How to Become an Independent Scholar

While some institutional academics downplay the role that independent scholars play in scholarship and study, the truth is that independent scholars, sometimes referred to as "amateur" scholars, make significant contributions to the study of all fields. Unconstrained by tenure worries and academic expectations, independent scholars investigate academic issues freely and rigorously. Follow these steps to become an independent scholar.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Brush up on your scholarly background. You should study other scholars' work in your area of interest, whether those scholars are institutional or independent. Studying the work of others will help you extrapolate methods and understand the level of proof and reference required for serious scholarship.

2. Pick your area and topic of study. Perhaps even more than institutional scholars, independent scholars pursue specific topics and projects devotedly. Find a topic that interests you. This may be an area that has been poorly served by the mainstream academic community, in your opinion, or any field of study in which there is room for work.

3. Get involved with the National Coalition of Independent Scholars (NCIS). The NCIS provides assistance, grants and prizes for independent scholars. Use the NCIS to provide you and your project with some financial support. You can become a member of NCIS and receive benefits such as being added to their national registry and receiving the scholarly journal, "The Independent Scholar."

4. Publish your work. At some point, you will need to find an outlet for your work so that it represents your intellectual investment and findings. Peer-reviewed scholarly journals often accept papers from independent scholars if they are serious and properly supported. You can also try independent online journals such as the "Internet Journal of Chemistry" or "Politeia."

Resources

• Seek support from the National Coalition of Independent Scholars.

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[jmcgeough]

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