Academic Advising
Getting StartedSteps to EnrollTuition and FeesFinancial AidTextbooks and MaterialsEnroll NowContact Your InstructorIndependent Study courses are excellent options for self-motivated students who need added flexibility in course scheduling, and who are capable of managing their studies even without direct classroom contact. Many students take Independent Study courses when on-campus sections of the same courses fill up, when class schedules conflict, when traveling for extended periods, and for many other reasons. When taking courses through KU Independent Study, it is critical that the student manage time efficiently and adopt a disciplined study schedule to encourage regular progress and timely course completion.
None of our independent study courses require in-person meetings. Most, however, do have proctored examinations that must be taken either on-site at the KU Continuing Education building or at an alternate proctoring location.
It is important to ensure your courses count toward your program requirements. We've created a list of Steps to Enroll to guide you through the process.
The KU Online ID is your online interface that allows you to have limited access to KU's library e-reserves, web portal, and other services. Your course materials will tell you whether you need to have a KU Online ID to access portions of your course and provide instructions for obtaining a KU Online ID, if needed. Students who already have a KU Online ID do not need to create another one for Independent Study.
Average completion times vary by course, depending on total credit hours as well submission guidelines for assignments and examinations. Generally, courses worth fewer credit hours take less time to complete than courses worth more. On average, students are able to complete Independent Study courses within three to four months—the equivalent of an academic semester.
More than half of our courses are online and our goal is to have all courses online within the next few years. The rest of our courses are print-based, although many allow assignments to be submitted via e-mail. Virtually all of our courses (even online courses) require proctored exams.
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