One-to-One Study

There are four primary types of one-on-one study available at Franklin Pierce University:

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Internships

Learning through a supervised work experience for credit is an available option for qualified* upper-class students in several academic departments. A faculty sponsor ensures a rigorous academic component.    

Internships often occur off campus and entail collaboration with an on-site supervisor who provides direction to the student and reports to the faculty sponsor about the student’s on-site performance. Students must register for the internship course for the semester/term in which it begins. 

Internships may extend beyond the period of time for which the internship is registered. Students who begin an internship may receive an IP grade and be allowed to complete the internship in the subsequent semester/term. 

*Students should contact their advisor to determine whether or not they qualify to register for an internship.

Independent Study

Independent study offers an opportunity to explore an area of study not included in the University Catalog listing of approved courses. 

The topic of an Independent Study should be selected and carefully designed by the student and faculty sponsor, and must meet with the approval of the College Coordinator, if the College has one, and Dean.   Normally, the student will be expected to have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 and possess the appropriate background and interest to pursue the proposed area of study.

Directed Study

Only under exceptional circumstances, a course listed in the University Catalog may be offered to a student on an individual basis. In a Directed Study, the student and professor meet on a regular basis, normally  once a week. The details of the Directed Study must be agreed upon by the faculty sponsor and the student. Directed Studies must be approved by the College Coordinator, if the College has one, and Dean.

Senior Research

A student may be invited to participate in an ongoing research project being conducted by a faculty sponsor. The student and faculty sponsor will establish a contract of expectations and outcomes. The student will be required to offer either a presentation or research paper at the end of their research experience.

Registering for Individual Study

Students wishing to pursue an individualized course of study must follow the steps outlined below.

1. Obtain the appropriate form from the Office of the Registrar eRaven page. Some departments may have supplemental forms that need to be completed, check with your advisor.
2. Meet with the faculty member to complete the form and develop the learning objectives and means of assessment.
3. Register for the Individual Study Placeholder course, ID001.
4. Obtain all required signatures. Students pursuing internships must also obtain the signature of the on-site supervisor.
5. Ensure the form will be received by the appropriate Dean before the end of the add/drop period for the semester in which the activity occurs.