Independent study enables a student to pursue, in collaboration with a faculty member, an academic course not currently offered. To receive credit for independent study, the student consults with the faculty member before registration to define the course content, title, amount of credit, and academic evaluation.

Independent studies are designed to augment the existing curriculum, not to replace existing courses or requirements. In special circumstances, the department chair can approve an independent study that will substitute for an existing or required course.

The application for independent study must be submitted to the appropriate academic department office at least one week prior to the last day to add classes during the semester for which the independent study is scheduled. The academic department office will forward approved independent study applications to the registrar's office. The registrar's office will register the student and send an email confirmation to the student's Lewis & Clark email address.

Below are program-specific requirements related to the total allowable independent study experiences:

• School Counseling: Students in degree programs may enroll in no more than one independent study in any given term and may apply no more than three credits of independent study toward their program. Licensure-only program students should determine independent study parameters in consultation with their advisor.
• Educational Administration: Students may apply no more than one course of independent study toward their program.
• Doctor of Education in Leadership: Students may apply no more than six credits of independent study toward their program.
• Student Affairs Administration: Students must receive the approval of their advisor and program director before enrolling in any course of independent study.
• Professional Mental Health Counseling: Students may apply no more than three credits of independent study toward their program.
• Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy: Students may apply no more than three credits of independent study toward their program.
• School Psychology: Students may apply no more than three credits of independent study toward their program.
• Teacher Education (MAT and MEd programs): Students must receive the approval of their advisor and program director before enrolling in any course of independent study.
• Teacher Education (ESOL, Reading Intervention, Special Education: Generalist Endorsement programs): Students may apply no more than three credits of independent study toward their program.
• Art Therapy: Students may apply no more than three credits of independent study toward their program.
• Certificates (Ecopsychology, Eating Disorders, Teaching of Writing, Teacher Leadership for Social Justice and Equity): Students must receive the approval of their advisor and program director before enrolling in any course of independent study.