Independent Professional Development Interim course

Detailed information about the course can be found below. Any questions can be sent to Dr. Bopp at boppkl@wofford.edu

• Course Goal: Provide dedicated time for students to explore and advance their post-undergraduate development by either:
  • developing competencies and/or credentials for post-graduate job or graduate program,
  • or creating structure to study for graduate or professional exams while developing materials for application to program.

Possible topics to pursue: Students will provide an individual plan that demonstrates use of 5+ hours of work per day for each of the days (18) of interim/winter term. Students can start, continue or finish work, but must provide proposal that demonstrates their use of 90+ hours of work over the term.

Examples include:
Test and graduate school application preparation (MCAT, LSAT)
Scholarship preparation (Fulbright)
Credentialling or other certificates (securities exam, health-related certifications, food preparation safety)
Licensure work (aviation, real estate, restaurant).

• Required work:
  • Students will set their overall goal to complete by end of term, as well as the weekly sub-goals required to reach overall goal.
  • Students will provide a daily & weekly plan for how they will use 5+ hours per day.
  • Students will need to determine a way to show evidence of work completed, as well as a way to receive feedback on work (such as designating someone to read drafts and provide edits).
  • Students will describe progress towards goal through a weekly reflection as well as revisions of schedule if necessary.
  • At the end of the term, students will provide clear evidence of completion of work/goal, and write an reflection regarding goal and next steps in the future.

• Other information/requirements:
  • This course is required to be completed on-campus.
  • If there are students with similar goals (e.g. MCAT), a group meeting may be scheduled before term begins to create accountability.
  • This course is recommended only for students that are able to work independently, that can take initiative, are highly self-motivated, and are adaptable so can adjust plan as necessary.
  • This course is set to instructor permission only. Selection will be determined by appropriateness of proposal.
  • GPA and prior coursework may be used as a criteria, with preference for students with GPA above 3.25.
  • Juniors and Seniors will be given priority, but Sophomores may be considered depending on rationale of timing provided in proposal. First-years are not eligible for this course.

Policies: This is a pass/fail (no honors) course for 3-credits which counts toward interim requirement. This course cannot be combined with any other courses. Students cannot take another school and transfer credit as part of this course (cannot double credits). As with any interim course, hours for any missed days due to illness or other reason will need to be made up during interim to pass course. Students must agree to pay for any program, test or work that they propose to complete for completion of goal.

Cost: Students agree to cover cost of any exams or materials needed to complete individually set goal.

Syllabus: Contact Dr. Bopp for the Syllabus or see Moodle after enrolled.
Pass/fail (no honors) course based on 70%+ completion of all assignments and evidence of completion of self-determined goal.

Proposal: Proposal for the independent professional development course is DUE Monday Sept 28, 2026. If you would like to receive feedback on application or have questions, please submit before that date.
NOTE: It is recommended that you complete your proposal (see questions below) in a word document saved to your computer and then copy/paste answers into online Qualtrics form.

https://wofford.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3V4OuGoG6mRMIKO

Student Proposal (save your answers on your computer then copy/paste into Qualtrics form):

• Name, majors/minors/programs, academic year during interim
• Select which goal the proposal meets either: 1 – Develop competencies and/or credentials to improve chances of being hired or accepted into post-graduate programs. 2 – To provide structure to study for graduate and professional school exams while developing materials for graduate/professional school application. If your goal does not fit one of these categories, please contact Dr. Bopp before completing application.
• Describe overall goal (must require using 90+ hours over interim). Be specific.
• Describe why this goal is helpful to your future profession.
• Explain why the timing (your academic year) of this work is appropriate.
  • If student is a sophomore, provide clear rationale for why this work is appropriate at this time (and acknowledge that can only take this course once).
• Describe your preparation (previous coursework) has prepared you for your goal.
  • Provide acknowledgement that your transcript will be checked (check mark)
• Describe the materials (textbook, online course, tutors) will you use towards your goal? If you need suggestions, please contact Dr. Bopp before submitting application.
  • How much will you need to spend to pay for any relevant materials to accomplish goals?
• Students in the course are required to write/revise graduate school/work application materials, such as a personal statement and/or resume. Please provide name of faculty and/or staff member(s) who will provide feedback on your materials.
  • Please have this individual send Dr. Bopp an email stating that they agree to provide feedback based on your described schedule.
• Describe any commitments off-campus during the term. Note policy that you must live on-campus and commit to 90+ hours towards goal.
• Statement that have read the syllabus and understand the requirements (check marks)

If your proposal is accepted then you will need to also provide answers to following questions no later than Friday, Dec 4th ahead of first interim meeting (Tue, Dec 8, 2026). Link to application will be sent with acceptance to interim course.

• Provide a weekly schedule showing weekly sub-goals and overall goal.
  • If your goal is to take an exam, you will be required to take a pre-test at start of interim and a post-test at end to show progress. Please provide your current pre-test score (if available) and goal score.
  • If you are studying for an exam, what content do you intend to focus on studying? What areas of weakness do you need to improve?
• Provide your ideal daily schedule (provide times). (Note: daily hours must add up to required 90+ hours over interim)
• Describe where you will complete your work (can be a combination of locations but you must live on-campus).
• How you might create a system of accountability (i.e. study with other students with similar goals).
• What evidence (proof) will you provide each week documenting your study hours and showing that you are meeting the weekly sub-goals and overall goal?
• You are required to work on materials (ie personal statement/resume) for grad school or job application. Describe your plans and goals for this work.