Jacobs Student Specialization Project
Specialization Project Overview
The Specialization (Spec) project is your opportunity to do a deeper dive into a topic of interest, while honing specialized skills, implementing novel prototypes, analyzing complex data sets, or pursuing user-centered design studies. The Spec project consists of 8 credits, spanning two semesters, and is mandatory for all students in the Jacobs Master’s programs.
The Basics
- 8 credits total over two semesters
- Required for all Jacobs Master’s students
- Opportunity to dive deeper into a topic of interest
Important Notes
- All students must take TECHIE 5901: Intro to Spec (1 credit) in Fall of first year
- Track selection deadline: mid-November during Fall of first year
- Changes only permitted before add/drop deadline for Spring of first year
Two Track Options
Track 1: Anchor Course + Paired-Prototyping
- Spring (1st year): Complete an anchor course (3 credits), and enroll in INFO 5920 (1 credit)
- Fall (2nd year): Enroll in INFO 5920 (4 credits) to complete your paired-prototyping project
- Requirements:
- Must be an approved elective in your program (CM/HT/UT)
- Cannot count toward Programmatic or Technical Core requirements
- Select backup courses in case first choice is full
- Check that you have completed any prerequisites
Track 2: Faculty-Directed Study
- Spring (1st year): Enroll in 7900 (4 credits) to conduct Independent Study
- Fall (2nd year): Enroll in 7900 (4 credits) to conduct Independent Study
- Requirements
- Students will be responsible for exploring and confirming their own faculty advisors. Each faculty will have different prerequisite skill requirements for participation.
- Students must submit an Independent Study form online here for each term. Please make sure select on the form that study is for your Spec Project so that our team can track your progress accurately.
Process & Timelines
Anchor Course + Paired-Prototying
FALL YEAR 1
- During pre-enrollment (late October), students MUST:
- Enroll in INFO 5920 for 1 credit.
- Enroll in an approved 3 credit anchor course.
- Anchor Course track form must be submitted by mid-November.
SPRING YEAR 1
- Attend class sessions for approved anchor course & INFO 5920.
- During Fall pre-enrollment (April/May), students MUST enroll in INFO 5920: Specialization Project for 4 credits to work on your paired-prototyping project, supervised by the Spec instructors and TA(s).
FALL YEAR 2
- Attend class sessions for INFO 5920 and work on paired-prototying project.
Faculty-Directed Independent Study
FALL YEAR 1
- Students approach faculty in September and October to inquire about opportunities. Not all faculty will have openings, and most will have specific skill requirements to participate.
- If a mutually agreed upon advisor/project is found, students must complete the Independent Study Agreement form by mid-November.
- After completing the Independent Study Agreement form, students will be enrolled in the correct INFO 7900 section by a member of the Student & Academic Affairs team.
SPRING YEAR 1
- Work on their Independent Study project with their faculty advisor.
- For Fall Year two, students must complete the Independent Study Agreement form. The form will be routed to the faculty advisor signing off on their approval.
- After completing the Independent Study Agreement form, students will be enrolled in the correct INFO 7900 section by a member of the Student & Academic Affairs team.
FALL YEAR 2
- Work on their Independent Study project with their faculty advisor.
Students returning from a Leave of Absence
Students returning from a Leave of Absence (LOA) will need to fulfill their outstanding Spec project requirements by choosing one of the options below and submitting the necessary documents before Regular Enrollment.
- Student is responsible for securing a faculty advisor for an advised Independent Study project and submitting a Independent Study Agreement form . Student will be enrolled in the correct INFO 7900 section by a member of the Student & Academic Affairs team.
OR
- Student will submit a self-directed project proposal and self-enroll in INFO 5920 for 4 credits.