A CCAPS Directed Study (ABUS 4993 or CMGT/HSM/INET 4193) allows Bachelor of Applied Science students to pursue individualized learning beyond existing coursework, typically after completing most major requirements.

For a general overview, visit the University of Minnesota Directed Study web page.

Why Choose Directed Study?

Students choose Directed Study to:
 

  • explore topics not covered in regular courses.
  • apply curriculum concepts in new or specialized ways.
  • work closely with a faculty mentor and gain professional-level experience.
  • develop research skills, which are especially useful for graduate school preparation.
  • produce work suitable for a professional portfolio.
  • explore a potential career field.

Developing a Directed Study Project

An effective project begins with clear learning objectives. Discuss your ideas with one or more faculty members and your academic advisor to refine your goals, clarify possible topics and determine which faculty member might be an appropriate mentor.

Time Commitment

Each credit requires 45 hours of work (approximately three hours per week in a 14-week term). Students may register for 1–4 credits per fall, spring or 14-week summer term. Determine the appropriate credit load in consultation with your faculty mentor.

Community-Based Directed Study

Field experiences such as community service can support a Directed Study. Before proposing a project, familiarize yourself with the site’s responsibilities and consider how the experience connects to relevant academic theories, themes or disciplinary frameworks.

Finding a Faculty Member

A strong working relationship with a faculty mentor is essential. Visit the faculty website for your major (or the Applied Business faculty page, if ABUS 4993 is your choice), to determine which faculty member(s) to approach. 

You are more likely to secure supervision if . . .
 

  • you already know the faculty member or have taken their course.
  • your project aligns with their expertise.
  • you can convince the faculty member that you are highly motivated, capable of working independently and have some familiarity with your chosen area.
  • you present a well-developed proposal focused on learning goals rather than just credit needs.


If a faculty member declines, ask for a referral to another faculty member. Faculty are free to decline for any reason, such as a heavy workload.

Working One-on-One with a Faculty Member

Before your first meeting, prepare an outline of your project focus and learning objectives. Together, you will establish expectations for methods, resources, meeting schedules, procedures for feedback or project adjustments, and deliverables. Faculty typically spend 3–6 hours per term supporting a Directed Study through meetings, communication and grading.

Deliverables

Deliverables vary by project and may include research papers, journals or presentations. You and your faculty supervisor will determine the format that best meets your learning objectives.

Directed Study Timeline & Contract

Planning Phase

  1. Develop your project idea and learning objectives.
  2. Approach a faculty member for supervision.
  3. Agree on objectives, methods and strategies, resources, deliverables and credit load.
  4. Complete the Directed Activity Contract.
  5. Monitor the approval workflow (faculty mentor → departmental approver → college curriculum administrator).
  6. Receive your permission number from the curriculum administrator after final approval.
  7. Register for the Directed Study course.

Completion Phase

Once you are registered and have established your objectives and expected deliverables, follow these steps:
 

  1. Create a project-management plan outlining tasks, feedback points and deadlines. While not required, such a plan helps define the project scope and ensures timely completion.
  2. Review and finalize the plan with your faculty member.
  3. Complete work according to the agreed schedule.
  4. Receive ongoing feedback.
  5. Submit all deliverables.


After you have completed these steps, the faculty member will evaluate your work and submit the grade.

Internships

If your primary goal is to earn credit for workplace-based learning, consider an Internship instead of a Directed Study. An Internship is an academic project designed around either a new position which you obtain or a significant learning experience developed within your present workplace. 

Internship courses include:
 

  • Construction Management: CMGT 4196
  • Healthcare Management: HSM 4596
  • Information Technology Infrastructure: INET 4596