Independent projects in computer science are intended to be a means of exploring topics or creating experiences not included in the regular course offerings. Courses in the curriculum cannot be offered as independent project sections. All independent project courses are graded on an S/U basis.

The following are the independent project courses:

• CS 490 - independent project course for undergraduates
• CS 585 - independent project course for graduate students including graduates from programs outside computer science
• CS 691 - Master's project course for computer science graduate students
• CS 699 - Master's thesis course for computer science graduate students

Independent project courses are generally 2 or 3 semester hours, although projects of 1 or 4 semester hours can be approved.

Registering for an Independent Project Course

The student and faculty project advisor request registration for an independent project course by completing the Independent Project Request form. This form is available from the department secretary in Hayes 221 or online. There are sections on the form for both the student and the faculty project advisor to complete. Since one of the purposes of this form is to ensure that the faculty member and the student agree as to the purpose and scope of the project, a detailed description of the project and timetable is required. Projects requiring access to departmental computing resources must indicate the resources that are required.

The student should obtain the required signatures and return the completed project form to the department secretary. The department will register the student for the independent project section and file it in the student's folder (for CS graduate students) or return the form to the faculty project advisor (for others).