Directed studies are student-led research projects. They are a way to concentrate on research in a particular area or work with a certain faculty member on a research topic.

If you would like to undertake a directed study, you must find a full-time faculty member to supervise your project and create a proposal with our directed studies proposal form, which can be obtained from your program’s Student Services Coordinator. The proposal must include a complete syllabus and a proposed time frame. Your chosen faculty supervisor and the Chair of your program must approve the proposal. Directed study proposals must be approved before work on the project begins. Directed studies are three credits (39 contact hours), with a maximum of six credits or two directed studies counting toward your degree.

Recent directed studies have explored topics in biomaterials, landscape drawing, and design publications. These topics often align with faculty research, and allow for deeper explorations while obtaining credits towards your degree.