Independent Study
Unlocking the secrets of crime: Dive into forensic science with an independent research study!
While not required, many students find opportunities over the course of their VCU studies to perform research-based and hypothesis-driven independent studies to deepen their understanding of a research topic of interest. Many will have a significant laboratory component but this is not required. Non-laboratory based independent studies are an acceptable option as long as they center around a research question.
Please review the information below to learn more about who is eligible for an independent study, as well as the general enrollment process.
General information and eligibility
To qualify for an independent study, an undergraduate student must:
- be enrolled in VCU and in the forensic science undergraduate program for at least one semester prior to and throughout the independent study
- be a sophomore, junior or senior
- have completed FRSC 300 with a minimum grade of C
- have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5
Additional information:
- A maximum of six credits of FRSC 492 may be applied toward graduation (though more may be completed, if desired)
- Credit hours enrolled must be commensurate with total independent study hours for a 16-week semester:
- 3 credit hours: ≥125 supervised hours
- 2 credit hours: ≥83 supervised hours
- 1 credit hour: ≥42 supervised hours
- Students are assigned a letter grade by the supervising faculty member
Enrollment procedure
- Students should speak with and identify a supervising faculty member (mentor) with whom he/she will conduct the independent study. The project and the number of credits shall be determined before attempting to enroll in FRSC 492.
- Student should then fill out the FRSC 492 Independent Study Application (Link)
- Upon approval by the Undergraduate Program Director, the student will be provided an override to enroll in the FRSC 492 course.
- Additional guidelines will be provided by the Undergraduate Program Director at the beginning of the semester of enrollment.