The Bachelor of Independent Studies is a three-year program which provides students with the unique opportunity to determine their academic goals and methods under the guidance of university faculty. Independent Studies (IS) students are encouraged to explore a variety of interests and develop a perspective beyond that of a single discipline. Similarly, students are encouraged to explore a number of methods which may provide a depth of perspective on a specific area.
Most courses offered at the University of Waterloo are available to Independent Studies students. However, students are encouraged to tailor their academic plans to their learning needs. This may mean taking a mix of Independent Studies courses and other university courses or taking only Independent Studies courses.
The ability to ask a meaningful question, obtain information related to that question, synthesize that information, and communicate conclusions, are important life-long learning skills that are central to independent studies and are also valued by employers.
Degree Requirements
Students must successfully complete a minimum of 15 academic course units for their BIS of which five academic course units must be the designated IS thesis course units. A minimum of ten academic course units are to be completed in the pre-thesis phase and students must be in good standing to apply for thesis phase.
A student must submit to the Independent Studies Academic Board a completed thesis, a Description of Studies, and Letters of Evaluation from thesis supervisors.
The Independent Studies academic plan is divided into two phases: the Pre-Thesis Phase and the Thesis Phase.
1. Pre-Thesis Phase
New students in IS begin by developing a study plan with the assistance of IS Academic Advisors. This study plan focuses on expectations and objectives of a student's academic activities and establishes the habit of setting specific goals which provide structure for independent study. Each student during each Pre-Thesis Phase term will meet at least five times with an IS Academic Advisor to discuss her/his academic work.
A study plan (Term Plan) is required of every student at the beginning of each term during the Pre-Thesis Phase. A complete record of academic work accomplished during each term (Term Report) must be submitted at the end of each term. These documents of work completed in the Pre-Thesis Phase provide the basis for review and evaluation.
Students must complete at least five units in this first phase if they have already successfully completed five units of university level work, or at least ten units if they have not previously attended university. While students in Pre-Thesis Phase may take regular university courses, they are expected to engage in a significant amount of independent study and are encouraged to develop a perspective beyond that of an individual discipline.
Standing - Pre-Thesis Phase
A student who has satisfactorily completed the work specified in the Term Plan and who has submitted a satisfactory Term Report will normally be allowed to proceed to the next term.
A student who has not submitted a Term Report or who has not satisfactorily progressed in the work specified in the Term Plan will not be able to proceed.
A student may be granted conditional status. This indicates borderline performance in meeting term objectives. Performance must improve in the next term to remain in Independent Studies. In some instances, conditions may be specified for continuing in the next term.
2. Thesis Phase
The Thesis Phase of the IS degree (BIS) is overseen by the Independent Studies Academic Board. The Board is composed of faculty members from each of the faculties represented on the University of Waterloo campus. The Board is assisted in its assessment of each degree candidate by a committee of supervisors appointed by the Board to advise and evaluate the work accomplished by students during the Thesis Phase.
Students are required to apply to the IS Academic Board for entry into the Thesis Phase of the Program (five units) after successfully completing a minimum of five units in Independent Studies and at least ten units of post-secondary university work. Applicants must submit, in writing, a thesis proposal which details their post-secondary academic history, the proposed plan of research and study, and a timetable for completion of the thesis. This document is prepared in consultation with the proposed thesis supervisors who must approve the thesis proposal before it is submitted to the IS Academic Board, and with advice from an IS Academic Advisor and a member of the IS Academic Board.
The decision to accept an applicant for Thesis Phase is based on an assessment of (a) the applicant's general preparedness for BIS degree-level studies and (b) the suitability of the thesis studies proposal with respect to academic standards and the University's capability to support such studies and examine the resulting work.
On acceptance of a student's thesis proposal, the Board formally appoints two thesis supervisors including at least one member of the University of Waterloo's regular faculty. The student meets regularly with the supervisors to complete the approved plan. When the work is accomplished, the supervisors are required to submit written evaluations of the candidate's performance as a basis for recommending the awarding of the BIS degree.
Options and Minors
Students enrolled in Independent Studies may elect to complete the requirements for an interdisciplinary option or a minor. The option or minor will be designated on a student's diploma and transcript upon graduation.
BASc-BIS and BA-BIS Combined Degrees
Two joint degrees are available. A BIS may be combined with BASc in Engineering and an Honours BA in Arts. The combined degrees are designed for students who excel academically and would benefit from non-traditional modes of instruction.
A student in a combined degree plan completes all requirements of the Engineering or Arts degree in which she/he is enrolled and also the requirements for a degree in Independent Studies. The combined academic plans require time in addition to that required for completion of the BASc or BA degree.
Admission to the combined degree plans occurs after year one of an Engineering or an Honours Arts academic program and is at the discretion of the Independent Studies Academic Board and the appropriate Faculty. Clear indication of the student's ability to handle her/his academic plan at a high level of proficiency is required before admission is considered.
Further Information
Please consult our website, is.uwaterloo.ca, for additional program details.