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Special Studies

Students can access CALS Special Studies forms for the current semester through the 5th week of the current semester.  Petitions to add a CALS Special Studies will not be accepted after the Special Studies add deadline, no exceptions.   

How do I enroll in an undergraduate independent study (4970) or undergraduate research course (4990)?

Go to experience.cornell.edu/opportunities, and enter special studies in the keyword search bar on the left side of the screen.  Complete the CALS & Dyson Special Studies (includes 4970 and 4990). 

How do I enroll in an undergraduate TA experience (4980)?   

Students can either navigate to the application through DUST or experience.cornell.edu/opportunities. When searching for the application on the Experience Cornell site, enter special studies in the keyword search bar on the left side of the screen.  Complete the Teaching Assistant 4980 (CALS & Dyson) and 4030 (Human Ecology & Brooks).  

How do I enroll in an undergraduate Internship experience (4960)?   

Students can navigate to the application through DUST under the Course Enrollment Tools header, titled “CALS Internship Form (4960)”. We recommend reviewing the CALS Internship Guidelines in advance of an internship experience to understand how internship credit is calculated. 

Can I receive credit and be paid for an undergraduate TA experience (4980)?   

No, students can either receive credit for TA-ing or be paid, not both. Earning credit for a TA experience is much more common as paying undergraduate TA is not always an option depending on the department’s budget. If you are interested in being paid rather than receiving credit, please speak to the faculty member overseeing the experience. 

How are credits and grading option (letter grade or S/U) determined for CALS Special Studies?   

Students should work with the faculty member who will act as their supervisor in this course, and have a mutual agreement on credits and grading option. 

Are CALS Special Studies considered academic credit and counted towards the 120 credits needed for graduation?   

Yes, CALS Special Studies are considered academic credit and count towards the 120 credits needed for graduation.  CALS students should keep in mind that Special Studies are considered unstructured credit, and a minimum of 105 structured credits are needed for graduation. 

Can CALS Special Studies course be repeated for credit?   

Yes, Special Studies courses can be repeated for credit.  CALS students should keep in mind that Special Studies are considered unstructured credit, and a minimum of 105 structured credits are needed for graduation.