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).

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

Type of Independent Study

Guidelines for completing forms and registering for Independent Study

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. Select a topic and develop a plan for what you will research, read and write. Starting this early and working with a faculty member will help you create a strong and achievable plan.
  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. Contact a faculty member with your plan of work and study. 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. Please note:  note that 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 an entry code is issued.
  4. Once you and your faculty advisor have agreed on the scope of the independent study, complete the appropriate form. Please download and save a copy of form before you complete it. 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.
  5. Check with a SIAS advisor or faculty member about appropriate placement of these independent study credits for your major.
  6. Once the form is completed and signed, please email the form to iashelp@uw.edu and copy your faculty advisor. 
  7. Depending on your faculty advisor, it may take at least TWO business days to process your entry code. You will receive notification from the SIAS office when your entry code has been processed.
  8. Completion of the form does not mean you are automatically enrolled in the course. Use the entry code to register before the 10th day of the quarter.

*Please visit the SIAS Internships page for registration details.

SIAS Independent Study Registration Forms

NOTE:  Before submitting for an entry code, 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. Entry codes must be used before the 10th day of the quarter of registration.