What is the Independent Degree Program?
The Independent Degree Program (IDP) is a brief-residency, guided independent study program designed to meet the needs of individuals who cannot or do not want to attend regular campus classes. Applicants must be experienced students who have already earned at least 30 college credits from one or more accredited college programs. Students attend a brief residency (a long weekend) in Burlington, Vermont at the beginning of each semester and meet with their advisor, faculty and College support staff. IDP appeals to the adult learner who is returning to school to finish a degree and/or the student who wants to complete his or her BA degree through a progressive college. Self-directed, mature individuals who want to design their course of study find this program exciting and innovative.
Once accepted into the program, students are assigned an advisor who will discuss the development of their major and any other general education goals that are required for graduation. The assigned advisor will remain with the student throughout his or her program and will help to implement the degree plan each semester. Faculty consultants assist with the development of the degree plan for the major by discussing educational and career goals and recommending coursework in the major that reflects and supports those interests. Individual faculty instructors are selected every semester for each learning module (course plan) that is designed.
