A student in the MBA program may organize an independent study project to be carried out with a faculty advisor.  These projects typically earn three credits and often involve field work in addition to academic research.

The student should identify a faculty member specializing in the area of the project to discuss the possibility of an independent research project.  Once the faculty member agrees to work with the student, the student should submit a proposal in the form of a memo to the Graduate Studies Committee.  The memo should include the following elements: 

•        Title and Subject of Project
•        Name of Faculty Advisor, method of supervision of project (e.g., meetings every two weeks to discuss, etc.)
•        Brief Description of Project
•        Project Outcomes (e.g., three papers of approximately 20 pages each plus a brown bag research-in-progress discussion lunch, etc.)
•        Bibliography – four or five references in the academic literature concerning the nature of this project

Specific Guidelines

1. No project will be approved unless it results in a written paper or project.
2. No more than six hours of credit will be granted in Business Administration through Independent Study courses.
3. It is the student's responsibility to identify a full-time faculty member within the School of Business Administration who is willing to supervise the independent study.
4. A proposal, signed off by the faculty supervisor, must be submitted to the Graduate Studies Committee Chair one month prior to the beginning of the semester in which the study is to occur.  To do this, submit the signed proposal to Professor James Sinkula, 206 Kalkin.
5. The Graduate Studies Committee will inform the student of the final decision and will assist the student in enrolling for the course. The Committee prefers concise memos, about 1 ½ to 2 pages.

The proposal should cover:

1. The number of credits to be earned (3 credits are typical).
2. The problem to be investigated.
3. A description of the research program, including:
   1. Outline or essay indicating the direction of the project and the procedure that will be used.
   2. The number and nature of scheduled contacts with the supervising faculty member.
   3. The nature of participation by any organizations other than the University or individuals other than the supervising faculty member, if any.
   4. A description of the final paper or project.
4. A preliminary list of resources to be consulted.  This should be in the form of a bibliography.
5. A list of at least 6 credit hours of course work that the student has successfully completed to prepare him or her for truly independent work.
6. A signature line for the faculty supervisor to sign-off indicating their approval.
7. Provide a letter of support from other participating organizations or individuals, if involved in the project.