A directed study is a coherent, well-defined, substantive reading and research

project supervised by a faculty member, usually resulting in a major written document. It

is not credit for work experience. Rather, it offers the student an opportunity to explore
in detail a carefully defined area of special concern, as well as a chance to work under
the close supervision of a faculty member. 

 A Directed Study is a CAS course in which a student pursues independent

research under the guidance of a faculty member.
 A student may choose to undertake a Directed Study for the following reasons:
o 1) to pursue in depth an area covered more generally in a course, or
o 2) to explore a topic not normally covered in the curriculum. In either case,
it is the student’s responsibility to identify the topic fully and to acquire
enough information to ensure its worthiness for independent research.

Why take a Directed Studies Course?

The reasons for taking a directed studies course vary from student to student. If you are
considering graduate school, for example, a directed studies course is a great way to
experience the pressures and rewards of independent scholarship and the intensity of
the full research process. If your interests lie elsewhere-outside of academia-the
benefits of undertaking a directed studies will set you apart from your competitors in the
job market. Broadly speaking, students undertaking directed studies courses can expect
to strengthen and develop a number of personal and inter-personal skills, including:
 Critical thinking, creativity, and intellectual independence
 Management and assessment of large quantities of information
 Communication skills (both oral and written)
 Punctuality and organization
Regardless of whether your future career lies in academia, government, industry, or the
non-governmental sector, the relationship you build with your faculty supervisor is
important in terms of skill development, career choices, and potential reference letters.
Also, by taking directed studies courses you have the opportunity to win awards and
grants for your hard work! See the important Other Helpful Links section for more
information.

Directed study courses are designed to enable advanced undergraduates to pursue

independent research under the guidance of a faculty member. Directed Study courses
offer students the opportunity to work in a focused area and in an environment that
allows for considerable individual attention. Since Directed Study courses also demand
a great deal of time and energy on the part of the faculty member, students applying
should observe the following guidelines:
1. Carefully choose a topic for Directed Study. Students may choose to pursue
in depth an area covered more generally in a course, or to explore a topic
not normally covered in the curriculum. In either case, it is the student’s
responsibility to identify the topic fully and to acquire enough information to
ensure its worthiness for independent research.