Directed Studies

The ranked faculty of Missouri State University-West Plains may offer a directed study course (1-3 credit hours) for a qualified student with extenuating circumstances. A directed study course will be approved only for exceptional or unavoidable situations. Faculty members are not required to offer directed studies but may do so at their own discretion.

Permission for a student to enroll may be granted only after close consultation with the instructor, the appropriate department head and the appropriate division chair. Ranked faculty must teach directed studies unless approved by the appropriate division chair. An approved syllabus for the directed study must be on file in the office of academic affairs.

Students wishing to apply for a directed study course should follow these steps carefully:

1. Consult their advisor to determine eligibility. (see below)
2. Obtain a Directed Study Application Form from the office of academic affairs and complete sections A and B only.
3.  Take the completed form to the appropriate division chair.

To be eligible, a student must meet the following prerequisites:

1. Student must be at least sophomore status (30 hours) and a degree-seeking candidate. First-semester transfer students are not eligible.
2. Student must have at least a 3.00 cumulative GPA.
3. The need for any independent study must be documented and justified on the form provided on the back of the guidelines. The institution feels strongly about the limitations of a directed study course and prefers for students to attend regular classes with classroom discussions, personal contacts and treatments. Only the complete lack of other or better alternatives can justify any directed study.
4. The arrangements for directed studies must comply with the rules and regulations of the University in regard to tests, reading assignments, consultations, etc. The logistics for such procedures are to be determined by the instructor in consultation with the student.
5. Courses with laboratory requirements, such as natural sciences, may not be offered as independent study.

Students who do not meet the above criteria may appeal to the division chair if there are extenuating circumstances