Independent Studies, Directed Research, Field Studies, and Academic Internship Courses
Students may not concurrently enroll in courses based on Duke’s Durham campus, including independent study courses, while studying away.
Duke-Adminstered programs
Independent studies on Duke-Administered programs must be prearranged in close consultation with GEO and in accordance with Duke University’s independent study policies, as well as study away credit transfer policies.
Duke-Approved programs
For independent studies, directed research courses, field studies, and academic internships on Duke-Approved programs, students must consult with GEO about credit possibilities before going abroad. Students must also obtain (1) conditional approval from the appropriate Director of Undergraduate Study (DUS), before going abroad, as well as, (2) DUS final approval after return. To receive final approval for such courses, students must bring back evidence of written work in the course (syllabus, papers, exams, portfolio, etc.). To facilitate receiving more than 100 (lower-level) credit at Duke it is recommended that students write a term paper for these courses, even if the instructors do not require it. All internship coursework should be pre-approved as it is very rare to receive Duke credit for these experiential experiences.
Read more information about the transfer credit process for these types of courses on the GEO website.
Online Courses
While on study abroad, students are not allowed to enroll in online or hybrid courses for credit, Duke-originated or not, even if there are standing approvals for the same course number in the GEO Approved Course Database.
Service Learning
Duke students must contact the GEO before enrolling in service learning courses while studying away to make sure the courses are eligible for academic credit at Duke. In order for the service-learning course to be eligible for transfer credit at Duke, it must appear on the sponsoring institution’s transcript with graded credit and be approved for transfer credit by a Duke academic department.
Small Group Learning Experience Credit
Small Group Learning Experience (SGLE) general education credit is possible, but not guaranteed for Duke-Administered and Duke-Approved study away programs. For a course to carry SGLE designation, please have the instructor or program director email GEOCourses@duke.edu stating two things:
- The format was a seminar or tutorial. Seminar generally means that student presentations were an integral part of the class.
- The class size – a number, which must fit Duke’s rules for SGLE credit (generally 12 – 15 students, exceptionally to 18).
All SGLE letters requesting credit should be emailed to geocourses@duke.edu. Upon receipt, the letter will be forwarded to the Office of the Registrar on the student’s behalf.
The official letter is only necessary for the SGLE general education requirement; if a seminar taken away is approved for a major/minor/certificate requirement by the Director of Undergraduate Study from the relevant department, that approval will suffice and an official letter is not necessary.
Physical Education Courses
Students may not take physical education courses (e.g. kayaking, hiking, sea sailing bowling) on study away programs for transfer credit.
