Skip to main content

Independent Studies

The Department of Business Administration and Economics at Roanoke College encourages upper-level students with exceptional potential to pursue an Independent Study. [Note: Such students have frequently completed (or will complete) all of their required Business courses by the end of the first semester of their senior year. They may also be participating or have participated in the Honors Programs.]

Purpose

The purpose of the program is twofold:

  1. An Independent Study is an opportunity for students to extend their knowledge in an area of Business or Economics in which they have particular interest.
  2. Because an Independent Study is designed to be both a flexible and intense learning environment, it requires significant commitment on the part of both the student and the sponsoring faculty member.

Student standing behind two chairs in a classroom

Application Procedures

The following guidelines have consequently been established to clarify the requirements for successful completion of an Independent Study. While either the student or faculty member may take the initiative in the design of the Independent Study, the student is responsible for developing a written proposal of 2-3 pages.

  • the research question(s) and/or hypothesis(es) to be investigated;
  • the importance of the study;
  • an outline of the study;
  • and a preliminary bibliography.

The proposal must be submitted to the sponsoring faculty member at least three weeks prior to the end of the semester preceding the Independent Study.

The proposal must be approved by the sponsoring professor and the department chairperson (either as initially submitted or as modified by the sponsoring professor and/or department chairperson with student agreement) by the end of the semester preceding the independent study.

Evaluation

Evaluation of the Independent Study will be the primary responsibility of the sponsoring professor. However, a second faculty member chosen by the student (subject to the approval of the sponsoring professor) will be asked to review the project and to provide the sponsoring professor with a suggested grade. A final grade will be at the discretion of the sponsoring professor.

Course Listings

A program of intensive study in business or economics is carried out under the direction of a member of the departmental staff. (Open to majors with the permission of the department.) (1/2, 1, 1/2). Catalogue Listings: BUAD405, BUAD406, BUAD407 Independent Study and Research.

To open the application form click here.