A request to inactivate the Bachelor of Independent Studies program at the University of Waterloo is being considered at Senate in September 2016. As a result of this, new or transfer students will not be accepted into the degree program. The calendar provides guidance for students currently in the program to plan their courses toward graduation.
The University of Waterloo's Independent Studies degree program provides students with the unique opportunity to create an individualized interdisciplinary program of study with the assistance of academic advisors.
Independent Studies students combine research interests from the humanities, fine and performing arts, social sciences, language studies, computer science, environment, mathematics, engineering, health sciences, physical and earth sciences, or a combination of several of these areas to complete their studies.
The Independent Studies degree program offers students a Three-Year General or a Four-Year Honours academic plan, both of which include Pre-Thesis and Thesis Project phases.
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.