Directed Study
Available to junior and senior students who need to complete a catalogued course at a time other than when it is offered. A student may not take more than 6 credits of independent study or directed study from one faculty member in a given semester. All courses taken by directed study carry an additional fee of $250/credit. Similar to other courses that include a fee (cross-cultural courses, private lessons, etc.), the fee covers additional costs related to this type of course. Tuition charges, such as those for exceeding the 18 credit maximum per semester, are a separate charge and are not covered by the per credit fee for directed study.
Independent Study
Independent study is available to sophomore, junior and senior undergraduate students. Independent study generally requires more time than do regular classroom courses. The amount of credit should be consistent with the time spent by the student and the level of work required (from 40 to 60 hours of significant involvement for each hour of credit). A student may not take more than 6 credits of independent study or directed study from one faculty member in a given semester. It is expected that an independent study involves regular meetings between the student and the sponsoring faculty member (the equivalent three to five hours per credit hour of the course over the semester). The student must provide the sponsoring faculty member with a written proposal including a clear statement of the problem or activity to be undertaken, the specific goals of the project, a list of facilities, equipment supplies, and resources needed and suggested methods of evaluation. The faculty member will develop a course proposal based on this information. All courses taken by Independent Study carry an additional fee of $250/credit. Similar to other courses that include a fee (cross cultural courses, private lessons, etc.), the fee covers additional costs related to this type of course. Tuition charges, such as those for exceeding the 18 credit maximum per semester, are a separate charge and are not covered by the per credit fee for Independent Study.
Departmental Honors Project
Students in the University Honors Program must submit the University Honors Project application (see below). To encourage scholarly initiative and in-depth investigation within a limited area of study, Messiah University provides able students with an opportunity to pursue honors courses within their major. A student may qualify for an honors course by (1) earning a GPA of 3.50 for all courses completed at the University to the middle of their junior year and (2) meeting all other requirements as prescribed by the department (e.g., GPA for major courses).
A student must provide the sponsoring faculty member with a written proposal including:
- a clear statement of the problem or activity to be undertaken,
- the specific goals of the project,
- a list of facilities, equipment supplies and resources needed, and
- suggested methods of evaluation
The faculty member will develop a course proposal based on this information.
It is expected that a departmental honors project involves regular meetings between the student and the sponsoring faculty member (the equivalent three to five hours per credit hour of the project over the semester).
Note: If a project will take more than one term, a second application form is needed.
University Honors Project (Honors Scholars Only)
Honors Scholars may meet their senior honors project requirement through an approved departmental honors course OR HONR 498 and HONR 499. Note: HONR 498 and 499 are restricted to juniors and seniors.
A student must provide the sponsoring faculty member with a written proposal including:
- a clear statement of the problem or activity to be undertaken,
- the specific goals of the project,
- a list of facilities, equipment supplies and resources needed, and
- suggested methods of evaluation
The faculty member will develop a course proposal based on this information.
It is expected that a University honors project involves regular meetings between the student and the sponsoring faculty member (the equivalent three to five hours per credit hour of the project over the semester).
Note: If a project will take more than one term, a second application form is needed.
Practicum
A maximum of 16 credits can be earned toward graduation requirements via experiential education options (internships, practica). These credits are general elective credits and may not apply toward major requirements unless approved in advance by the academic department. The appropriate registration forms for these credits must be submitted prior to the start of the practicum.