Independent Study

Independent Study Overview

Independent Study allows MBA, EMBA, and MS students who have completed at least one semester to pursue independent work for academic credit under the guidance of a full-time or adjunct Faculty Advisor. This study must be completed within a single semester and cannot be used to audit classes, bypass course capacities, or circumvent prerequisites.

Credit and Enrollment Limits
 
  • Credit Options: Students may register for 1.5 credits (requiring 25–40 hours of work) or 3.0 credits (requiring 50–70+ hours of work).
  • Degree Caps: MBA and EMBA students may count a combined maximum of 6 credits from Independent Study, Cross-Cultural Seminars, and graduate courses from other Columbia schools toward their degree.
  • Registration Rules: For 3.0-credit studies, the full amount must be registered in a single semester; "rollover" or split registrations are not permitted.
  • Team Projects: Group studies are considered on a case-by-case basis but are typically limited to 1.5 credits as individual workloads rarely reach the 72-hour threshold required for more.
Independent Study Categories
 
The following table outlines the recommended types of Independent Study and their expected deliverables.
Category
Type
Typical Scope
Typical Deliverable
Academic Study
Independent Research
Researching a specific industry, company, country, or topic.
Paper, presentation, or Case Study with analysis/business implications.
Academic Study
Class Extension
Projects building upon learning from a previously completed CBS class.
Paper or presentation demonstrating applied learning and self-reflection.
Work Study
Field Study Project*
Discrete projects for external clients, often linked to CBS programs or clubs.
Client presentation/paper and a CBS-specific deliverable linking work to academics.
Work Study
CBS Academic Improvement*
Collaborating with faculty on research, curriculum development, or course proposals.
Case study, curriculum, new course proposal, or faculty recommendation.
Work Study
Your Own Start-Up*
Market sizing, prototyping, or business venture analysis.
Business plan or presentation to potential investors.
Work Study
Internship* (MBA only)
Extending academic learning through a hired role.
P/F only; does not count toward degree. 5–10 page paper/presentation on applied CBS learnings.
*Requires original work; credit is not granted for standard job duties or interview preparation.

 
Important Policy Considerations
 
  • Internships: Independent Study is not a means to earn academic credit for an internship itself; credit is based solely on the academic deliverable.
    • International F-1 Visa holders should use the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) process after two semesters rather than this Independent Study process for off-campus work.
    • Domestic students should be aware that unpaid internships can be a gray area with respect to U.S. labor laws.
  • Grading: Studies use the standard elective scale (H through F), though they are not curved and H+ grades are not allowed. Internship-based studies are strictly Pass/Fail.
  • Faculty Advisor Role: Advisors commit 3–10 hours for guidance and grading. Students cannot initiate a study with a professor they are currently taking a course with. Faculty are limited to sponsoring 9 credits (6 for junior faculty) per semester, pending Divisional Chair approval.
     
Application Process
 
  1. Draft a Proposal: Outline the purpose, scope, deliverables, meeting frequency, and evaluation parameters.
  2. Identify an Advisor: Select a faculty member whose expertise aligns with your research. You must provide a rationale for why they are the best fit.
  3. Initial Outreach: Email the prospective advisor to confirm their interest and availability (referencing the Sample Template below).
  4. Refine & Secure Agreement: Meet with the faculty member to finalize the proposal. Obtain a written confirmation (email or signed letter) of their sponsorship.
  5. Submit the Online Form: Complete the Independent Study Application Form no later than the last day of A-Term Add/Drop for the requested semester.

Sample Template

From: Student
To: Prospective Faculty Advisor
Subject: Proposal for Independent Study Under Your Advisement

Dear Professor [Last Name],

I am writing to ask if you would consider serving as my Faculty Advisor for an Independent Study this upcoming semester. The purpose of my study is to [state purpose], and the scope will include [list activities]. My proposed deliverable is [description of final product]. I believe this project aligns with your work in [mention faculty expertise].

Please let me know if you are available to discuss this further.