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Capstone Project: Definition, Types, Structure, and Examples

by  Antony W

January 2, 2024

If you're reading this, chances are that you're in your final year of school and the words "capstone project" have come up somewhere in your first or second semester.

You're probably looking for a quick score on the topic - what it's about, a project template, or even a sample. If so, you're in the right place.

Before we get into it, you' need to know that you're in the hands of consummate capstone project experts.

Help for Assessment is composed of scholars at all levels of academic achievement including Masters and Ph.D., all inspired and motivated to help students like you achieve their academic goals. The expertise and experience we have spans years. Even better, this combined academic expertise is placed at your disposal. If your capstone research project is already giving you goosebumps, we will do it for you from scratch including the project proposal, research, write up, and final review before submission.

Remember, you can trust Help for Assessment to complete your capstone project successfully and earn you top grades. All you have to do is order the service here on our service page.

 In the meantime, let us explore the definition of the capstone project, types of projects for students, and a sample capstone project.

What Is a Capstone Project? 

A capstone project in college is a final independent project undertaken in a program of study designed to assess the skills, knowledge, and expertise acquired by the student.

As the name suggests, it is the capstone or crowning achievement of academic life and the last class taken before graduation. It gives you the final credits required to pass the course, which is why every student must take the project.

Since it is designed to assess knowledge and skills gained in a particular discipline, capstone projects vary from school to school and discipline to discipline.

Such a project might involve something as simple as research on a topic, an evaluation of a new technique or method, development of a health program, research into a historical figure or event, or even composing a skit or theatre presentation.

No matter what kind of project you choose to undertake, the result is the same. You get to showcase your understanding of the coursework material learned and display your readiness to enter the professional world to start your career. It is a rewarding experience if done right, but can mess up your final year and possibly your graduation if you manage to mess it up.

Do you know that a successful capstone project also helps to land you lucrative jobs? That’s right, capstone projects are one of the ways potential employers find out just how learned, resourceful, and talented you are. Think of it as a kind of thesis.

Capstone projects are also called culminating projects, experience, senior exhibition, or other similar names. The project is usually self-directed, and most students find it a challenge to even come up with the right capstone project topic. 

Capstone Project Vs. Thesis

A capstone project and a thesis are both very similar in that they represent a final effort from the student just before graduation.

They are done in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the course being undertaken. The comprehensive approach and assessment involved are very similar, and sometimes the structure and methodology might overlap.

Both also have to be reviewed and approved by the institution and will remain in the public domain after publishing.

However, there are some important differences.

• A thesis is purely academic while a capstone project focuses more on the practical preparation of the student for the real world/job market.
• A thesis is guided by a research question resulting in the addition of new knowledge to the field, while a capstone project is guided by the practical importance of the project to the field.
• A thesis involves academic research and analysis, while a capstone project can be anything including a dance or film.
• A thesis is expected to be original and authentic, while a capstone project will have more loose requirements. You can borrow another person’s capstone project ideas , so long as you demonstrate your own advancement in the field.
• A capstone project will usually only have a brief write-up or report, while a thesis generates a detailed, extensive writeup.
• The final presentation of a thesis, called a defense, is meant to prove and show that you have mastered the subject. You are supposed to be a mini-expert in the field. A capstone project presentation comes off as a kind of exhibition where you showcase your project without having to defend it.

Types of Capstone Projects

Capstone projects vary not just in the type of project, also in the level at which they are done.

There are projects for juniors and seniors in college as well as for postgraduate students.

Here are some examples of the forms of projects depending on the academic level.

• In-depth research projects.
• Developing the concept of a product, tool, or service.
• Expositions.
• Experiments.

Capstone projects can be conducted either individually or in a group.

However, the key thing is to make sure that the project proposal has been reviewed and approved by the instructor/panel/institution in charge before proceeding.

Senior Capstone Project

Senior projects are so called because they are done by high school students in their senior year.

Just like other projects, they represent a culmination of the coursework with an interdisciplinary application of knowledge and skills gained so far.

The project usually takes the better part of the final academic year and will have different parts to it, depending on the type of project chosen.

It will also require a presentation where the student(s) explain and describe the project to an audience, including their classmates.

Sample Capstone Project Outline

The write up for a project consists of several parts. However, even before starting the write-up, you need to do a few things:

• Come up with an idea for your project. What will be your subject matter, topic, or premise?
• Find sources for the project and review them beforehand to ensure that they will be of help to you.
• Come up with a step-by-step methodology for your project.

Using this information, you will then write a capstone project proposal for your project. It informs your instructor or review panel exactly what you intend to present so that they can approve or reject it.

Once approved, you can go on to the next stage. The final write-up has the following parts.

• A title page.
• Project outline.
• A description/abstract.
• Introduction
• Rationale/relevance/reason for doing the project.
• Objectives of the project.
• Procedures/methodology.
• Research and analysis.
• Evaluation of results and findings.
• Conclusion and future work/suggestions.
• Bibliography/works cited/reference list.

Note that the project is carried out in stages. Once approved, you will need to be submitting weekly or monthly status reports to your supervisor. After the project report is submitted, you will also have to make a presentation about the whole project.

This brief outline is only meant to be a rough guide. We have a much more detailed article detailing how you can do your capstone project, including a project template. 

Capstone Project Examples

Help for Assessment has extensive experience when it comes to capstone projects of all kinds.

Whether it’s a high school project, a college capstone, or a senior capstone project, you can trust us to carry it out successfully for you.

You can check out various project samples here . 

Get Help With Your Capstone Project

Capstone projects in every level of school are a make or break it deal. Given that they complete the graduation credits required, it makes sense to leave this important part of your coursework to experts.

We are proud to offer you a guide on how to write a capstone project here . If you need help, you can take advantage of our capstone project writing service at affordable, student-friendly rates with amazing discounts. 

Check it out here and make your order to experience excellence, peace of mind, and success thanks to our stellar services.

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

Capstone Projects for Nursing Programs

NurseJournal.org is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.

Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:

• Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information.
• Provide specific, corrective feedback.
• Identify critical information that writers may have missed.

Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for NurseJournal.org as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.

Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.

Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

Capstone courses function as a bridge between the end of school and the beginning of a career, allowing nursing students to put what they’ve learned into practice. As the name suggests, students complete capstones toward the end of their nursing training. Not every nursing program requires a capstone, but those that do generally culminate in a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree.

Each nursing program sets their own requirements. While capstone formats differ between programs, they typically consist of an evidence-based practice formal paper or presentation. Students might complete their capstone projects as team leaders, and BSN candidates may present their papers to a faculty panel. Projects could include case studies, program evaluations, and policy analyses.

The focus on evidence-based practice allows students to apply research and experiential evidence toward solving a healthcare problem. For example, candidates may develop intervention strategies that promote health, improve outcomes, enhance quality of life, and foster safe practices for patients.

Capstone goals center on the application of knowledge gained during nursing training programs, including topics related to leadership , management, research, theories, and evidence-based practice, along with the strategies needed to transition from students to baccalaureate-level nurses.

Choosing Your Nursing Capstone Topic

When selecting a capstone topic, students should evaluate their interests, strengths, and weaknesses, along with their chosen nursing specialty area. Luther College recommends that students with lower GPAs and weaker nursing skills consider a basic medical-surgical topic. Those with strong clinical skills and high GPAs might choose emergency or intensive care medicine, although some students might prefer outpatient topics, such as clinical services, long-term care, or public health. However, this is simply an example of one school’s approach, and readers should keep in mind that each school sets its own policies and recommendations.

Asking for guidance from faculty, supervisors, preceptors, and fellow students also helps narrow down capstone topics. Advisors can also provide assistance in choosing an appropriate capstone site, helping with questions of geographical location, facility size, patient population, and care delivery model.

Students develop and learn the skills needed to complete their capstones throughout their training. These include organization and time management, knowledge of evidence-based practice, writing, and critical thinking. They also learn to conduct literature searches, identify research designs, and evaluate evidence.

Completing Your Nursing Capstone

Capstone formats and completion times widely vary between programs. Students at Luther College and Purdue University Northwest complete their capstones in 4-5 weeks, while Ferris State University specifies a timeframe of 30 hours of online classes and 90 hours of applied project work. Case Western Reserve University’s capstone spans 10 weeks.

Regardless of the program, most students follow a PICO format for project proposal questions of inquiry: population, intervention, comparison or condition, and outcome.

Some universities allow capstone projects to be completed in teams, in which students develop and implement the project. Capstone components may include defining the project and the team leader’s role, selecting team members, and formulating the project plan.

In addition to the skills previously referenced, such as knowledge of evidence-based care, critical thinking, and effective writing, capstone courses hone leadership and management abilities These include mastering therapeutic communication, applying leadership and management concepts, and developing collaborative relationships and working on multidisciplinary teams.

Presenting Your Nursing Capstone

The capstone process culminates in a paper or presentation that measures students’ skills in communication, information dissemination, and application of evidence-based practice skills. Members of the public may attend.

Utilizing the poster format, students commonly use three panels to illustrate: (1) the background, problem, and purpose; (2) methodology; and (3) 2-3 key findings and implications. Students who present using PowerPoint on a laptop or other device should pay attention to time limits, planning for one slide per minute, and verify that equipment and internet connectivity are available.

Visuals like graphs, figures, and bullet points are more effective than large blocks of text . Students should practice presenting in front of others to ensure that they thoroughly know their content and can answer questions. Backing up a copy of a PowerPoint presentation and printing out copies or transparencies guards against last-minute glitches.

How is a Nursing Capstone Graded?

Capstone grading methods differ between programs, with some issuing letter grades and others using a pass/no pass system. Grades typically hinge on a percentage basis of the project’s written sections, the final proposal, and the presentation. Faculty evaluate how students execute the capstone course objectives, which may include the following:

Students’ presentation skill evaluation criteria include exhibiting thorough preparation and knowledge of the subject matter, clear and concise communication, adherence to any time limits, ability to answer questions and cite references, and persuasiveness.

What is the Difference Between a Nursing Capstone and a Thesis?

Students complete capstones individually or in groups, while thesis projects must be done alone. Capstone project time lengths span between four and 12 weeks, while graduate students work on their thesis projects throughout their 2- to 3-year programs. Graduate thesis courses generally take place over 1-2 semesters to keep students on track.

Finally, capstone topics evaluate current issues and theories; thesis students incorporate existing case studies and literature while exploring and arguing for their own original research. Some schools require students to publish their thesis papers in a healthcare journal.

Reviewed By:

Theresa Granger

Theresa Granger, Ph.D., MN, NP-C With over two decades of teaching and clinical practice as a family nurse practitioner, Dr. Granger is an expert in nursing education and clinical practice at all levels of education (associate, baccalaureate, and graduate). She has published and lectured extensively on nursing education and clinical practice-related content. Her expertise ranges from student advising and mentoring to curricular and content design (both on ground and online) to teaching and formal course delivery. Dr. Granger is one of the founding faculty members of the University of Southern California’s first ever fully online graduate family nurse practitioner program .

Whether you’re looking to get your pre-licensure degree or taking the next step in your career, the education you need could be more affordable than you think. Find the right nursing program for you.

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Setting the Stage for Your Capstone Project

Since the capstone project is a very detailed project you must undertake, you must ensure that you add in all the capstone project elements to score well in a capstone course and get a successful capstone project. Read the article about capstone project in high school . Therefore, we have included a detailed explanation of capstone elements here in this guide, and capstone project tips will also be helpful.

Preparation and understanding of the route are crucial for capstone projects. Since the capstone project is a very detailed project you must undertake, it’s essential to lay down the groundwork strategically. We have carefully crafted this guide to assist you in navigating this daunting but fulfilling endeavor. You will discover the core elements of a capstone project and find helpful tips and insights to enhance your project’s quality and impact.

Read the article about capstone projects for high school students for a different perspective and to find a research topic. Equipping yourself with this knowledge can serve as a compass, guiding you towards a well-rounded and compelling capstone project that satisfies academic requirements and showcases your capacity to apply theory to practice in solving real-world issues and develop knowledge and skills for capstone projects.

Choosing the Right Tools and Approaches for Your Capstone Project

Remember that this is the section where you have to intrigue the examiner so that they continue to read further and want to find out what you are studying. This is highly crucial in this regard. So before you start working and have finalized the topic, research. Once sorted with this, you have a greater chance of doing well on the capstone project. Understand that this is a very important project, so you must give your best in what you do to get a capstone paper.

Element 1: Problem Statement

The first section is where you introduce the topic broadly and also start with the research. You are expected to give a background of the study here and require students to develop presentation skills. The idea is to start with a one-sentence research problem statement to give the examiner an idea about what you will talk about and the significance of this problem. In this section, the reader should know why you are taking up this project in the first place and the impact that this will have. The idea is to study this in a way that shows that this will have significant implications and that you need to understand each to work on this in the best way possible.

Element 2: Literature Review

The second section is the literature review, one of your research’s most important components. You are expected to search for different sources where you get information that forms the basis of this research. You can go through web sources, journal articles, and so on. The idea is for you to have a basic idea about things first. The idea is for this information to form the basis of the research that you are doing. So you need to make sure that the resources that you do justice to this.

A good way to do this is to note whatever you learn throughout to develop skills. This way, you can proceed with things more easily. This is especially important when you start writing your paper. You don’t have to recall what you learned, but you can take a look at the points and start writing them. Apart from having sound knowledge of the basics here, you are also expected to look for new ideas in this domain and confirm earlier findings.

Also, look for gaps in knowledge in this section to help you work on it much better in case you don’t want to fail the capstone project . Finally, understand that the more effort you put into this section, the more detailed it will be. Not just that, but your understanding of the basics will also be much better when you research and then work on this and get effective tips.

Just a formal presentation and video on a Capstone Project will help you succeed:

Element 3: Methodology

This is the third of the capstone structure and components. In this section, you will discuss how you plan to proceed with the research in a real-world problem. To start with, first, describe your research design. This can be qualitative, quantitative, or a mix of both researches. It is entirely up to you how you choose to take this forward.

This depends on what meaning you want to uncover and how you plan on finding more data for this. But if you pick one, you need to justify why you did that and demonstrate how that suited your research the most.

You also need to state your dependent and independent variables here for clarity of research. Independent variables are the ones you choose to investigate, whereas the dependent ones are affected by the independent ones. Once you do this, you must also present and discuss your project’s sample.

The sample or the capstone project examples is known to be the people you make a part of the academic research. You also have to talk about the method you chose for sampling and why this worked well for you here in this research project. Finally, talk about the inclusion and exclusion criteria here.

Next, you also need to discuss the materials and tools you used for research purposes in line with your research design. For example, you could choose to go for interviews, questionnaires, focus group discussions, or a mix of these, but you need to be very clear about your rationale.

Also, write about the process of conducting research and the major elements used. Also, touch upon how you ensured you were ethical in your research as a culminating project. Then, it would help if you also talked about the analysis and how you did that. After that, you need examples to support your selection.

➡️  get help with your capstone project ⬅️

Element 4: Results and Discussion

This is the central part of your capstone thesis project, where you talk about the results of this research. Essentially, you answer the research question in this part by focusing on the study’s outcome for an academic capstone project.

Try to be as clear and direct as possible in this part, and do not make any assumptions to get the capstone experience. You can use graphs, charts, and tables as you deem fit based on your research methods and skills gained. But, again, the idea is to be clear about what you want to say if you wish to your capstone project to be successful in a final assignment.

How Long Does it Take to Complete a Capstone Project?

However, capstone projects may vary depending on the rigor of the graduate program and the specific requirements. Sometimes, they can last from a quarter to two semesters, depending on the school. Most graduate programs require students to undertake capstone projects that usually last about one semester. It’s better to begin formulating an idea of what you want to explore. Waiting until the end of a dissertation to study a specific subject is a hazard for a capstone project.

Strategies for a Successful Capstone Project – Graduate Programs for Educators

Capstone projects provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate the learning experience from the program. Unlike exams, capstone projects allow students to demonstrate their expertise and use that knowledge to solve real-world problems. Capstone projects and actions are the primary tools used in college courses, particularly graduate programs. The capstone project should provide a comprehensive overview of all of the elements of the capstone.

The Perfect Capstone Project Topic

Choosing the right capstone project topic is the foundation of a successful endeavor. Selecting a topic that aligns with your interests, career goals, and passion for exploration is essential. Start by brainstorming potential topics and considering various areas of education that spark your curiosity. Whether it’s technology in education, innovative teaching methods, or curriculum development, exploring potential topics will allow you to create a capstone project that resonates with your academic journey.

In-Depth Research and Literature Review

Once you’ve identified your capstone project topic, the next step is to dive into in-depth research and literature review. Seek scholarly articles, journals, and authoritative sources on your chosen subject. A thorough literature review will strengthen your understanding of the topic and provide a solid foundation for your project’s methodology and findings. Consider primary and secondary research methods to gather data, as they add depth and credibility to your work.

Your Capstone Project with Precision

As you delve into the research phase, creating a well-structured capstone project that showcases your insights effectively is crucial. Begin by formulating a clear research question that will guide your investigation and provide a focus for your project. Organize your project into coherent sections, including an introduction, methodology, findings, and conclusion. Use data mining, machine learning, or any other relevant techniques based on your topic to analyze the collected data. By crafting your capstone project with precision and attention to detail, you’ll create a compelling narrative highlighting your expertise and contributions to the field of education.

Solving Real-World Problems and Making an Impact

The true essence of a capstone project lies in its ability to address real-world problems and make a positive impact. As educators, your capstone project can influence and shape the future of education. Consider how your findings and recommendations can be applied practically, benefiting students, teachers, and the education community. By envisioning the broader implications of your capstone project, you elevate your work from a mere academic assignment to a valuable contribution to the field.

What makes a good capstone project?

A defining element of a Capstone should be a culmination of personal academic or professional experiences. Capstone courses are used to synthesize integration of knowledge or apply existing experience rather than to acquire new knowledge. Students’ ability to show, not learning new things.

The Heart of Your Capstone Project

Once you have discussed the main findings, you must also discuss things here. Analyze it all critically and also be very attentive. Try to find patterns and also show correlations in the findings. In the discussion section, talk about whether or not your findings aligned with the data you found in the literature review section.

You can also talk about important implications and recommendations here. There is also much room to discuss future research areas in this section. Anything that you feel is important and adds value to your words must be discussed in this section.

So from here, you can see the four essential capstone elements. You can only score well on your capstone project in your academic program when you know these elements and why it is important to have detailed knowledge to start working on capstone projects.

So make sure to have a very detailed approach when working on all these capstone projects to easily work your way through expanding your knowledge and scoring well in this part; also, read how to write a capstone project article on this blog. Good luck with your capstone project, or get  help at Writing Metier .

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Laura Orta is an avid author on Writing Metier's blog. Before embarking on her writing career, she practiced media law in one of the local media. Aside from writing, she works as a private tutor to help students with their academic needs. Laura and her husband share their home near the ocean in northern Portugal with two extraordinary boys and a lifetime collection of books.

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Capstone Projects

The Capstone is a culminating academic project experience that is completed within the confines of a semester-length course. Several Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) fields either require a capstone or offer the option to pursue one. In addition to the information below, review  Guide to the ALM Capstone Project website.

Types of Capstones

We offer two forms of capstone: Capstone Course (faculty directed) and Capstone Independent Project (student directed).

Capstone Course–Faculty Directed

For the ALM fields of anthropology, biotechnology, creative writing and literature, computer science, cybersecurity, data science, English, government, history, international relations, math for teaching, psychology, religion, and systems engineering capstones are courses designed by faculty members who bring together, in a structured syllabus, all the key learning outcomes of the field of study.

Our cybersecurity, data science, and computer science capstones are team-based projects that have a real-world industry partner as the client for your research.

While our creative writing capstone allows for ample room to work on individual artistic projects, but with the added benefit of weekly engagement with peers and the instructor–a supportive writer’s community.

Every effort is made to offer the same precapstone/capstone topics each year (e.g., human development, policy analysis, and social justice); however, topics are subject to change annually.

Good academic standing. You must be good academic standing to register for the capstone. If not, you’ll need to complete additional courses to bring your GPA up to the 3.0 minimum prior to registration. For detailed course description information, including specific registration requirements, such as credit minimums and academic standing requirements, use the Degree Course Search .

Tip:  Register on the first day of early degree-candidate registration to obtain a seat in these limited-enrollment courses.

Precapstones

The ALM fields of anthropology, biotechnology, computer science, creative writing and literature, cybersecurity, data science, English, government, history, international relations, psychology, religion and systems engineering have a required precapstone course that must be completed with a grade of B- or higher.

Mandatory Sequencing of Precapstones/Capstones. You enroll in the precapstone and capstone courses in back-to-back semesters (fall/spring), with the same instructor, and in your final academic year.

Due to heavy workload demands, all your other degree requirements must be fulfilled prior to capstone registration. The capstone must be taken alone as your one-and-only remaining degree requirement. You cannot register in any other courses along with the capstone.

It is critical that you draw upon your entire ALM training to produce a project worthy of a Harvard degree by committing to full-time study in the capstone.

Engaging in Scholarly Conversation . For precapstones in anthropology, English, government, history, international relations, psychology or religion, you need to have completed Engaging in Scholarly Conversation prior to precapstone registration. If you were admitted after 9/1/2023, Engaging in Scholarly Conversation (A and B) is required; if admitted before 9/1/2023, this series is encouraged.

Attempts . You have a maximum of two attempts at the precapstone course to earn the required grade of B- or higher. If after two attempts, you have not fulfilled the requirement (a WD grade is considered an attempt), your degree candidacy will expire. If by not passing the precapstone you fall into poor academic standing, you will need to take additional degree-applicable courses to return to good standing before enrolling in the precapstone for your second and final time.

The second attempt policy is only available if your five-year, degree-completion deadline allows for more time.  If you attempt to complete the precapstone in your final year and don’t pass (including a WD grade), your candidacy will automatically expire. 

For detailed course description information, visit the Degree Course Search .

Capstone Independent Project–Student Directed

For global development practice, digital media design, journalism, museum studies, and sustainability, capstones are client-based or independent research projects focused on a current issue or problem that has become compelling for you during your course of study. The project represents your academic passion and professional interest. You complete the research individually (journalism) or in a classroom setting with fellow candidates (all other fields).

Journalism candidates should scroll down to Journalism Capstone. The following applies to:

• Global Development Practice
• Digital media design
• Museum studies
• Sustainability

Registration in the capstone for the above fields has the following prerequisites: (1) your specific research project must be approved several months in advance (prior to enrolling in the precapstone tutorial), (2) you must successfully complete the precapstone tutorial, and (3) the capstone must be your final, one-and-only remaining degree requirement. You cannot register for any other courses along with the capstone.

There are two major steps to obtain project approval.

Step one:  obtain advice right away. Once admitted to the program, meet with your research advisor early and often about your initial capstone research interests. He or she can provide support as well as course selection advice as you develop preliminary ideas. Please note that while every effort is made to support your capstone interest, guidance is not available for all possible projects. Therefore, revision or a change of capstone topic may be necessary.

• For museum studies your capstone will have a main focus on (1) business of museums, (2) collections care, (3) exhibition design, (4) museum education, or (5) technology. Whatever focus you choose, you must have at least two courses completed in that area before enrolling in the precapstone tutorial. If not, your enrollment will not be approved.
• Due to the highly technical nature of their projects, digital media students must meet with their research advisor, Dr. Hongming Wang, to discuss their capstone topics according to the following schedule. Between January 2 and February 15 for summer precapstone and between May 1 and July for the fall precapstone. Appointments can be scheduled through the Degree Candidate Portal. 
• Step two:  register for the noncredit tutorial. The semester before capstone registration (no earlier), you are required to (1) enroll in the noncredit Precapstone tutorial, (2) visit the  Guide to the ALM Capstone Project website  to read through the tutorial guidelines, and (3) submit your prework by the required deadline (see below in bold).

Prework demonstrates that you have done enough prior reading and research on your topic to begin the capstone proposal process. Registration in the tutorial is limited to degree candidates who submit quality prework. If your prework is not approved, you will need to spend time revising in order to re-submit for the next offering of the tutorial, if your five-year, degree-completion deadline allows.

Once registered in the noncredit tutorial, you will receive guidance and mentoring while you iterate on your individual capstone proposal until the document reaches a satisfactory quality. The tutorial is not a course in the traditional sense. You work independently on your proposal with your research advisor by submitting multiple proposal drafts and scheduling individual appointments (ordinarily, during the hours of 9-5). You need to make self-directed progress on the proposal without special prompting from the research advisor.  While the tutorial is noncredit, your due diligence throughout the semester is required.

If you do not have a proposal that is close to being approved by the semester’s withdrawal deadline, you’ll need to withdraw from the tutorial, delay capstone registration, and re-take the capstone proposal tutorial again in a future semester, if your five-year, degree-completion deadline allows.

• For the fall capstone, you complete the proposal tutorial during the prior summer term: Register for the Summer Precapstone tutorial March 1. Submit the first draft of the preproposal between  March 1 and May 15 . Actively participate in the tutorial during the summer and end the term with an approved proposal. Register and complete capstone in fall.
• For the spring capstone, you complete the proposal tutorial during the prior fall term: Register for the Fall Precapstone tutorial when registration opens in mid-July. Submit the first draft of the preproposal between  July 18 and August 1 . Actively participate in the tutorial during the fall and end the term with an approved proposal. Register and complete the capstone in spring.
• For the summer capstone, you complete the proposal tutorial during the prior spring: Register for the spring Precapstone tutorial when registration open in early November. Submit the first draft of the preproposal between  November 7 and January 2 . Actively participate in the Capstone Proposal Tutorial during the spring and end the term with an approved proposal. Register and complete capstone in summer. This sequence (spring tutorial, summer capstone) is required for international students who need a student visa.

Please note that not all fields offer a capstone each term. Refer to your field’s Degree Course Search for the schedule. 

Human Subjects

If your capstone will involve the use of human subjects (e.g., subject interviews, surveys, observations), review the Human Subjects section on the  Guide to the ALM Capstone Project  website  to learn Harvard University’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval process.

Journalism Capstone

Over the course of the capstone semester for  JOUR E-599 , you’ll conduct an in-depth investigation of a single topic and emerge with a portfolio of new work suitable for publishing, posting, or broadcasting. The portfolio requires you to produce several (at least three) related stories on one topic written specifically for the capstone course. (No prior work can be used.) The stories are completed over the course of one semester.

You can register for the capstone once you complete 36 credits, and you work independently to complete the project within a semester time frame. The capstone can be, and often is, completed at a distance.

To begin the capstone approval process, you schedule an appointment with your research advisor, June Erlick, ( [email protected]) , to discuss your capstone ideas. 

While every effort is made to support your capstone interest, guidance is not available for all possible projects. Therefore, revisions or a change of capstone topic may be necessary before it is approved.  As in all traditional journalism, projects must take a fair and balanced view by bringing in differing points of view.  Projects should not be one-sided or take an advocacy stance.

Once a topic is approved, you submit the first draft of your capstone proposal. (Visit the  Guide to the ALM Capstone Project website  to read the specific guidelines for Crafting the Capstone Proposal). Ms. Erlick supports you through the fine tuning of the proposal and works with the Journalism program office to identify a capstone director. Once approved, capstone topics cannot be changed. In the unlikely event that you cannot continue with the project as approved, you must request and receive written permission to pursue a new topic from Ms. Erlick.  

A capstone director is a journalism instructor or professional in the field who has expertise relevant to your capstone topic. The final decision about who will serve as director is made by the Journalism program office; however, you are welcome to request a particular instructor. However, we ask that you  not  contact an instructor directly prior to capstone approval.

You are expected to work independently on your project with support and direction from the director. The capstone director will meet with you several times over the semester to answer questions, discuss your progress, read drafts, and offer feedback. The director also grades the final project.

Journalism Timeline

• Fall capstone: Meet to discuss capstone ideas by May 1. Submit first draft of capstone proposal by June 1.
• Spring capstone: Meet to discuss capstone ideas by September 1. Submit first draft of capstone proposal by October 1.
• Summer capstone: Meet to discuss capstone ideas by February 1. Submit first draft of capstone proposal by March 1

Final Capstone Grade

You need to earn a grade of B- or higher to earn degree credit for the capstone. If you earn a grade below a B– (including a WD), you will need to petition the Administrative Board for permission to enroll in the capstone for one final time. The Board only reviews cases in which extenuating circumstances prevented the successful completion of the capstone.

Moreover, the petition process is only available if your five-year, degree-completion deadline allows for more time. Your candidacy will automatically expire if you do not successfully complete the capstone requirement by your required deadline.

If approved for a second attempt, you may be required to repeat the precapstone course or the non-credit precapstone tutorial. Please note that you cannot choose a different precapstone/capstone sequence to gain additional (more than two) attempts at fulfilling the capstone requirement for your degree.

If by not passing the capstone you fall into poor academic standing, you’ll need to take additional degree-applicable courses to return to good standing before enrolling in the capstone for your second and final time. This is only an option if your five-year, degree-completion deadline allows for more time to take additional courses.

Harvard Division of Continuing Education

The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) at Harvard University is dedicated to bringing rigorous academics and innovative teaching capabilities to those seeking to improve their lives through education. We make Harvard education accessible to lifelong learners from high school to retirement.

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Capstone (UBC 399)

A holistic reflection of your learning experiences — the culmination of your ub curriculum program..

UB Curriculum Capstone (UBC 399) is your culminating general education requirement. It is a one-credit course in which you will work, with the support of your Capstone instructor, to create a reflective and integrative Capstone ePortfolio based on your UB Curriculum coursework and lived experiences outside of the classroom.

Capstone Learning Outcomes

The Capstone ePortfolio

We recommend that in advance of registering for the Capstone, you begin to select coursework samples and archive your work as you proceed through the UB Curriculum coursework. With the Capstone instructor’s guidance and support, you will create the Capstone ePortfolio in a step-by-step process throughout the term. The instructor will periodically review sections of the portfolio and provide you with constructive feedback. You are required to successfully complete UBC 399 to be eligible for graduation.

The Capstone ePortfolio is Reflective and Integrative

Multiple reflections on course connection and learning are the focus of the ePortfolio. You will review the courses you have taken to fulfill UB Curriculum requirements and critically reflect on your learning. During this process, you will select course “artifacts” to represent important aspects of your learning across courses. These artifacts are placed in your Capstone ePortfolio, along with captions that describe the purpose for including the particular piece of work and the aspect of learning it demonstrates. You will integrate the knowledge and experiences from your UB Curriculum courses by making connections across classroom learning, co-curricular activities, and lived experiences. 

Learning Outcomes

Having completed the Capstone, you will be able to:

• Articulate connections across different academic disciplines and perspectives.
• Adapt and apply skills, abilities, theories or methodologies acquired in one situation to new situations.
• Connect relevant experiences and academic knowledge.
• Identify a valid learning philosophy and anticipate future challenges where that philosophy can be applied. 
• Support arguments with relevant and properly cited artifacts and sources.
• Integrate different forms of communication to enhance meaning (prose, sound, visual media).
• Apply your understanding of digital citizenship to create an academic capstone ePortfolio.

Register for UBC 399

You can register for UBC 399 once you have either completed or are registered for all other UB Curriculum requirements. The UB Seminar is a pre-requisite for UBC 399. Make sure that you have used the Path Finder Tool to select and save your Pathway courses to HUB. Once your Academic Advising Report (AAR) shows that all areas of the UB Curriculum — with the exception of the Capstone — are satisfied, you can register for UBC 399. If you are not yet Capstone-ready, your registration for UBC 399 will be blocked.

UB Curriculum Capstone FAQs

When is ubc 399 offered.

UBC 399 is offered in fall, winter, spring and summer. Students who do not successfully complete the Capstone on their first attempt will be directed to repeat it in any subsequent term.

How can I register for UBC 399?

You can register once you have completed the UB Seminar and have completed or are concurrently enrolled in the remaining UB Curriculum courses. Ineligible students are blocked from registering.

How can I resign from UBC 399?

Follow instructions on the Office of the Registrar’s website to resign from UBC 399 ( registrar.buffalo.edu/registration/howtoregister/drop-add-resign.php ). You can enroll in any future section of the Capstone, including summer and winter session.

What is the workload of UBC 399?

UBC 399 is taught virtually and involves weekly online activities that support the creation of your Capstone ePortfolio. You should plan for at least three hours of engagement with course activities and assignments each week.

Can I do anything to prepare for UBC 399 before I am actually registered?

The Capstone requires you to examine your course experiences. Toward that end, you will need to save “artifacts,” which are representative examples of coursework from your general education classes. For example, perhaps you wrote a particularly meaningful paper for your ENG105 course, or completed a significant lab assignment from your Scientific Literacy course. Ultimately, you should preserve any important coursework you feel was especially relevant to you.

How can I successfully complete the Capstone ePortfolio using transfer coursework?

You should refer to the Transfer Credit Report (TCR) and the Academic Advising Report (AAR) to determine how transfer work articulates to UB Curriculum requirements. Transfer courses are just as valid for inclusion in your ePortfolio as courses taken at UB.

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