Section 4.a. – Independent Project Requirements
A non-thesis student must complete an independent project and a 30-page minimum (12 pt double-spaced including tables and figures) final report. With collaboration from the committee, students determine a project based on their study interests and where there is a need within their industry. The independent project can be completed in one of the two following categories:
INDUSTRY IMMERSION (INTERNSHIP/PRACTICUM): This is an immersion based training involving a student-arranged practicum/internship with an industry employer, a university affiliated researcher, or non-profit organization. The internship/practicum must be approved by the student’s committee and must be conducted in accordance with the MSAG Internship/Practicum Guidelines available on the MSAG website and includes preparing and defending the prescribed Internship/Practicum final report.
PROJECT BASED: Alternatively, a non-thesis option may be based on an independent project which is mentored and monitored by the advisory committee and also includes preparing and defending a final report. It is an avenue that allows students to design a project based on their professional and learning goals. This project should go above and beyond workplace expectations. Examples of independent projects include but are not limited to:
- Literature review
- Evaluation of a process
- Curriculum development
- Assessment of needs for a program, community or organization
- Policy paper
- Extension publication
- Feasibility study
- Technology application development
Project Proposal: The independent project must be approved by the advisor through the project proposal or MSAG Internship/Practicum form and students should use their whole committee as key resources while accomplishing their independent project. See Appendix for additional Non-Thesis Independent Project Guidelines.