Curricular Resource Center

Develop an Independent Concentration Proposal

Developing an Independent Concentration looks different for everyone. However, many people take specific steps to gather information and advice on exploring their field, defining their learning goals, and crafting a compelling proposal.

Deadlines

The first proposal must be submitted by the last deadline of your 5th semester. For most students, this will be November 1 of junior year. Please note this is a strict deadline, and exceptions are only made for extenuating circumstances. All proposals must receive final approval by the end of the 6th semester.

Submission deadlines: October 1, November 1, February 1, March 1, and April 1

Steps for Proposal Writers

In recent years, 73% of students who submitted a proposal were ultimately approved as independent concentrators. Proposal writers should read the steps below.

NOTE: Approved IC proposals must include a statement about how the student plans to fulfill the writing requirement during their 5th, 6th, or 7th (penultimate semester) when they upload their approved proposal in ASK.

IC Honors | Special Considerations

Students who are interested in applying for honors in their concentration should read the IC Honors Thesis Guidelines.

An Honors Thesis is not required for an IC—all senior IC-ers must complete a capstone project. The capstone is either a one- or two-semester capstone research/creative project or a two-semester thesis for consideration for Honors designation in the IC.

Capstone projects are less structured than honors theses and can include creative elements such as documentaries or performances. All honors theses must be finished over the senior year in two independent study courses. Capstones for an A.B. can be finished in one independent study course senior year, and Sc.B. capstones may require two semesters of independent study. More information can be found in the Honors and Capstone Overview.

International students (visa holders) should talk to Dean Peggy Chang, Dean Chia-Ying Pan (dean for international student advising), and/or the Office of International Student Scholar Services about the relationship between concentration choice and how it is classified for practical training and work visa purposes. Many ICers have been international students, and we’ll do our best to ensure you can, too!

If you plan to go abroad, consider applying before you leave. While you can apply for an IC while abroad (the entire application process is online!), finding a sponsor and capstone or honors advisors is definitely easier when on Brown’s campus. A course or two from your study abroad program may be able to count as one of your IC course requirements.