Are you looking through the course catalog thinking "I don't want to take any of these classes." Well, welcome to my world. I am a senior, and desperately searching for twelve credits that I am interested in!
Here's the thing...there are still things I am interested in learning about, and I can kill hours of time on Google just finding interesting things out. What should I do I asked myself last night in the library. I need twelve credits, and there are only about nine that I'm interested in in taking? Solution: Independent Study! (this came to me at 12:30am in the library)
Since I am a senior I have several professors who know me on a personal level, and most of my professors I have taken several classes with. One professor, Dr. Levy, is an expert in American politics, and during a class of hers I became extremely intrigued with the Bill Clinton legacy. After a project and a paper I would randomly myself in the library stacks looking for other Bill Clinton books. I craved to know anything about him - his policy, his speeches, his scandals, his marriage, and pretty much anything that was about him. I know, I know I'm probably boring people, but I can't help my interests.
Anyway, an independent study is great for any student who is interested in getting more information about a topic. Plus, having a connection with a professor can lead to networking for you! It's an added bonus; don't forget that professors probably met many people in your field of interest, and may have done something else before they started teaching.
An independent study can also be a launching pad for many students. It can be the first step for publication. You may be saying, "Well, why is publication important?" First off, it's a great resume builder. Having a published article as undergraduate will definitely set you away from the pack. It's a great way to get your name into the field early. On top of that, building your resume with publications is good because it lets recruiters or admissions counselors know that you take your education seriously. It's going that one step further than you have to as an undergraduate.
Secondly, if you choose to get your Masters degree in your field of study you are going to have to write a thesis paper. This paper could be up to 50 pages. You probably want some practice before you can get sit down and whip one of those out. Seriously - an independent study course is all about one professor guiding you through the process of making a paper with an original thesis, and a new look at something.
Independent studies allow for students to grow comfortable doing original research and delving into a topic that interests them. Plus, think about how much of your time an independent study can free up! Most likely you will have to present your research (in the spring most professors have their students present their work at Scholar's Day), and be able to speak fluently on the topic. This is another added bonus - it will look great on your resume!
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I'm a senior at The College at Brockport (SUNY). Majoring in Communication studies with a concentration on persuasion, and minoring in political science with an interest in American politics my future career field is mostly unknown, but through many internships I have great experience and good knowledge about the things I may want to do. This blog will mainly address topics of dealing with the real world, internships, and getting through college alive!
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