Independent Research - Keck Graduate Institute

Below are some general guidelines for students interested in Independent Research Courses.

Independent research means work performed by students for credit on a project in the natural sciences, engineering, or social sciences aimed at generating new knowledge.
First year students can choose an independent research as elective for the spring, if their fall GPA is above 3.25.
Independent research for 1.5 units or 3.0 units should involve about 4.5 hours or 9 hours per week, which adds to 72 hours or 144 hours total for the semester. The effort can be distributed unequally over the semester to fit the project and the student’s other obligations.
Project descriptions are sometimes kept general, as specifics will be refined with the interested students later.
Providing a write-up does not obligate a faculty member to accept a student if e.g. staffing or priorities change, or if no suitable student shows interest.
There may be more interested students than available spots. It is up to the faculty advisors for each project to decide which student is accepted. If you are interested in a project on the list, please formally apply for the position by sending an email to the listed contact person for the project. Top applicants for a position will likely go through a quick interview.
In most cases you will have the opportunity to tailor the specifics of the project to your skills and interests. Discuss this with the advising faculty.
Once agreement is reached between student and faculty advisor on an independent research project, you need to fill out the independent study/research contract available through the registrar’s office, and submit this form prior to the registration deadline.
Independent research students will often work closely with research staff, postdocs or PhD students. However, the ultimate responsibility for ensuring that the student is properly guided in the project, and for providing a final grade, lies with the faculty member.
Please note that the ADD and DROP deadlines follow the regular semester deadlines, but interested faculty and students may need more time to design and develop independent research plans.
Students must indicate on the independent study/research contract if the course will count toward a focus track.
No more than 3.0 units of IS/IR will count toward graduation for the MBS degree unless approved for the research emphasis degree.
Please complete the Independent Study/Research Contract and turn it into the Registrar’s Office for approval.