Independent Study

Independent Study Courses

If a student is enrolled on the West Lafayette campus, they can study course materials at their own pace, then take an examination. If a student passes the final examination, credit is established in the course.

1. Make sure the course is appropriate for the student's plan of study.

2. The student should examine the packet of study materials available at the circulation desk of the Hicks Undergraduate Library (URGL). Read the course outline carefully. It contains the requirements for the course along with a list of the necessary materials.

3. The material may be studied at the student's own pace. The independent study course packet must remain at the circulation desk of the Hicks Undergraduate Library (URGL). Students may bring in blank audiocassettes and duplicate audiotaped lectures. Students can also buy their own copy of the textbook.

4. Give student a green Form 231 Students must present this form, together with a picture ID, in order to take the examination.

5. Schedule the examination. Although most examinations are administered through the Dean of Students Testing Center, there are exceptions. STUDENTS ARE NOW REQUIRED TO PRE-REGISTER ON-LINE FOR ALL ADVANCED CREDIT EXAMS AT https://www2.itap.purdue.edu/SSTA/ODOS/signup.cfm. Students will need to bring a completed form 231 to the Testing Center as well as photo identification.

COM 114 testing is done thorough the Communications department.

6. Take the examination (s).
a) If the student passes, the Registrar will notify the student and academic advisor that credit has been recorded on the transcript.
b) If the student fails, no grade is recorded. Only one opportunity is allowed to test out, a student must enroll in a regular section of the course if they still want to establish credit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to take a course through independent study?
Full-time and part-time Purdue students enrolled on the West Lafayette campus may take courses through independent study.

When can I take an independent study course?
You may study the course materials any time you wish; however, you must be enrolled in at least one University course the semester you take the examination.

How do I sign up for an independent study course?
There is no "sign up" for independent study courses. Simply begin by looking at the course packet at the circulation desk of the Hicks Undergraduate Library (URGL).

Should I check with the professor before I begin the course?
Check the course outline for special instructions. Some professors do ask that you check with them before you begin, so that they can give you handouts or important hints for studying the material. The outline inside each course packet in the Undergraduate Library (URGL) will tell you if you need to contact the professor.

What are the courses like?
They vary. Some courses require that you study a textbook. For other courses, you'll need to listen to audiotapes, watch videotapes, or do a course project. The requirements for each course are listed in the course outline.

Do I have to study in the library?
The independent study course packet must remain at the circulation desk of the Hicks Undergraduate Library (URGL); however, you may bring in blank audiocassettes and duplicate the audiotaped lectures if you like. You can also buy your own copy of the textbook.

Are independent study courses easier than regular courses?
No! The courses are all regular University courses and require as much work as if you were taking them in the traditional manner. In fact, independent study courses are probably harder, because there is little, if any, interaction with an instructor.

How much do the courses cost?
There is no fee for taking an independent study course.

What about the examinations?
You may try each exam only one time. Testing procedures are outlined in each course packet. For most courses, a single test is given through the Office of the Dean of Students Testing Center. You must earn at least 70 percent on the exam to pass.

What happens if I pass the test?
If you pass, a Form 390 will be sent to the Registrar's Office confirming that you have earned credit by examination. The information will then be added to your academic transcript. The Registrar will send you a notice verifying that you have established credit by examination.

Do I get a grade in the course?
No. You will only receive credit.

What if I don't pass the test?
Nothing is recorded if you fail the examination.

If I have failed a regular course, can I take it through independent study?
No. If you received a grade other than "W" in a regular course, you may not establish credit by examination in that course.

Is taking a course through independent study the same as taking it "pass/no pass"?
No. Credit-by-examination and "pass/no pass" are two entirely different things. This is an important distinction, because some schools at Purdue will not permit their majors to take "pass/no pass" courses. Since independent study courses let you establish credit-by-examination, they DO count toward your major.

Are there any other courses available for credit by examination?
Yes. Students who wish to establish credit in a course not listed in this handout should contact the appropriate academic department.

December 10, 2007