30-40 hours of work are required for each hour of independent study credit being earned.
  • Because academic credit is given for independent study, projects must include some type of written report that merits academic credit. Many types of activities can serve as the basis for these reports, including library research, data collection, or internships and other off-campus activities. Credit will not be granted for summer jobs or internships although these experiences can serve as a source of information for the independent study report.
  • The student is responsible for contacting a faculty member, designing the study, completing the UNL Independent Study Contract Form, and submitting it to the chair of the Undergraduate Committee in time to meet the relevant deadlines. The faculty member is responsible for providing advice and guidance on the design and conduct of the study and for determining whether the project has been completed in a satisfactory manner.
  • Independent study projects for AECN 399 will be graded on a Pass/No Pass (P/NP) basis by the project adviser.

    • Steps for Initiating and Carrying Out an Independent Study

    1.  Students wishing to carry out an independent study project should first choose a faculty member to serve as adviser for the project. The academic adviser can help in choosing an appropriate adviser for the project. The project adviser will assist in identifying the study problem and setting the objectives for the project.

    2.  Following these initial discussions, the student should obtain an Independent Study Contract Form in Room 102 Filley Hall. The Contract Form should be completed by the student along with any additional supporting material required to clarify the nature of the independent study project.

    The Independent Study Contract should include:

    a.  A clear statement of the problem the student intends to study and the objectives of the study project.                     

    b.  An explanation of how the problem will be studied, including the type of analysis to be done as well as a discussion of the kinds of information that will be required and where such information will be obtained. 

    c.  A description of the written report or other project output that will be produced. For most projects, a detailed outline of the final report should be included. 

    d.  Any other information that will help the Committee determine if the number of credit hours requested is consistent with the work described in the contract. 

    4.   The Contract and supporting documents should be discussed with the project adviser. The Contract is then signed by the student and project adviser and submitted to the Undergraduate Committee. So that it can be approved prior to registration, the Contract should be submitted well before the semester in which the student wishes to do the independent study. 

    5.  Following approval of the contract by the Undergraduate Committee, the student may register for AECN 399 with the approved credit hours. If the Undergraduate Committee does not approve the contract, it will be returned to the student with an explanation of the decision. If appropriate, suggestions for revision will be offered along with a deadline for re-submission. 

    6.   If a student registers for AECN 399 without prior approval of the Independent Study Contract, the signed contract and supporting documents must be submitted to the Undergraduate Committee within the first five weeks of the semester (first two weeks for summer sessions) in which the student wishes to receive independent study credit. If not submitted by that time, any AECN 399 credit(s) earned will be recorded in the following semester. 

    7.   No more than three (3) credit hours will be granted for any one independent study project. Students may do more than one independent study project but the maximum number of credit hours that can be earned through independent study is five (5).