Learning Opportunities

IT & Informatics Independent Study

An Independent Study is an individually negotiated learning program of approximately 150 hours representing a significant learning opportunity. It provides a framework for you to design, negotiate, and manage your own plan of study based on your experience, knowledge, and long-term goals.

How to Propose an IT & Informatics Independent Study

There are four phases in the proposal process:

1. Complete the necessary coursework

   To be eligible, you must be an IT & Informatics major with junior or senior status and have completed the following foundational courses:

   04:547:200 Social Informatics
   04:547:201 Information Technology Fundamentals
   04:547:202 Object-Oriented Programming
   04:547:210 Designing Human-Centered Technology Solutions

2. Find a faculty sponsor

   Propose your idea to a full-time faculty member in the LIS department who will sponsor your Independent Study. If you need help identifying a sponsor, meet with IT & Informatics Director Warren Allen to discuss the nature, objectives, and outcomes of your proposed project.

3. Submit a faculty-approved proposal application
   With input from your faculty sponsor, describe the details of your Independent Study (meeting cadence, learning goals, and specific requirements), then submit the Independent Study Application.

4. Wait for approval and SPN

   Deadline: Submit your application by the first day of the semester in which you plan to begin.

   Your application will be reviewed and a decision made before the end of the Drop/Add period.

   If approved, you will receive a Special Permission Number (SPN) to register for 04:547:460 Independent Study.

IT & Informatics Senior Honors Thesis

The Senior Honors Thesis offers high-achieving students the opportunity to conduct original research under the supervision of a faculty advisor and an honors thesis committee.

Eligibility Requirements:

To apply, you must:

• Have at least a 3.4 GPA in the IT and Informatics major.
• Hold a 3.2 cumulative GPA.
• Earn a C or better in the following courses:
  • 04:547:220 Retrieving and Evaluating Electronic Information
  • 04:547:300 Application of Research in Information Technology

How to Apply:

1. Work with a faculty advisor to draft a research proposal.
2. Submit your proposal to Program Director Warren Allen—students typically prepare this during the same semester they take 04:547:300 Application of Research in Information Technology (a required prerequisite).
3. Submit by the first day of the semester you want to begin.
4. Once approved, you’ll receive an SPN to register for 04:547:465 Senior Thesis.