IDEA Independent Study Courses
The Academy for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (AIE) offers independent study courses to undergraduate and graduate students interested in designing their own learning experience. These courses are best suited for motivated, curious students ready to take action to shape a project from idea to experiment.
IDEA independent study courses emphasize learning through doing, reflection, and iteration, not producing a perfectly polished outcome. All of our independent study courses require a high level of self-direction and proactive communication. Students work closely with an AIE coach, but the student is responsible for defining the focus, scope, and momentum of the work.
An independent study course may be a good fit for you if you:
- Have a clear area of curiosity or a real-world challenge you want to explore
- Are eager to apply human-centered design tools and methods to your work
- Are willing to challenge yourself in working with ambiguity and evolving your project over time
- Can take initiative in setting goals, timelines, and deliverables
- Are open to feedback, experimentation, and learning through iteration
This format is best suited for students who see themselves in all or most of the qualities above.
Independent study is not recommended if you are looking for a highly structured course, predefined weekly assignments, or step-by-step instructions.
Application Process:
Enrollment in IDEA independent study courses is based on alignment between the student’s goals, the nature of independent work, and the Academy for Innovation & Entrepreneurship’s focus on innovation-driven, human-centered approaches.
- Step 1 | Initial Exploration: Students are encouraged to reflect on their interests, availability, and readiness for self-directed work before applying.
- Step 2 | Submit an Independent Study Proposal: Details for this are in the works! Check back for an update around May 2026.
- Step 3 | Review and Alignment: Proposals are reviewed by the Academy for Innovation & Entrepreneurship to assess alignment with program themes, ways of working, and expectations. We may schedule a conversation to clarify goals, expectations, and overall fit.
Acceptance is based on readiness for independent, self-directed learning, alignment with design and innovation approaches, and availability of appropriate coaching support.
Once accepted, students will be matched with an AIE coach. The student and coach will align on expectations, meeting cadence, and high-level milestones by completing an independent study contract. The student will also register for the independent study course with the agreed-upon credit hours.
Students enrolled in an independent study course are expected to:
- Take ownership of defining and refining their project
- Prepare for and actively participate in coaching meetings
- Design and conduct experiments or explorations appropriate to their project
- Document learning, process, and outcomes
- Meet agreed-upon milestones and deadlines
Questions?
If you’re unsure whether an IDEA independent study course is right for you, or which course level is the best fit, we encourage you to reach out: