Independent Research and Tutorials

Students may conduct independent research or pursue specialized studies in areas of the law which are of particular interest to them in the form of independent research projects or tutorials. Faculty members may conduct tutorials for small groups of students on issues not otherwise taught in the curriculum. Arrangements for independent research projects or tutorials should be made with the professor who teaches in the subject area involved. One to two hours of credit will be granted per independent research project or tutorial, depending on size and scope. No more than four credits may be awarded for independent research projects or tutorials during one's academic career. Projects or tutorials may only be "credit" or "no credit". Independent Research Projects or Tutorials must be approved by the Independent Research Committee no later than the tenth day of the semester in which the project is to be completed.

Procedures for Submitting Proposals (each semester)

  • Prepare a description of the project and subject it to the sponsoring faculty member for approval. (Form available below.)
  • Submit the description for approval to the Law Registrar Office no later than the 5th day of classes in the semester in which the project is to be completed (September 3rd for Fall Semester 2021 and January 14th in the Spring Semester 2022).
  • The projects will then be submitted to the Independent Research Committee for review. They will review them and you will be notified of their decision before the add courses deadline.
  • Arrange with the Law Registrar Office for entry of the Independent Research/Tutorial election on your schedule of courses for that semester

Independent Research Proposal Form (fillable pdf)

(updated 4/24/2021)