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One of the most rewarding things you can do while you are a student at UW Tacoma is Independent Study. Your independent study shows employers and graduate schools that you are better prepared for the world in ways you can't learn in a classroom alone.  Independent work develops your initiative, responsibility and creativity--it shows you can work independently on projects and take pride in your work.

Independent study opportunities allow you to expand your educational experience by trying different jobs or diving deeper into a topic of interest through research. You may earn up to 15 independent study credits at UW Tacoma--with up to 10 of these credits coming from internships. Internships over 10 credits require the approval of the Dean of the School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences (SIAS), with the exception of TPOLS 497.

The Career Development and Education staff or your academic advisor can offer advice on how to find internships and other independent study opportunities.

REGISTRATION TIMELINE: Your Independent Study or Internship form must be submitted by the 10th day of the quarter for your registration to be processed from the SIAS office. Once the form is completed and signed, please email the form to iashelp@uw.edu and copy your faculty advisor. Please use your UW email for any official UW business.

Types of Independent Study

Undergraduate Research/Creative Project

Undergraduate Research involves working with a faculty member on an advanced research project of mutual interest. In addition to working on the research project, students will be expected to complete at least one final paper. Generally, a 4-5 page paper equals one (1) credit.

(1-5 credits per quarter, Graded or Credit/No Credit)

 Undergraduate Research/Creative Project courses include:

Directed Reading

Under the supervision of a faculty member, students read advanced scholarly material of mutual interest. Students are expected to submit a bibliography of works to be read along with their completed Independent Study Form for Directed Readings. In addition to other agreed-upon assignments (critical book/film reviews, etc.), students typically are expected to complete a final paper. Generally, a 4-5 page paper equals one (1) credit.

1-5 credits per quarter, Graded or Credit/No Credit

Directed Reading courses include:

Senior Thesis

Senior Thesis is an independent research project planned and carried out by the student under the direction of a faculty member on a significant scholarly topic selected by the student in consultation with the faculty member. As this thesis is the culmination of your work, it can only be taken for 5 credits and will be graded. Generally, a 35-50 page thesis is expected.

5 credits ONLY, Graded ONLY

Senior Thesis courses include:

Internship

An academic internship is one of the most rewarding things you can do while you are a UW Tacoma student and is a type of independent study. Internships develop your problem-solving skills, sense of responsibility, and initiative — traits valued by employers and graduate schools.

PLAN AHEAD: Plan your internship at least one quarter before you expect to complete it.

ACADEMIC CREDIT:  To receive academic credit, your internship must be pre-approved. Most students who complete an internship as part of a degree requirement intern 15 hours per week for the 10-week quarter to earn 5 academic credits. Work with the SIAS Internship Coordinator, your faculty and internship supervisor to create the right schedule for you.

Need more information about internships? Email the School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences; iashelp@uw.edu 

1-10 credits, Graded or Credit/No Credit

Internship courses include:

How to find an Internship

  • Search for posted Internships on Handshake
  • Look for opportunities sent to your departmental listserv in your UW email
  • Talk to your professors, faculty advisor and other contacts
  • Utilize job search tools such as resume and cover letter assistance as well as interview practice offered by UW Tacoma's Career Development & Education office

Join UW Tacoma Handshake

Guidelines for completing forms and registering for Independent Study/Internships

Please make sure to plan ahead. The information below is only a recommended guide to help you complete forms and register for your independent study. It is recommended that you turn in your form at least 2 business days before you need to register for your independent study.

  1. Contact a faculty member to select a topic and develop a plan for the work you will be doing. Starting this early and working with a faculty member will help you create a strong and achievable plan. Consider which member of the SIAS faculty teaches courses in a similar area. It helps to have taken a course from that faculty member and know they have a familiarity with the curriculum that parallels your interests. 
    • Check with a SIAS advisor or faculty member about appropriate timing and placement of potential independent study credits for your major. 
    • Please note: Part-time faculty are under no obligation to oversee independent study options, and contracts with part-time faculty advisors will require review by the SIAS Associate Dean before registration enrollment is processed. 
  2. For directed reading and undergraduate research, you can select between 1 and 5 credits, as well as graded or credit/no credit grading options. For the senior thesis, you must take 5 credits and the credits will be graded.
  3. Once you and your faculty advisor have agreed on the scope of the independent study, complete the appropriate form. Forms must be typed. It is your responsibility to obtain the appropriate course number and SLN from the quarterly registration guide. Both you and the faculty advisor must sign the completed form.
  4. Once the form is completed and signed, please email the form to iashelp@uw.edu and copy your faculty advisor. Please use your UW email for any official UW business.
  5. Depending on your faculty advisor, it may take at least TWO business days to process your request. You will receive notification from the SIAS office when your enrollment has been processed.

SIAS Independent Study Registration Forms

NOTE:  Before submitting your request to iashelp@uw.edu, all forms must be signed by you, your faculty advisor, and site supervisor (if applicable). Please download and save a copy of the form before you complete it. Forms should be turned in at least 2 business days before you need to register for your independent study. Once your request has been processed, you will be automatically registered for the class.