Contract Independent Study

Contract Independent Study enables students not currently admitted to Western or students who may be taking time off from the university an opportunity to engage in independent study with a Western faculty member. Students design and develop Contract Independent Study projects in consultation with the faculty member. Credits and final grades are recorded on the student’s official Western academic transcript.

Registration for WWU Students

Current WWU Students register using the Directed Independent Study Form available on the Registrar's Office website for Student Forms.

Approval Process and Faculty Information

Students interested in engaging in a Contract Independent Study are required to first identify a Western faculty member who is willing to support and oversee the course. Academic departments and faculty have busy schedules and may not have the time and/or resources to oversee independent study projects. If you do not know a faculty member in your area of interest, contact the academic department that most closely relates to that area. Contact information for academic departments and faculty members can be found through Western’s Directory.

Notes:

  • Courses available online (including Self-Paced and Term-Based) are not available for enrollment through the Contract Independent Study program.
  • Students currently admitted to Western set-up independent studies through the Registrar’s Office.
  • During summer quarter, all independent studies go through the Summer Session program.

How to Register for Contract Independent Study (CIS)

Enrollment Deadline

Registration for Contract Independent Study projects may occur at any time.

Timeline and Schedule

Students are given up to six months from the month of registration to complete their independent study. 

 

Tuition and Fees

Fall 2023 through Spring 2024: $298 per credit

Tuition is due first day of classes
Legislative Action Fee $1 per quarter

Summer Session Only - Tuition and fee information through Summer Session

Request CIS Registration Packet

To request a Contract Independent Study Registration Packet, please email us at ilearn@wwu.edu.