Guided Study (mimics regular course numbers)

Based on an existing course in the catalog, a student may request a guided study if the course may not be taken during the needed term or resolved in another manner. Guided studies are uncommon and treated as an exceptional privilege the student undertakes with the consent of a regular faculty member. The standards are equivalent to traditional course delivery. Guided studies are graded (A-F) courses.

• The student must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above.
• A regular faculty member supervises the study.
• The faculty member must arrange weekly, one-hour meetings at a fixed time to meet with the student.
• The advisor, supervising faculty and the chair grant approval. If the chair is the faculty member, the guided study must also have dean approval.
• Faculty may supervise up to six guided or independent studies per academic year with a maximum of 18 credits. 
• Students may take no more than 12 credits of guided or independent study and no more than three in one semester during their total university career.

Proposals that include the signatures of the faculty supervisor, advisor, department chair and dean's office must be to the registrar’s office by the posted deadline. 

Independent Study (numbered 191, 291, 391, 491, 591)

As a way to further one's study in a topic, independent studies allow exceptional students to pursue an area of interest not covered in a standard course offering. The student creates the independent study, which includes the scope of learning, learning outcomes, assignments and the final product to demonstrate learning. Independent studies are graded (A-F) courses.

• The student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above.
• A regular faculty member supervises the study.
• The faculty member must arrange weekly, one-hour meetings at a fixed time to meet with the student.
• The advisor, supervising faculty and the chair grant approval. If the chair is the faculty member, the guided study must also have dean approval.
• Faculty may supervise up to six guided or independent studies per academic year with a maximum of 18 credits.  
• Students may take no more than 12 credits of guided or independent study and no more than three in one semester during their total university career.

Proposals that include the signatures of the faculty supervisor, advisor department chair and dean's office must be to the registrar’s office by the posted deadline. 

Readings (numbered 386, 486)

If the study is primarily a review of literature, the “readings” designation may be given. This type of study could be preparatory work for a research paper, particularly at the graduate level. Readings are graded (A-F) courses.

Teaching Assistantship (numbered 395, 495)

If a faculty member agrees that a student has sufficient maturity in their field, the student may be offered the opportunity to assist in the teaching process. Responsibilities vary and may include the following: grading of papers and examinations; preparation of lectures, exams or experiments; tutorial assistance and discussion-group leadership; occasional lecture responsibility for the mature student. TA enrollment per semester is limited to three credits. Students must complete the FERPA agreement. Teaching assistantships are graded (S/NS) courses.

Research Assistantship (course number varies by department)

If a faculty member agrees that a student has sufficient maturity in their field, the faculty member may offer that student the opportunity to assist in research. Responsibilities vary. RA enrollment per semester is limited to three credits. Research assistantships are graded at the discretion of the instructor.

Internships and Field Studies

A vital part of any liberal arts education is the integration of classroom studies with working environments off campus. All Whitworth students are encouraged to prepare for later employment through training in the professional community. Through these programs, students earn academic credit and/or pay by integrating classroom studies with actual work experience. They also build job-search skills that prepare them for future employment. Internship and field-study placements are available in all departments of the university. The Whitworth Center for Career & Professional Development provides information and guidance. A mandatory orientation and contract must be completed prior to beginning the internship or field experience. Students may take no more than 12 credits of internships during their total university career. Internships and field studies are graded at the discretion of the instructor.

Internships (numbered 290, 390, 490 or 590)

Internships are work-based learning experiences that integrate students’ academic coursework with career-related work experience in the major field. Sophomores, juniors and seniors are eligible for credit. Credit is limited to no more than three credits in a semester. Students must attend an orientation through the Whitworth Center for Career & Professional Development to explore site possibilities and enroll in the class. Fall and spring semesters, Jan Term and Summer Term.

Field Study (numbered 280, 480)

This program provides students with the opportunity to explore a career area in any field of interest. The program is an observational, exploratory, hands-on experience. Students may participate at any time from the second freshman semester through the senior year.