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The Capstone Thesis
Beginning the thesis project
The master's capstone thesis option must have a substantial research component, present an original argument, use proper academic writing conventions, including carefully documented primary and/or secondary sources, and should be at least fifty pages in length. This page count does NOT include the front and back matter (e.g., table of contents, lists of figures, illustrations and tables, acknowledgment and dedication pages, abstract, end notes pages, bibliography, appendices, etc.).
End of Program Assessment Manual for Graduate Studies . (2022). (January 2022 ed., p. 14). Retrieved from http://ezproxy.apus.edu/login?url=http://ebooks.apus.edu/Capstone/CapstoneManual.pdf
Master's Studies Resources
End of Program Assessment Manual for Graduate Studies (EOP Manual)
- Requirements for thesis, creative project, and practicum proposals
- Portfolio/critical reflection paper
- Plagiarism and copyright requirements
- Content and format requirements
- Sample pages showing format
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Institutional Review Board (IRB) The purpose of the IRB is to ensure that all human subject research be conducted in accordance with all federal, institutional, and ethical guidelines.
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Managing the Capstone Writing Project
Good writing takes time—not just the writing itself but logistical planning that lets one do good writing. Before you begin, there are a few things you can do to make the process more manageable.
Using a planner, an outline, or a simple to-do list can help make even the biggest writing tasks more manageable.
- Microsoft Outlook : MS Outlook has a calendar feature. Microsoft Support Video Tutorial: Calendar Basics (Outlook)
- OneNote - Create an outline to structure notes
- OneNote Videos and Tutorials
- Do a Google search on time management apps or planner apps .
Be sure to include a completion or due date for each step, and build in enough time between the steps to do each task. Checking off or crossing out a completed task can be a great motivator and keep you moving forward toward the end goal.
Citation managers are online tools that allow you to save and keep track of your resources, as well as correctly format citations for the sources in your paper.
A citation manager, which is also called a reference manager or personal bibliographic manager , is software that lets you keep track of the sources you find, tag or annotate them, and then create citations and bibliographies. A key advantage of a citation manager is that once you’ve entered a citation into the manager, it can be used repeatedly to create lists of references for your papers. You don’t have to search for it each time you need to cite a specific source.
Citation managers help you save time because they are designed to work with other electronic tools. Most managers have a plug-in for Microsoft Word, which lets you import and save your search results. Some also have plug-ins for web browsers which allow you to capture web links. Citation managers typically have built-in connections to Google Scholar and common library reference databases.
There are many free web-based citation managers available. Two to consider:
Mendeley Reference Manager Mendeley is a free reference manager and academic social network that lets you find, organize, annotate, and share your research library on almost any device.
APUS Library FAQs for Mendeley Videos & Tutorials and Help Guides
Zotero [zoh-TAIR-oh] is a free, easy-to-use tool to help you collect, organize, cite, and share your research sources. (Zotero works best with Mozilla Firefox browser .) APUS Library FAQs for Zotero Video Tutorial and User Guides Zotero Forums / Contact Zotero
Outlining is a good way to structure your paper. Taking the time to create a quality outline at the start will make the drafting process easier and improve your final product.
An outline is a structured list that organizes your ideas into a logical sequence of major subjects and their sub-topics. The purpose of an outline is to create a section-by-section list of the ideas you will follow as you write your paper.
As you outline, look for the connections and relationships between your ideas. You'll need to evaluate your notes and identify the important ideas versus things that are irrelevant or need more research.
Using Microsoft Word to Create an Outline
- Click on Home in the top taskbar.
- Look for the Paragraph group.
- Click on the Multilevel List icon. You’ll get a selection of outline format types.
- Select the one that best fits your needs.
For additional Microsoft info, click the Help ? icon at the upper right and enter multilevel list as your search phrase.
NOTE : Doing a reverse outline at the end is a great way to check your paper for accuracy and quality. You can do a reverse outline at any point you have a working draft of your paper, but it is a very effective tool to use with your final draft. For more information:
Labaree, R. (2009). Making an outline – organizing your social sciences research paper . [email protected]: Helpful Guidelines & Examples
Academic papers have a required format, or editorial style . Format instructions are found in style guides . The purpose of a style guide is to provide uniformity in writing and documentation/citation styles and in formatting a document. Following a standard guide ensures that your paper is professional-looking and readable. Journal publishers typically require authors to follow a specific style guide, so it is a useful skill to know how to use one! (Not sure of which style guide to use? Check here .)
How a thesis is formatted is not the same thing as how it is structured .
- Structure refers to the intellectual arrangement of the thesis, that is applied to the presentation of the content of the study.
- Format refers to the visual presentation or layout of the thesis, such as margins, line spacing, etc.
Using the EOP Manual for structure and format
A key tool for the capstone project is the End of Program Assessment Manual for Graduate Studies (a.k.a the EOP Manual).
In addition to discussing what is required for each of the capstone options, the EOP Manual addresses
- Chapter I: Scholarly Research, Copyright, and Ethical Conduct
- Chapter II: Responsible Conduct of Research
- Chapter III: Master's Comprehensive Examination
- Chapter IV: Master's Capstone: Thesis Option
- Chapter V: Masters Capstone: Creative/Applied Project
- Chapter VI: Master's Capstone: Practicum & Critical Reflection Paper
- Chapter VII: Master's Capstone: Portfolio & Critical Reflection Paper
- Chapter VIII: Department Chair Role in the End of Program Assessment
- Chapter IX: Faculty Role in the End of Program Assessment
- Chapter X: University Declarations and Archiving
- Appendix 1: P. 42 Sample of Cover page
- Appendix 2: Sample of Copyright Page
- Appendix 3: Sample of Dedication Page (Optional)
- Appendix 4: Sample of Acknowledgements Page (Optional)
- Appendix 5: Sample of the Abstract
- Appendix 6: Sample of the Table of Contents
- Appendix 7: Sample of List of Tables
- Appendix 8: Sample of List of Figures
- Appendix 9: Sample of Permission to Quote or Reproduce Copyrighted Material Letter
- Appendix 10: Sample of IRB Approval Letter
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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, cybersecurity, data science, English, government, history, information management systems, international relations, management, math for teaching, psychology, religion, and software 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 management capstones ordinarily have a real-world industry partner as the client for your capstone 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 degree-candidate registration to obtain a seat in these limited-enrollment courses.
Precapstones
The ALM fields of anthropology, biotechnology, creative writing and literature, cybersecurity, data science, English, government, history, international relations, management, psychology, and religion 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.
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
The course, JOUR E-599 , entails a portfolio of several related stories that are completed over the course of one semester. You apply knowledge and skills obtained in the program to complete a significant journalism project under the direction of a professional in the field. Over the course of the capstone semester, 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.
You can register for the capstone once you complete 36 credits, and you work independently to complete the project within a semester timeframe. 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 Crafting the Capstone Proposal specific guidelines). Ms. Erlick supports you through the fine tuning of the proposal and works with the Journalism program office to identify a capstone director.
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 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.
The Board only reviews cases in which extenuating circumstances prevented the successful completion of the capstone.
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What is a Capstone Project in College?
The capstone project in college is the apogee, or completion marker, of a student’s coursework leading to the culmination of their program with a degree in their chosen field of study.
The original definition of a capstone focuses on the actual stone placed at the top of a wall or building, marking the successful completion of the structure. It is a significant and celebrated piece of architecture, considered to be the most important of an entire construction project.
Similarly, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) Associate Dean of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences Dr. Jeff Czarnec called the academic capstone project, whether in an undergraduate or graduate program, “the apex of all a student’s work done throughout their college career.”
There is an expectation that they have all the necessary skills and knowledge coming into the capstone course to be successful. “At this point, students have managed to pass all their course work leading up to the capstone,” said Dr. Thomas MacCarty , associate dean of social sciences programs at SNHU. “It is the culmination of everything that has happened to them as students.”
Students have the opportunity to pick a research topic that is of interest to them and run with it. “After having to write research papers in all of their courses prior to [the capstone], the task is not one to dread, but to enjoy. It is their time to shine as students and to enjoy the journey,” MacCarty said.
The capstone is much more important than a requirement and three credits. It can serve as an opportunity to demonstrate knowledge mastery and creative thinking, which may help a graduate stand out from others vying for the same job.
What is Involved in a Capstone Project?
“Students are expected to be ready to enter the world as professionals in their field upon completion of the capstone course,” said MacCarty.
As in many other university courses, the capstone is research-based; the difference being that the student chooses the topic early on, allowing them more freedom to conduct research on their own, unlike in other courses which are more guided. Capstone topics align with the specific discipline of program study. In the social sciences realm, “our focus is on human behavior and cognition, which may be different from a capstone course in business or STEM,” MacCarty said.
In a nutshell, a rough outline of a capstone, according to Czarnec, looks something like this:
- Select a topic and have it approved by the instructor
- Evaluate relevance to the proposal
- Perform necessary research
- Present results in the agreed upon fashion
Are Capstone Projects Difficult?
“Not necessarily,” said Czarnec. “It does force you to be efficient and very specific to topic. No fluff. Straight forward. Razor sharp. The capstone is more of an opportunity to catch your breath, retrace and pull up what you have learned in a more stress-free environment. It helps validate students as learners.”
Depending upon the major and course requirements, there may be opportunities to match students with outside contacts, not only to assist with the capstone project research and problem statement, but to also provide a networking community.
“Not every research project is, nor should they be, the same,” Czarnec said. “Everyone has a different approach.”
What is the Difference Between a Thesis and a Capstone Project?
A capstone is similar to a thesis in that the starting point involves strengths that one needs for a thesis or dissertation work. A student needs to think about the skeletal structure of research and form their theory, hypothesis, and problem statement.
“While a capstone is certainly a scholarly piece of work and does share some aspects of a thesis,” said MacCarty. “The time and detail that is required of a master’s thesis is greater.”
A capstone paper may be 25 pages, where a thesis could be 100 or more, and is a more demanding research paper. If an undergraduate student chooses to further their education and enter into a doctoral program, the capstone project could be an invaluable tool in preparing for a thesis.
It’s All About Student Success
According to Czarnec, capstones of all programs are leading students to the end game. The goal is to develop well-rounded thinkers who can pull their work together in a coherent, articulate, well-organized fashion, while considering the demands of the profession or vocation in which they are interested.
The focus and intent of a capstone should be to create an effective device to assess and measure all that the students have learned throughout their program in an aggregate fashion so they can demonstrate their life-long vocational skills in a nice, neat package. “My goal is for students to leave the program confident about their skills and abilities,” said Czarnec.
According to MacCarty, capstone courses should be structured to support student success in fulfilling program requirements and allow them the opportunity to showcase their academic abilities and skills gained throughout their degree program.
Laurie Smith '14 is a writer, editor and communications specialist. Connect with her on LinkedIn .
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Capstone Project: Definition, Types, Structure, and Examples
by Antony W
September 5, 2021
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.
As proof, you can check out various capstone project samples here . (hyperlink to be inserted.)
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.
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What Is A Capstone Project?
03 Mar 2022
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Common Development of a Capstone Project
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Goals Of A Capstone Paper
Getting proper education is not an easy task. Particularly with modern curriculums placing more burdens on students to perform. You may be comfortable writing essays and navigating the library, but you may run into an overwhelming task you may not be ready for. One such project college students dread is the capstone project and for good reason.
These assignments take significant planning to complete, let alone achieve a good grade. But fear not, we know how to help you weather the storm and put together a compelling paper that your teachers will highly praise. Follow these tips for your capstone research project and you are sure to avoid the many obstacles students have to overcome.
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What is the Capstone Project?
A common question any student has, especially in high school, is the definition capstone project. According to the University of Virginia, this task is a two-semester project where students must independently research a topic to obtain a deep understanding of the subject matter. UV gives many recommendations when preparing your assignment you can use. But here our professional writers will dig into detail about the purpose of this significant work as well as methods to overcome some hurdles. There are several sections that encompass a capstone project meaning, which we’ll detail below.
The main goal of this task is to challenge a student to carry out significant research over an extended period of time. Not everyone is up to the arduous journey this task demands. Therefore capstone project for sale for college is a common way to avoid failure. Leveraging the help of the pros, you get a set of guarantees to ensure a quality paper that is plagiarism-free and will get a good grade.
One of the most complex issues is a capstone paper. What makes it so difficult? To figure it out, we need to define the capstone project meaning first because there is no way you can handle an assignment without knowing what it requires from you.
Capstone Project Definition
What is the capstone definition? A capstone project is a culminating assignment, on which students usually work on during their final year in school or at the end of the academic program. It requires different intellectual activities. This project helps young people learn how to find and analyze information and how to work with it efficiently. It has a wide variety of forms. This means that a capstone program can be submitted in various forms including a multimedia presentation, film, performance, or paper. A capstone research project is very similar to a college thesis. No one can argue that this type of work is a bit more complicated as writing a capstone project involves a wider range of activities like critical thinking, deep analysis, and the ability to use different media.
What is a capstone project purpose? A capstone college course can help students demonstrate their knowledge and skills and it can also be used as an employment portfolio. At university, people get such tasks in the last class of a study program.
In most cases, while working on a nursing capstone project, a student can be asked to pick out a topic such as a profession, a social problem, or another topic in which he or she is interested. After that, the student finds information, analyzes it, and makes a portfolio or presentation based on the findings. During a presentation, a person demonstrates the project to the class and gives a short conclusion. The student usually gives an oral presentation apart from the main material, which can be in writing, film or a multimedia product.
Why do you have to write about it? Capstone projects were generally developed to encourage student's abilities of critical thinking, problem-solving, oral communication skills, research skills, and teamwork. Moreover, thanks to this project, students learn to connect with the community and analyze important issues, problems, and ideas. Some tasks include outside-of-school experiences, like interviews and scientific observations.
Colleges may present this task at any academic level. And you may be faced with this task in several areas from Political Science, Criminal Justice, Biology, Literature, etc. As a result, the requirements can differ significantly across courses, but often, your work will result in some type of presentation at the end. As a guideline, a capstone project will revolve around the following framework:
- Selecting a topic. Whether you are given a set of topics to choose or you can select your own, a good topic will make the process much easier. In short, you need to find a happy balance of a topic that has a wide enough scope to investigate but is not so narrow you won’t be able to find resources for your task.
- Do a literature review. Initially, this may seem like extra work. But the pros at our capstone writing services state a proper literature review will pay dividends when further down the road. If you’ve never done a lit review before, don’t get intimidated. Simply organize a section of your written work where you state the relevance of your sources, any background information they had provided, as well as any information gaps. This will create a road map of where to take your project. You’ll have a strong foundation to work off and can spot any areas to improve upon.
- Research your topic. Since these assignments often have a presentation at the end, you can be more creative with your fact-finding. You may conduct interviews with professionals, observe various events, and of course the classic dive into the library. Just be sure your research is on target with your outline and the resources are authorization.
- Presenting your findings. With your presentation, the first is to look at the content of your research and choose a means of delivery. You can present your work as a defense, where you lecture the class on your work and field questions related to your topic. Revise some tips for writing essays to include in your work. You may also incorporate graphical elements or an engaging onscreen presentation. Prior to presenting your work, be sure to practice. You can do this in the mirror or with friends. Note down the areas that flow nicely and improve areas where you stall or do not clearly deliver your point.
How to handle this task? Below are a few examples which illustrate the general forms of work and objectives found in capstone projects:
- Organizing scientific research, which could last several months or even a year to study ecological and environmental changes in a local habitat;
- Designing and producing a robot, or an app, which can deal, for example, with people who have special needs (such robots can support the disabled);
- Creation of an organization or an office to learn more about vital social problems such as hunger, poverty, effects of war, homelessness, or mortal diseases;
- Comprehensive research of an industry or market and creating an applicable business plan for a recommended company;
- Writing, directing, and filming an announcement that will be broadcasted on public television;
As you see, it has many different forms.
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Importance Of A Capstone Project
But why is it important work? There are many factors that explain its importance and one of the main factors is that it increases the austerity of academic studies of the senior year. How? You may ask. In many cases, students take simpler courses for their last or senior year, which can lead to learning failure or deficient preparation for their work in college. In this way, a capstone project can help increase preparation for college and work, reduce the loss of learning during the senior year and encourage efficient work and new interesting experiences in science or other disciplines.
Also, it increases individual motivation. Assignments like this require creative work on topics that are interesting to a person, which increases motivation significantly.
Capstone projects are a great way of demonstrating the proficiency of learning. This type of work can help young people determine their competence and readiness to demonstrate what they have learned through the course of their project.
How else can it be useful? Involving students in long-term projects which combine their ambitions and goals, motivate people to more deliberate future planning, understanding their main objectives, career exploration, and obtaining useful experience, which will help them in their future careers.
In addition, capstone projects can give students more confidence in their strengths and make their self-perception clearer which is always a good thing.
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Upon completing your project you’ll demonstrate that you can engage in serious research work. And if you get a good grade it’s a good reference for future academic work if asked about your academic achievements. You will find that you not only know how to investigate a subject but organize work to reach a deep understanding.
Another aspect is the presentation portion. Many students are great researchers and can write wonderful papers and get good grades. However, presentation is a necessary skill to apply in the real world. When you want to ask for a raise or get a proposal approved, often you’ll need to present factual data to back up your reasoning.
Don’t pass up this opportunity to showcase your skills to your university. With the right plan, you can develop a great project that can be a lot of fun. Try to devise a practical topic of interest and follow this guide to get the A you deserve. But as a long term project, you may need help with all or part of your assignment and think about buying a capstone project . When you’re burning the midnight oil sweating about a deadline, reach out to us at PapersOwl and we’ll come to your aid.
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What Is the Difference Between a Capstone and a Thesis?
Kristine tucker.
The main difference between a capstone project and a thesis is that a capstone project addresses a specific problem, issue or concern in your field of study, and a thesis attempts to create new knowledge. A capstone project focuses on a narrow, specific topic , whereas a thesis addresses a broader, generalized issue .
Explore this article
- Capstone Project: Coursework Application
- Capstone Project: Select a Narrow Topic
- Thesis Paper: Create and Prove or Disprove a Hypothesis
- Thesis Paper: Professional Considerations
1 Capstone Project: Coursework Application
A capstone project tests your understanding of core concepts in your field of study and requires you to apply them to current situations. For example, a capstone project might require you to produce a solution to a business or scientific problem. Capstone projects don't require original research, but you must perform background analysis, conduct library research, examine similar projects and review best practices, according to the University of North Carolina. Capstone projects may be completed individually or in small groups . Some undergraduate and graduate programs require students to complete capstone projects to graduate. Consult your adviser about specific capstone requirements.
2 Capstone Project: Select a Narrow Topic
Choose a narrow topic for a capstone project, for which you can provide expertise and a comprehensive analysis. For example, your capstone project might address how a lack of protein affects elementary students' classroom learning or why some consumers are more likely to buy impulsively. In some cases, a capstone project deals with a specific company that's trying to improve productivity or solve a workplace concern. Most capstone projects require a written paper of approximately 15 to 25 pages, according to the University of Colorado. Your adviser may require you to present your project in public and complete a self-reflective evaluation.
3 Thesis Paper: Create and Prove or Disprove a Hypothesis
A thesis paper differs from a capstone project because you must create new knowledge by developing a hypothesis, conducting data analysis, assessing your results, drawing conclusions from your research and comparing your results to others. "A thesis paper feels more like the scientific method than a field project," according to the University of Wisconsin. You must work independently on a thesis instead of doing group projects . Thesis papers are generally reserved for graduate students.
4 Thesis Paper: Professional Considerations
A thesis paper is beneficial to students who plan to enter a Ph.D. program or conduct individual research related to their postgraduate studies or long-term careers. It's more time-consuming than a capstone project and is worth more academic credit hours. A thesis paper can be completed over several semesters, but a capstone project is generally a single-semester requirement . Course instructors and faculty advisers grade capstone projects, but a larger thesis committee grades thesis papers.
- 1 University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh Department of Public Administration: Capstone, Field Project or Thesis?
- 2 University of Colorado Boulder Interdisciplinary Telecom Program: Capstone Versus Thesis
- 3 University of Washington: What Is the Difference Between a Capstone Project and a MasterFINAL.docx
About the Author
As curriculum developer and educator, Kristine Tucker has enjoyed the plethora of English assignments she's read (and graded!) over the years. Her experiences as vice-president of an energy consulting firm have given her the opportunity to explore business writing and HR. Tucker has a BA and holds Ohio teaching credentials.
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Home » Education » What is the Difference Between Capstone and Thesis
What is the Difference Between Capstone and Thesis
The main difference between capstone and thesis is that capstone involves using existing knowledge to solve a problem in a particular field of study, whereas thesis is more scholarly in nature and contribute new knowledge to a particular field of study
Both capstone and thesis serve as the final projects of an academic course. They require a long-term commitment as students will have to spend a lot of time on their research. When done successfully, they can serve as the basis of a student’s professional portfolio.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is a Capstone – Definition, Features 2. What is a Thesis – Definition, Features 3. Difference Between Capstone and Thesis – Comparison of Key Differences
What is a Capstone
A capstone is a multilayered project that serves as a culminating academic experience for students, typically at the end of an academic program. Moreover, a capstone project may take many forms. In such projects, students select a topic or social problem that interests them, conduct research on that subject, record the results or findings, create a final product, showcasing their conclusions, as well as their learning acquisition. The final product can take many forms, such as papers, multimedia presentations, and short films. Students may also have to do an oral presentation on the project in front of a panel of teachers and experts who will evaluate the quality of the project.
Capstone projects encourage students to think critically and face challenges. They can also develop skills such as research skills, media literacy, teamwork, planning, goal setting, oral communication, public speaking, and self-sufficiency. These skills will help students in their careers as well as adult life. Furthermore, these projects tend to be interdisciplinary, i.e., students have to use various skills and research issues across many different domains of knowledge.
What is a Thesis
A thesis or dissertation is a long research paper that typically serves as the final project for a university degree. Submitting a thesis is generally required for completing undergraduate honours, masters , and doctoral degrees . The theses are very long and may contain hundreds of pages. They are also scholarly in nature and allows students to contribute valuable research in their field of study.
Moreover, a major part of a thesis work involves research and writing. It generally has advanced research design and analysis. When writing a thesis, the students will have to prove or disapprove a hypothesis , and their conclusions have to be backed by extensive research and an insightful, learned description of how they got to that conclusion. In some degree programs, students also have to perform an oral defence of the thesis paper in front of a panel of experts.
Parts of a Thesis
These are the components you will usually find in a thesis paper.
- Title Page
- Abstract
- Table of Contents
- List of Figures
- List of Tables
- Introduction
- Methods
- Discussion
- Conclusions
- Recommendations
- Acknowledgements
- References
Difference Between Capstone and Thesis
A capstone is a multilayered project that serves as a culminating academic experience for students, typically at the end of an academic program, whereas a thesis is a long research paper that typically serves as the final project for a university degree.
A thesis is more scholarly in nature than a capstone project.
Level of Education
Capstone projects can be done by high school students, college students, etc., whereas theses are required in higher levels of academia, usually in undergraduate honours degrees, masters, or doctorate levels.
Final Product
In a capstone project, the final product can take many forms, for example, paper, multimedia presentation, short film, etc. However, in a thesis, the final product is always a paper.
A capstone is a multilayered project that serves as a culminating academic experience for students, typically at the end of an academic program, whereas a thesis is a long research paper that typically serves as the final project for a university degree. Moreover, a thesis is more scholarly in nature than a capstone project. Therefore, this is is the main difference between capstone and thesis.
1. Stute, Martin. “ How to Write Your Thesis .” How to Write a Thesis. 2. “ Capstone Project Definition .” The Glossary of Education Reform, 23 Mar. 2016.
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Hasa has a BA degree in English, French and Translation studies. She is currently reading for a Masters degree in English. Her areas of interests include literature, language, linguistics and also food.
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- Liberal Studies
- Curriculum and Degree Information
Thesis/Capstone Project
The MALS thesis/capstone project (3 credits) is the culmination of the MALS degree. You should start planning your thesis/capstone project halfway through the Liberal Studies Program (when you have close to 18 credits).
See examples of recently deposited theses and capstones »
Who is Eligible to Advise?
Thesis and capstone project advisors must be members of the Graduate Center faculty. They do not need to be faculty members within the MALS Program. Students should try to find advisors through their coursework but should understand that MALS/GC faculty may have other commitments that could prevent them from taking on an advisory role. Ideally, students will approach faculty members well before any relevant deadlines and with a clear idea of what the thesis/capstone project is about. You can use this list of MALS faculty research areas as a resource in your search for an advisor.
You should start planning your thesis halfway through the Liberal Studies Program (when you have close to 18 credits). Ideally, it should focus the interests you have explored in your coursework. In the past, students have successfully developed a paper written for a course—or a couple of papers—into a thesis.
Without prior approval of the Executive Officer and the thesis advisor, the text of theses shall not exceed sixty pages. The text must be a minimum of fifty pages. Appendices, bibliography, images, and front material are not included in this limit. Many students choose to split their theses into multiple chapters, often two or three, with an introduction and conclusion. Please consult the Library's instructions for preparing and depositing theses , which will explain the formatting expectations for the document.
You should enroll in MALS 79000: Thesis/Capstone Project only when you have completed the course work for the degree, or at least 24 credits of coursework. Some students register for one course and MALS 79000 - Thesis/Capstone Project in the final semester, and some register for MALS 79000 - Thesis/Capstone Project only.
The Capstone Project
You should start planning your capstone project halfway through the Liberal Studies Program (when you have close to 18 credits). You should enroll in MALS 79000 only when you have completed the coursework for the degree, or at least 24 credits of coursework. Please note that the capstone project abstract must be reviewed and approved by the Executive Officer. The capstone project should be completed during the semester that you are registered for capstone advisement (MALS 79000), if possible. Many students find advisors and begin their projects before the semester during which they register for advisement.
The capstone project will enable students to integrate and synthesize the knowledge that they have developed during their MA coursework into a culminating project. Such works might include, but would not be limited to, an artistic or documentary video, archive finding aid, artistic performance (live or recorded), creative fiction, exhibition, journalistic report, digital project, or software tool. The capstone project is accompanied by a 20-page white paper that explains the project, offers a literature review (explaining how the project is a response to a scholarly or practical questions about the chosen topic), describes the project's conceptualization, methodology, and how it is related to the student's concentration and studies.
Here are some examples of capstone projects: DH in a Box , Secret and Divine Signs: A Cinematic Ode to the Art of Cruising , Clara Lemlich Shavelson: An Activist Life , Beyond the Vale: Visualizing Slavery in Craven County, North Carolina .
Please also consult the Library's instructions for preparing and depositing theses , which will explain deposit procedures and format guidelines. The white paper must be submitted together with the capstone project so the department can review the project in its original medium (e.g. if it is a film provide a link or copy of the film; if it is a website or app, the URL must be included).
The white paper is to be deposited in the library. Digital projects should be archived in consultation with Stephen Zweibel ( [email protected] ) in the Library. Depending on the type of technology used, the project may or may not be able to be archived.
Thesis/Capstone Project Prospectus
Students are required to turn in a short (3-page) prospectus by the end of Drop/Add period during the semester for which they are registered for Thesis or Capstone Advising.
Download and complete the Prospectus Form
You will need to have the form signed by your advisor, so please make sure you write the prospectus with enough time to show it to your advisor and have it signed.
Thesis/Capstone Project Abstract
All completed theses and capstone projects must include a 250-word abstract. This abstract should summarize your project’s main claims.
IRB Approval
If your research involves human subjects, please discuss your project with your advisor and with the CUNY Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) to determine whether your project requires IRB approval from the GC or your advisor’s home campus. For more information, please consult the Graduate Center HRPP guidelines for Research Involving Human Subjects .
Registering for MALS 79000 (Thesis Research or Capstone Project), 3 credits
In order to register for MALS 79000 through CUNYFirst, students need to obtain written confirmation from the faculty who will serve as advisor and forward the confirmation in an email to Kathy Koutsis ( [email protected] ), who will then issue a course override. MALS 79000 is a 3-credit course and is different from the Thesis Workshop class, which is also three credits.
Thesis Writing Course
The Thesis Writing Course - MALS 72000 is a three-credit research and writing course open to MALS students working on their theses. The course is designed to help students develop strategies for composing, drafting, and crafting their theses. Students will work on analyzing and synthesizing their materials in order to sharpen their approach to their scholarly topics. They will also work on developing their writing in logically framed and rhetorically convincing graduate-level prose. Students will produce multiple drafts, consider the best organizational approaches for their projects, develop and hone their authorial voices, develop strategies for building arguments that are supported by the evidence they have collected, and reflect upon their individual research and writing practices. Students will give and receive feedback from their peers as well as from the professor. Students normally have at least 18 credits when they are given permission to enroll in this course. Typically students take MALS 72000 either the semester before they enroll in MALS 79000 or concurrent with MALS 79000.
If you would like to sign up for the thesis writing course, permission of the department is required. To express your interest in taking this course, please fill in this form . This is a 3-credit course and it is not a substitute for MALS 79000.
Approval Process
For the thesis.
MALS theses need to be approved by both the faculty advisor and the Executive Officer. Faculty must approve the thesis before the EO reviews the thesis. Faculty should email the EO directly with their approval of the thesis. Students should consult and follow the Library's instructions for preparing and depositing theses. The Library's Text Format Guidelines also include sample MA Thesis approval and title pages. In order to submit the thesis for review by the Executive Officer, students should send a digital copy that is properly formatted at least 3 weeks before the library deposit deadline , following the schedule below. At that time, your advisor should send an email to the Executive Officer approving the thesis.
For the capstone project
MALS capstone projects need to be approved by both the faculty advisor and the Executive Officer. Faculty must approve the capstone before the EO reviews the thesis. Faculty should email the EO directly with their approval of the capstone project.
The whitepaper and any supporting material should be submitted to the program three weeks in advance of the library deposit deadlines for theses. Students should consult and follow the Library’s instructions for preparing and depositing capstone projects. The Library's Text Format Guidelines include sample MA Capstone approval and title pages. In order to submit the capstone project for review by the Executive Officer, please send a digital copy that is properly formatted at least 3 weeks before the library deposit deadline , following the schedule below. At that time, your advisor should send an email to the Executive Officer approving the capstone.
The student will graduate at the degree date following their submission (Fall, Winter or Spring).
Exit Survey
All students are required to fill in a short exit survey and submit it to the department when they submit their thesis/capstone project to the Executive Officer.
Submission and Deposit Deadlines
A thesis may be deposited anytime; deadlines below:
*Please note that these Library Deposit dates are approximate. For current Library Deposit Deadlines, visit the Library’s Dissertations & Theses page.
For more information on depositing your thesis, see the Dissertations & Theses deposit guide , including guidelines for capstone deposition .
Maintenance of Matriculation
Students who have completed the 30 credits for the degree, but need an additional semester to complete the thesis, should register for “Maintenance of Matriculation” to maintain their enrollment for submission and Library deposit. Students may not exceed twelve semesters registered in the program or maintaining matriculation without prior approval of the Executive Officer.
Writing Resources
Thesis Writing Course. The Thesis Writing Course (MALS 72000) is an optional three-credit class that has proven helpful for thesis writers.
Citation Managers . The library provides instruction in the use of two citation managers, RefWorks and Zotero. Zotero, an open-source tool, is still accessible after students leave the Graduate Center, which is a significant advantage.
Style Guides. Though MALS does not require a specific citation style, theses should be consistent in the usage of whatever citation style is chosen.
The MALS Thesis/Capstone Project Prize
The MALS Thesis/Capstone Project Prize is meant to recognize achievement in scholarship and writing by MALS students. The awards showcase the impressive work being done by students in our program.
2021/ 2022 Winner
Capstone Winner:
Stephanie Barnes , North of the Grid: The Black Experience of 17th-19th Century Rural New York.
Advisor: Matt Reilly
Honorable Mention:
Josefine Ziebell , Queer and Trans Prison Voices: A Podcast Archive on Prison Abolition
Advisor: Justin Rogers-Cooper
Thesis Award Winner:
Joliette Mande l, Equitable Assessment for Elementary Dual-Language Learners Advisor: David Bloomfield
2020 / 2021 Winner
Capstone Award Co-Winners:
Abdul-Alim Farook, Challenges of Repatriation: Asante Artifacts at the American Museum of Natural History
Advisor: Matthew Reilly
Sandy Mui, The Local Accountability Journalism Tracker
Advisor: Ximena Gallardo
Thesis Award Winner:
Muhammad Muzammal, Framing the Border: Liminality in the Network Narratives of Alejandro González Iñárritu
Advisor: Paul Julian Smith
2019 / 2020 Winner
Thesis Winner:
Valerie Gritsch, Something Happened on the Day He Died”: How David Bowie Fans Transformed Brixton Advisor: Prof. Edward Miller
Honorable Mentions: Gail Addiss, The Critique Became the Counter-Narrative: Planning Manhattan North of the Street Grid Advisor: Prof. Elizabeth Macaulay
Oriana Gonzalez, Performing NYC Latinidades: Building a Diasporic Home at Pregones and the Puerto Rican Traveling Theater Advisor: Prof. Karen Miller
2018 / 2019 Winners
Capstone Prize Winner: Marcus Hillman's podcast, Immigration, Small Business and Assimilation: Three Stories of Small-Time Capitalism on the Lower East Side Advisor: Karen Miller
Thesis Prize Winner: Judith Upjohn, Rural Adolescent Education Reframed: Can Social Justice, Lewin’s Topology, and Aesthetics Aid Reform Efforts? Advisor: Susan Opotow
Honorable Mention: Jordan Steingard, The Distant Early Warning Line: Geographies, Infrastructures, and Environments of Warning Advisor: Karen Miller
2017 / 2018 Winners
Thesis/Capstone Prize Co-Winners: Miriam Edwin , From Mass Incarceration to Mass Education: Fostering Collaboration Between State Prisons and State Universities Advisor: Lucia Trimbur
Carey Thompson Wells , The Column of Constantine at Constantinople: A Cultural History (330-1453 C.E.) Advisor: Eric Ivison
Honorable Mention: Mette L. Jensen, Swimming in a Sea of No's: Controlling and Managing the New York Public Pools Advisor: Sarah Chinn
Further Questions
Further questions about the thesis or about this guide may be sent to Assistant Program Officer Kathy Koutsis ( [email protected] ), Executive Officer Elizabeth Macaulay ( [email protected] ), or Deputy Executive Officer Anna Akasoy ([email protected])
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MBA Capstone & Thesis | 2022 Guide
Reese Lopez
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Updated November 17, 2022
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Typically serving as the culminating experience in an MBA program, a capstone or thesis project bridges academic study and professional practice, applying the skills gained from an MBA to real-world business management and research. Thesis projects commonly take a more academic, research-based approach, while capstones focus on the practical side of business, often requiring students to identify and solve problems at real companies.
Capstones require students to synthesize everything they've learned from their MBA programs, serving as their best opportunity to demonstrate understanding of business principles and practices. Andrew Gold, an associate professor of management at Saint Leo University in Florida, puts it plainly: "The capstone is probably the single most important class in the entire program."
This page offers a general guide to MBA capstone and thesis projects. Below, find an overview of the key differences between the two types of projects, typical steps to research and writing, capstone project examples, and answers to common questions -- all accompanied by expert advice from an MBA faculty member.
What's the Difference Between a Capstone and a Thesis?
While a capstone and thesis serve similar functions, most MBA programs distinguish between the two projects. MBAs typically include practicum/internship components, enabling students to gain hands-on experience in professional business environments. Capstones build on this experience, requiring students to develop practical solutions to real-world business problems.
As Gold explains, "The [capstone] is intended to demonstrate that you understand and can apply what you have learned about the various disciplines in the business school and use some creativity to put together comprehensive analyses of complicated, real-life problems."
A thesis generally takes a more academic approach, requiring students to answer a question to contribute new knowledge to the field through a comprehensive research paper. Programs with an academic focus, preparing graduates for research and academic positions, might opt for a thesis over a capstone.
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The MBA Capstone
Broadly, MBA capstones require students to synthesize major program principles to address contemporary business issues, serving to assess overall knowledge and individual skill. As Gold explains, "In addition to demonstrating students' abilities to analyze complex problems, the [capstone] typically shows evidence of creative thinking, critical thinking, and the ability to examine a problem from a variety of functional perspectives." The following sections detail typical capstone components and processes.
The MBA Capstone Process
The MBA Capstone Format
Choosing Your Capstone Topic
Example Topics for Capstone Projects
Business plan for a startup venture, analysis of emerging technology threats, reorganization after corporate downsizing, gamification of sustainability behavior, feasibility and market analysis for a new app.
Completing Your MBA Capstone
- Collapse All
How to Research for Your Capstone
Capstone research often involves a literature review of existing information on a topic, along with original research into the company itself. To address a business problem, students must understand both the general nature of the problem and its specific impact on an organization.
Gold recommends students familiarize themselves with their capstone topics before contacting their organizations with questions: "Get as much information as possible from publicly available sources. Prepare questions in advance."
When conducting interviews, strive for courtesy and professionalism. "Understand that the people you speak with in the company are doing this outside their normal job routine, so make it as easy as possible for them to help you with the least amount of effort on their part," Gold adds. "Be specific with your requests and be very professional."
How to Outline Your Capstone
After conducting initial research, students should create an outline to organize their ideas and prepare to write their capstone papers. Exact organizational strategies vary depending on capstone subject, but most papers begin with an introduction to the company and/or business issue before moving into a more in-depth problem statement. The paper then states capstone goals and objectives, and it describes methods and strategies, a management plan, and a strategy for evaluating the effectiveness of the project.
Gold offers some practical advice for students: "Start with a high-level list of bullet points that will carve out each of the different sections of the project. Then start to narrow down each of the sections. Much of the outline will develop as you start to proceed with the project and there are a variety of templates online that you can also use as a guide."
How to Write Your Capstone
Gold recommends students begin their writing with high-level questions: "What is it that you are trying to answer? Avoid very simple yes/no-type questions, and instead ask questions like, 'How might we' or 'How can we,' that imply more complicated answers. As you hone in your question/topic for your project, then start to think about how you would go about answering the question."
Given that most capstone projects aim to propose solutions to business problems, students should ensure they clearly define the business problem, their strategies for addressing it, and their methods for evaluating strategy effectiveness. Capstone writing should always adopt a professional tone, suitable for academic or business communications, and students can work with faculty to ensure their work meets professional standards.
Capstone Project Workflow Tips
Make realistic goals, divide work into stages, delegate tasks efficiently, use past work as a guide, seek assistance when necessary.
Presenting Your MBA Capstone
How Is an MBA Capstone Graded?
The MBA Thesis
An MBA thesis functions similarly to a capstone in some regards, but the two projects maintain notable differences. While capstones address practical business problems, thesis projects draw on original research to contribute new knowledge to the field of business. This section outlines major components of an MBA thesis.
The MBA Thesis Format
Choosing Your Thesis Topic
Completing Your MBA Thesis
Presenting Your MBA Thesis
How is an MBA Thesis Graded?
Frequently Asked Questions About MBA Capstone
What is an mba capstone project, what are different types of mba capstones, is a capstone course hard, how long does an mba capstone project take, what is a great company for an mba capstone analysis project, what happens if you fail your capstone, is a capstone the same as a thesis, what is the difference between a dissertation and a capstone, is a thesis required for an mba, how long is an mba thesis, meet andrew gold.
Andrew Gold
Andrew Gold , Ph.D., is an associate professor of management at Saint Leo University in Florida and an adjunct associate professor at the University of North Carolina, teaching managing innovation processes and performance in the online MBA program . He received his bachelor's degree in finance in 1992 from Ohio State University's Fisher College of Business, with a focus on international finance and investments. He received his doctorate in 2002 from the University of North Carolina's Kenan-Flagler Business School, with a focus on strategy and innovation management.
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Capstone & Thesis Research
Steps in doing a capstone paper or project:.
- Thesis and Dissertation Guidelines
- Academic Writing & Research - video
Watch and learn with Webster U. Library online presentations
The research cycle.
- Definitions
- Selecting & focusing your research topic
- Start searching
- Literature review
- Doing primary research
- Presentation skills
- Specific graduate programs
- Writing & citing
Contact a Librarian Get help finding sources, narrowing or expanding your topic, and more!
- Research Desk: (314) 968-6950
- Toll-free: (800) 985-4279
- Search the FAQs, email us or Chat with a Librarian 24/7
Step 1: Select a topic area. See the "Selecting and focusing your research topic" tab at left for suggestions on choosing a topic, narrowing your focus, and developing a thesis statement or research question.
Step 2: Do a literature review. The "Literature Review" tab will link you to helpful resources for planning a search and organizing your results. The "Start Searching" tab gives some examples for using article databases effectively.
Step 3: Conduct your research (for those students required to do so). Check the "Conducting research" tab for resources on creating surveys, finding tests, designing studies, etc.
Step 4: Present your results. The "Writing & Citing" tab brings together resources for writing the paper, citing your sources, and avoiding plagiarism. The "Presentation skills" tab will help you create effective visual aids and deliver a professional presentation.
Graduate Thesis and Dissertation General Guidelines
Here you will find everything you need to know about the purpose of a dissertation or thesis and the steps to complete and submit your work.
These guidelines were created by the Webster University Office of Academic Affairs and approved by Webster University Graduate Council. This current version is from 2017.
Academic Writing and Research: Top Tips to Transform Your Paper
- Academic Writing & Research: Top Tips to Transform Your Paper (Recorded on Apr. 3, 2019; 37 minutes) New to writing and research or just want to up your game? Join us! Learn simple and effective tips from Writing Center and Library staff to make your writing more polished and to find and integrate others’ ideas and research to strengthen your thesis and argument. Click here to watch specific parts of this video.
Watch specific topics on this video
Visit our Library Training, Tutorials & Webinars page to see tutorials that will sharpen your research skills and offer helpful guidance in doing a capstone, thesis or advanced research project. Recorded webinars may be watched at your convenience. Live webinars offer an interactive experience with Webster U. librarians present to answer your questions.
CMST 101: Introduction to Communications, Marian Lyles: Intro to Research. Seattle Central College Library. Seattle Central College. 10 Feb. 2016. Web. 16 Jun 2016.
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- Last Updated: Feb 2, 2023 2:52 PM
- URL: https://libguides.webster.edu/capstone
Thesis and Capstone Requirements for Public Health Programs
Most graduate programs in public health include a thesis or capstone project, which students usually undertake after completing other coursework. While completing these projects, students must apply knowledge and skills gained throughout the program. The thesis or capstone tests the student's ability to make a unique contribution to their field while demonstrating mastery of the subject.
These culminating projects reflect the kind of work students will do during the course of their careers.
These culminating projects reflect the kind of work students will do during the course of their careers. Public health students may complete an academic article or a detailed plan for dealing with the outbreak of a disease. Some projects involve working alongside professionals in the field, while others require significant research in archives and libraries. The completed thesis or capstone project demonstrates the student's ability to perform duties within the public health field.
What's the Difference Between a Capstone and a Thesis in Public Health Programs?
A thesis is an academic article that presents an argument or research findings. Common in graduate programs, thesis projects are often by an adviser or other faculty member. Capstone projects take various forms and, although more common in undergraduate studies, may be a requirement of master's programs. Capstones are often research projects presented in a non-article format and involve hands-on experience.
What Is a Capstone Like in Public Health Programs?
Public health capstone format.
Capstones are typically independent projects, which students undertake toward the end of their program.
Capstones can take a variety of forms, but they generally consist of written and oral portions. The written portion could be a short article or a summary of findings, while the oral portion may involve a presentation at a conference. Capstones are typically independent projects, which students undertake toward the end of their program. A capstone may last one or two terms. Some programs allow students to choose project topics and begin research early.
Choosing Your Public Health Capstone Topic
Typically, students choose a capstone topic relevant to their specializations and career interests, which one or more faculty members must approve. Capstone projects are an opportunity to build connections with public health professionals. Capstone topics often address contemporary problems in the field, and individual programs or faculty may provide a selection of topics from which students must choose. Some programs pair students with faculty advisers.
Completing Your Public Health Capstone
Regardless of the capstone format, a few aspects are generally the same. Students first choose a topic or research question on which to base the project. Learners may conduct research to determine the limits of the project or may simply complete an outline. Before beginning on a capstone project, one or more faculty members must approve the student's topic; the faculty member may be the student's adviser or the professor of the capstone course. After receiving approval, the student can begin further research, project development, and execution of the capstone. Methods and resources vary based on the student's field, subfield, and specialization.
Presenting Your Public Health Capstone
Presentation circumstances vary by program, but students generally present their capstone to a panel of three to five faculty members. These presentations are often open to the public and may include an opportunity for audience members to ask the student questions. Though visual aids such as slideshows and videos are common, the project's subject and format guides presentation methods.
How Is a Public Health Capstone Graded?
While students may receive a rubric, master's-level capstone projects rarely receive letter grades. These projects are typically pass or fail, though some students may pass with distinction. While it is possible to fail a capstone, students rarely fail a capstone they have completed and presented; advisers ensure the project is of passing quality.
What Is a Thesis Like in Public Health Programs?
Public health thesis format.
A thesis is an individual project, typically a piece of academic writing based on research, sometimes involving experimentation.
A thesis is an individual project, typically a piece of academic writing based on research, sometimes involving experimentation. A faculty adviser generally oversees the student's completion of their thesis project. Some programs require students to present their thesis. The amount of time allotted to complete a thesis project varies by program and depends largely on how early the student may submit a topic for approval. Many programs require students to enroll in a thesis course, or courses, which allows the program to award credit for the project and provides a specific time for students to meet with advisers and complete thesis work.
Choosing Your Public Health Thesis Topic
While completing their thesis project, students typically work with a faculty member who approves their topic, suggests sources or methods, and helps guide the student through the research and writing processes. Though some programs specify certain topics or stipulate that students address a current issue, students generally have the final say regarding their thesis topic. The main requirement of thesis topics in public health is that they contribute to the field.
Completing Your Public Health Thesis
The first step to writing a master's of public health thesis is choosing an approved topic. Students must then research and write about that topic. Students must typically obtain approval early in the process and must usually check in with advisers regularly as they progress. The format of the thesis project varies by field and school. Learners typically submit their thesis to advisers, who suggest changes and additions before the student submits the thesis to the school for digital or physical publication and inclusion in the school's library or archives.
Presenting Your Public Health Thesis
A thesis presentation often involves questions from a panel of advisers and other faculty. These questions should help clarify and further define aspects of the thesis. While a presentation may include a slideshow or other aids, the focus of the presentation should be on replying to the panel's concerns, rather than presenting new information. Most thesis presentations are open to the public, and audience members are usually allowed or encouraged to ask questions, though they may not have read the thesis itself. Students typically present after submitting their thesis to advisers but before finalizing the project and submitting it to the school.
How Is a Public Health Thesis Graded?
Most programs grade thesis papers pass or fail. A thesis is the culmination of a student's education and is designed to be a challenging but ultimately successful process. A good adviser works directly with the student to ensure the final version of the student's thesis is passing quality.
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125 Best Capstone Project Ideas for Students
Updated 01 Feb 2023
What is the hardest part of writing a top-notch capstone project? You are going to face many pitfalls and difficulties as you are writing this academic paper but the hardest trial is awaiting you at the very beginning. Pushing yourself to start the work is the hardest part, and one of the most responsible steps here is to choose a good topic that will help to show your full potential. Choosing weak topics can lead to failure. Therefore, we have prepared a list of the best capstone project ideas to help you make the right choice! Need help writing a law essay? Hire our law essay writing service and get help from the best.
How To Choose Topic For Capstone Project?
The choice of a topic is a big and responsible step in writing any academic capstone project, so it is important not to make a fatal mistake. If you also feel stuck, we have a few effective tips to help you get started. A capstone project can be a tricky type of paper so you may need to find out how to buy assignments online .
First of all, keep in mind that the right topic will help you write an outstanding capstone paper and get a deserved high grade. Good topic ideas will give you a possibility to demonstrate the skills and knowledge you’ve gained through the course, so you should approach this step carefully. Then you should remember that a good theme should be valuable, relevant, and interesting (most importantly for you). Your theme should be specific. You can choose narrative speech topics on our site. Choosing a too broad one is not a good idea because it also has to be manageable. Finally, your theme should present a REAL problem, and your goal will be to develop solutions for it and support them with strong arguments.
Here are the main steps you should take to choose great topic ideas:
- Brainstorm to generate some interesting ideas or look for some examples online;
- Study relevant literature to see what researches were already conducted on your ideas and what information is available;
- Choose the most engaging idea to narrow your focus;
- Consult with your adviser.
Need more writing assistance?
Connect with our top writers and receive a paper sample crafted to your needs.
Ideas Of Capstone Project Topics For Students
If you are just about to start your own capstone project, we suggest you take a look at our list of top high school senior capstone project examples to help you find a good topic ideas example.
You can be interested: The 125 Descriptive Speech Topics : The Easiest Way Writing a Descriptive Essay
Best Capstone Engineering Project Ideas
Mechanical:
- Gear based quick return mechanism
- Motorized chain mechanism
- Remote control car
- A robotic arm controlled with android
- Pedal-powered water purifier
Electrical engineering:
- Development of electric hybrid motorcycle
- Solar panels and their directional control
- Red traffic light detector system
- Use of solar energy in our everyday life
- Advantages and disadvantages of electric energy
Nursing Capstone Project Ideas
- Medical emergencies: a review of the best critical care practices
- Nursing Shortage
- Concept and evidence-based practices for nurse leaders
- Best practices for healthcare workers to deal with critical care patients and emergencies
- Nurse Anesthesia
- The role of nurse practitioner in primary care
- Point-of-care testing
- Patient-focused approach
- Pain management
- Asthma care and education for nurses
If you need help with any of these themes, you can turn to our service.
Information Technology Capstone Project Ideas
- Systems of object recognition
- Effective plans for IT emergency recovery
- Top practices for managing records and documents
- Stock management software systems
- Networking security issues
- All system for business decision-making purpose
- Intelligent systems of voice recognition
- Best practices for software quality assurance
- Challenges in computer security
Computer Science Capstone Project Ideas
- The best programming languages
- Image processing
- Cybersecurity: Designing a safe mobile app
- Designing an automated registration software
- The use of stock prediction with neural networks
- Designing a web-based survey system
- Use of smartphone interface for e-medical record and management systems
- Developing an automated system for market-based analysis
- Detection and classification of bacteria using an image
- The use of game theory for analyzing the algorithmst
MBA Capstone Project Ideas
- Define effective algorithms for determining consumer buying behavior
- Benefits of e-learning for professional certification
- Deep analysis of (choose a company) marketing strategies
- Compare and suggest branding strategies for customer engagement
- Analyze and compare retail product display ratio within the most successful US companies
- Definition of brand management and analysis of the best strategies
- Develop a marketing strategy and execution plan
- Analyze effective content marketing strategies that use social media
- Best practices for total quality administration
- Conduct an analysis of customer engagement for a chose company
Read also: 70 Best Sociology Research Topics
Accounting Capstone Project Ideas
- Efficient accounting systems for fixed assets and equipment
- Development of major accounting theories
- The role of ethical decision making
- Leases related accounting theories
- Accounting for sales and income
- Taxes related accounting theories
- Proprietorship accounting
- Financial stamen applications
- Income-related accounting theories
- Accounting theories for applied management
Management Capstone Project Ideas
- Evaluation of free clinic process
- The role of project management in effective political campaigns
- The practice of ethical thinking in administration
- Modern strategies for rate of return and capital investment
- The importance of conflict administration for big companies
- Development of an effective corporate strategy
- Problem thinking approach in business
- How does capital structure affects corporate strategy?
- Project management in promotion campaigns
- The importance of relationships with suppliers
Education Capstone Project Ideas
- Adapting project-based learning in schools
- Challenges and perspectives of education
- The effectiveness of co-teaching
- Social-emotional learning: strategies and standards
- Smartboard activities for students’ engagement
- Mindfulness practices for elementary students: meaning and strategies
- Challenges in the communication of students and teachers
- Virtual classroom: benefits and ways of adopting it at schools
- Advantages and disadvantages of e-learning
- Academic use of technology and social media in the classrooms
Marketing Capstone Project Ideas
- How does national culture help countries to promote exports?
- Channel development strategies
- Importance of customer relationship administration
- How to increase brand awareness?
- Effective administration techniques for e-commerce store
- The influence of toll-free phones on customers’ response to a promotion
- Modern trends in online marketing
- The effectiveness of online advertising
- How do loyalty programs influence customers?
- Green marketing: definition and major strategies
Hopefully, our list of sample ideas for capstone ideas helped you find inspiration for starting your own capstone project! Keep in mind the tips we gave you for choosing a suitable idea, and you will succeed!
What if you can’t complete your capstone paper ? Sometimes, even if you have chosen a brilliant capstone project idea, this does not mean that you are doomed to succeed. This is a complex task that not everyone can handle. However, we have a solution! EduBirdie.com helps students keep up with all of their academic assignments and get the highest grades with ease. Why choose EduBirdie.com? Because we have numerous benefits for you:
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As an experienced Data Analyst, Julius never stops analyzing things, which makes him a good writer who provides his share of analytical skills. As a responsible person with a strong civil position, he likes writing about social issues, healthy lifestyle, culture, volunteering, and education. Using his experience of being a leader in numerous student clubs, Julius likes sharing helpful tips to assist students and educators alike.
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105 Original Capstone Project Ideas for STEM Students
What is a Capstone Project? A capstone project refers to a final or culminating project high school or college seniors need to earn their degrees. It’s usually a project that takes several months to complete and should demonstrate students’ command over particular subjects within an area of study. It may be similar to master’s thesis writing. There are endless capstone project ideas to choose from, but sometimes students struggle to come up with research topic ideas, so we’ve explored several fresh capstone project topics for consideration.
Business Capstone Project Ideas
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- How important are small businesses and startups to the United States’ economy?
- Is diversity in the workplace an important quality of how successful a business is?
- Is a free market truly achievable or this is just an outdated utopian idea from the past?
- How difficult is it for entrepreneurs to gain funding support to open up a business?
- How are advances in crisis management changing the ways that businesses find success?
- Is it important to have a social media presence when starting a new small business?
- What business or industries do the best during times of extended international conflict?
- What are the healthiest diets and how do nurses help promote them for in-patients?
- What are some of the psychological conditions affecting healing in patients with cancer?
- What are the most effective nursing techniques for dealing with cancer patients?
- Should nurses take a more proactive role in investigating instances of patient abuse?
- Should nurses be required to learn how to use technological tools for better care?
- How do nurses manage anxiety and fear in their patients who are dealing with illness?
- Should nurses take a greater role in providing recommendations for patients in care?
- Should physical education courses be a mandatory subject throughout high school?
- How effective are standardized tests in determining students’ skill level and knowledge?
- What is the evidence suggesting that video game violence is connected to real violence?
- Are mobile phones tools that should be allowed in classes to enhance the school experience?
- What is the most effective way of dealing with bullies at school? What is the evidence?
- Should students earning good grades receive monetary incentives or other rewards?
- Will the legalization of sports betting help raise more money for public schools?
- Are SCRUM methodologies still an effective way of dealing the product development?
- Is software engineering still a sought-after technical skill or is the subject outdated?
- In what ways are search algorithms being advanced to help the use of data mining?
- What are the most versatile programming languages in the field of computer science?
- How has computer science helped further the study of biomedicine and biology?
- What kind of impact has computer science and engineering had on human learning?
- Will computer science play a role in developing food science to end hunger?
- How has encryption and decryption technology changed in the last two decades?
- Is bank security at risk from international hackers or has security up-to-date?
- How is the internet affecting the way our private information is communicated?
- Should governments have the right to monitor citizens’ electronic activities?
- Does a federal judge need to issue warrants before people’s tech activities are checked?
- Does open source software put users at risk of having their information stolen?
- How safe are mobile phones in keeping our information safe from hackers?
- How important is it for companies to test their software updates for quality assurance?
- What are some of the more serious challenges government agencies experience daily?
- How important is the user of CMS technology in e-commerce for small businesses?
- Are our IT skills still relevant in a world where AI is increasingly becoming more cost-effective?
- In what ways is information technology important for improving standardized testing?
- What are the most important economic models in current use in developing IT?
- What benefits do human-computer interfaces systems have for today’s small businesses?
- What are the best critical care methods currently in practice in medical emergencies?
- What effects has the growing shortage of qualified nurses had on the United States?
- Are the growing cost of nursing school and training leading to a shortage of professionals?
- How important is point-of-care testing and why are health care facilities ending programs?
- Are nurses appropriately trained to deal with patients that suffer from breathing issues?
- What are the skills needed for nurses to work in high-stress stations such as the ER or trauma?
- How important is patient communication when it comes to proper diagnoses of illnesses?
- Which is the United States’ favorite sports pastime and how has this changed over time?
- Do you believe that students who participate in hazing should be punished for negligence?
- How important is it for schools to prevent hazing rituals conducted by their students?
- What evidence is there in support of alien life? Do governments know of alien life?
- Is damage to religious property considered a hate crime despite the actual intention?
- How influential is the United States’ political system towards its international allies?
- In what ways did the Cold War affect the U.S.’s international relationships with allies?
- How effective will revenue generation from legalized gambling be for the economy?
- Is it possible for gamblers to use tech to gain advantages over hotel sportsbooks?
- Is it important for major coffee companies to be socially and environmentally responsible?
- Why is it so important to protect victims’ rights in instances of domestic violence?
- Do you believe it is ethical for people to clone their beloved pets so they live on?
- Should communities be responsible for ensuring students are adequately fed at school?
- What kind of animal makes for a better childhood pet? Dogs, cats, or something else?
- What are some of the benefits and negatives of living in a tech-driven modern society?
- How does your experience in dealing with people affect the way you deal with tech?
- What is the most important information technology advancement to affect the world?
- Do you think the internet needs better censorship of certain negative material?
- Are children better off today because of the access to IT in comparison to prior gens?
- Do you believe that China will be the world’s technological leader in the next decade?
- How has technology changed the countries engage in modern warfare and conflict?
- How important is it to further develop mobile technologies for social media use?
- Is social media becoming obsolete and in what ways are consumers using the tech?
- Does web-based training improve one’s ability to learn new skills at a fraction of the cost?
- Should internet providers take better care of keeping consumers’ privacy secure?
- How important is it to monitor how social media uses consumers’ browsing histories?
- In what ways does IT play a role in how engineers develop transportation routes?
- How has IT changed the way companies conduct their business around the world?
- How are gun laws being affected by the kind of information provided by data science?
- Gathering information for disease control has changed how in the last 20 years?
- In what ways is the information gathered from big data a company’s biggest asset?
- How did Trump benefit from the use of data science leading up to the election?
- How effective are sports franchises in making decisions based on big data science?
- Is it possible to avoid over-saturation of information in the age of data science?
- How is big data working to make artificial intelligence in business a real possibility?
- How are infographics affecting the way people consume information in today’s world?
- Is it possible for another major election to be tampered with by foreign governments?
- Are people becoming less educated as a result of the amount of information consumed?
- Will video games play a role in removing soldiers from harmful front-line combat zones?
- Do you think public colleges and universities should move towards faith-based teaching?
- Is it still sufficient to have a college-level education to succeed in today’s economy?
- Should the United States invest in and provide longer paid leave for new parents?
- Does economics or science play a bigger role in Europe’s decision to ban modified crops?
- What are the most optimal diets safe for human consumption in the long term?
- Is it possible to incorporate physical exercise as a way to modify DNA coding in humans?
- Do you believe that personal medication that is designed specifically for genomes is possible?
- Is it scientifically ethical to alter the DNA of a fetus for reasons related to genetic preference?
- Is science an effective discipline in the way people are being tried for violent crimes?
- How effective is stem cell science and its use in treatments for diseases such as cancer?
- How important is business diplomacy in successful negotiations for small companies?
- What role does a positive and healthy workplace have in retaining high-quality staff?
- What sort of challenges does small business face that large corporations don’t experience?
- Should workplace diversity rules and standards be regulated by state or federal law?
- How important is it to be competitive in advertising to open a small business?
- Are large corporations making the right kinds of innovative investments to stay relevant?
- How important is the word of mouth marketing in today’s age of digital communications?
The above capstone project ideas are available to use or modify at no cost. For even more capstone project topics or to get capstone project examples, contact a professional writing service for affordable assistance. A reliable service can help you understand what is a capstone project even more so by providing clear instructions on the capstone project meaning as well as the most common requirements you can expect from today’s academic institutions.
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Created by the Great Schools Partnership , the GLOSSARY OF EDUCATION REFORM is a comprehensive online resource that describes widely used school-improvement terms, concepts, and strategies for journalists, parents, and community members. | Learn more »
Capstone Project
Also called a capstone experience , culminating project , or senior exhibition , among many other terms, a capstone project is a multifaceted assignment that serves as a culminating academic and intellectual experience for students, typically during their final year of high school or middle school, or at the end of an academic program or learning-pathway experience . While similar in some ways to a college thesis, capstone projects may take a wide variety of forms, but most are long-term investigative projects that culminate in a final product, presentation, or performance. For example, students may be asked to select a topic, profession, or social problem that interests them, conduct research on the subject, maintain a portfolio of findings or results, create a final product demonstrating their learning acquisition or conclusions (a paper, short film, or multimedia presentation, for example), and give an oral presentation on the project to a panel of teachers, experts, and community members who collectively evaluate its quality.
Capstone projects are generally designed to encourage students to think critically, solve challenging problems, and develop skills such as oral communication, public speaking, research skills, media literacy, teamwork, planning, self-sufficiency, or goal setting—i.e., skills that will help prepare them for college, modern careers, and adult life. In most cases, the projects are also interdisciplinary, in the sense that they require students to apply skills or investigate issues across many different subject areas or domains of knowledge. Capstone projects also tend to encourage students to connect their projects to community issues or problems, and to integrate outside-of-school learning experiences, including activities such as interviews, scientific observations, or internships.
While capstone projects can take a wide variety of forms from school to school, a few examples will help to illustrate both the concept and the general educational intentions:
- Writing, directing, and filming a public-service announcement that will be aired on public-access television
- Designing and building a product, computer program, app, or robot to address a specific need, such as assisting the disabled
- Interning at a nonprofit organization or a legislator’s office to learn more about strategies and policies intended to address social problems, such as poverty, hunger, or homelessness
- Conducting a scientific study over several months or a year to determine the ecological or environmental impact of changes to a local habitat
- Researching an industry or market, and creating a viable business plan for a proposed company that is then “pitched” to a panel of local business leaders
For related discussions, see authentic learning , portfolio , relevance , and 21st century skills .
As a school-reform strategy, capstone projects are often an extension of more systemic school-improvement models or certain teaching philosophies or strategies, such as 21st century skills, community-based learning , proficiency-based learning , project-based learning , or student-centered learning , to name just a few.
The following are a few representative educational goals of capstone projects:
- Increasing the academic rigor of the senior year. Historically, high school students have taken a lighter course load or left school early during their twelfth-grade year, which can contribute to learning loss or insufficient preparation for first-year college work. A more academically and intellectually challenging senior year, filled with demanding but stimulating learning experiences such as a capstone project, the reasoning goes, can reduce senior-year learning loss , keep students in school longer (or otherwise engaged in learning), and increase preparation for college and work.
- Increasing student motivation and engagement. The creative nature of capstone projects, which are typically self-selected by students and based on personal interests, can strengthen student motivation to learn, particularly during a time (twelfth grade) when academic motivation and engagement tend to wane.
- Increasing educational and career aspirations. By involving students in long-term projects that intersect with personal interests and professional aspirations, capstone projects can help students with future planning, goal setting, postsecondary decisions, and career exploration—particularly for those students who may be unfocused, uncertain, or indecisive about their post-graduation plans and aspirations.
- Improving student confidence and self-perceptions. Capstone projects typically require students to take on new responsibilities, be more self-directed, set goals, and follow through on commitments. Completing such projects can boost self-esteem, build confidence, and teach students about the value of accomplishment. Students may also become role models for younger students, which can cultivate leadership abilities and have positive cultural effects within a school.
- Demonstrating learning and proficiency. As one of many educational strategies broadly known as demonstrations of learning , capstone projects can be used to determine student proficiency (in the acquisition of knowledge and skills) or readiness (for college and work) by requiring them to demonstrate what they have learned over the course of their project
In recent years, the capstone-project concept has also entered the domain of state policy. In Rhode Island, for example, the state’s high school graduation requirements stipulate that seniors must complete two out of three assessment options, one of which can be a capstone project. Several other states require students to complete some form of senior project, while in other states such projects may be optional, and students who complete a capstone project may receive special honors or diploma recognition.
Most criticism of or debate about capstone projects is not focused on the strategy itself, or its intrinsic or potential educational value, but rather on the quality of its execution—i.e., capstone projects tend to be criticized when they are poorly designed or reflect low academic standards, or when students are allowed to complete relatively superficial projects of low educational value. In addition, if teachers and students consider capstone projects to be a formality, lower-quality products typically result. And if the projects reflect consistently low standards, quality, and educational value year after year, educators, students, parents, and community members may come to view capstone projects as a waste of time or resources.
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What Is a Capstone Project? Meaning, Importance, and Goals
Introduction
A capstone project is integral to the college degree educational program or any certification courses. It can take many different structures; however, its purpose remains the same. The capstone project is a unique chance to do independent gathering research to devise an innovative answer for a real-world issue. While a project of this degree and scale can be tested, it can likewise be exceptionally fulfilling. The capstone project is normally the last task. It assumes a vital part in preparing students for the world of work thanks to its practical applications and ability to improve students’ expert information and abilities.
What Is a Capstone Project?
A capstone project is a final assignment that students must complete in the last year of their academic program. It requires different scholarly exercises. This project assists young people with figuring out how to find and analyze information and how to function with it proficiently. It has a wide variety of structures. This implies that a capstone program can be submitted in different structures, including a multimedia presentation, film, execution, or paper. A capstone research project is the same as a college thesis. Nobody can argue that this sort of work is a bit more complicated as composing a capstone project includes a wider range of exercises like critical thinking, deep analysis, and the capacity to utilize various media.
Capstone projects are generally developed to energize students’ critical thinking, problem-solving, oral communication, research, and teamwork abilities. Additionally, thanks to this project, students figure out how to connect with the local area and break down significant issues, problems, and ideas. Some tasks incorporate outside-of-school experiences, similar to interviews and scientific observations.
Why Is Capstone Project Important?
Many factors make sense of its significance, and one of the principal factors is that it expands the austerity of academic studies during the senior year. How? You might ask. By and large, students take more straightforward courses for their last or senior year, which can lead to learning disappointment or inadequate preparation for their college work. Along these lines, a capstone project can assist with expanding preparation for college and work, diminish the deficiency of getting the hang of during the senior year and encourage productive work and new fascinating encounters with regard to science or different disciplines.
Also, it increases individual inspiration. Tasks like this require creative work on themes that are fascinating to an individual, which boosts inspiration.
Capstone projects are an incredible approach to showing the capability of learning. This sort of work can assist youngsters with deciding their capability and preparation to show what they have realized through the course of their project.
What is the Purpose of a Capstone Project?
- It Helps Build Your CV and Makes you Stand Out as a Candidate Undertaking a capstone project demonstrates to prospective employers that you’re something other than a potential competitor with fundamental academic qualifications. It shows your dedication to an issue that requires time and effort, as well as severe impressive skill, hard-working attitude, and experience working in a practical, active setting. One of the most impressive advantages of finishing your capstone project is that it assists you with standing apart from the group while applying for jobs. As it requires a long investment to finish, capstone projects are not conveyed by all students. Also, because it is a broad piece of paper, you can refer to it in your resume. Depending on the topic you picked, this paper proves that your correspondence, exploration, and project management abilities are great. Likewise, it shows your insight into the topic.
- It Offers Valuable Practical Experience As a graduate, getting a job can be difficult as many jobs require practical experience. Many graduates are areas of strength for theoretically reasonable candidates. However, an absence of applied knowledge in practical settings can make it trying to show such experience and abilities on their CV or in an interview. Another advantage of a capstone project is that it proves you have both theoretical and practical experience. You probably won’t consider this to be a significant advantage. However, it is. In this day and age, employers are searching for candidates that don’t just have the information to finish the work yet have practical experience as well. This is trying for students, as they have very few chances to acquire this experience. However, as a capstone paper is a project that forces you to leave your comfort zone and search for reliable sources of information, you gain precisely this practical experience. Whether you will talk with a nearby power or gather information on the field, you will level up your abilities massively.
- It Hones Specific Skills Highly Valued by Employers The capstone project envelops a genuine working society that plans to instill a bunch of specific skills that are both highly esteemed by employers and will, at last, work well for students in their careers. Assuming you choose to step into the working world or advance your studies, the way that you support your skills is crucial. You polish your skills with each paper you work on. Be that as it may, given the complexity and length of a capstone project, you further develop more skill classes. These sorts of tasks force you to further develop your critical thinking skills, as you need to choose relevant, valid, and true information. You could overcome difficulties along the way, yet they will assist you with helping your critical thinking skills. Assuming that you will interview somebody, you will level up your oral communication abilities through this experience.
- Overall Development of Students The strict meaning of capstone is the stone put on the structure’s highest point to finish its construction. Essentially, a capstone project refers to all students advancing through their course, coming full circle into a project. This project intends to help students tackle challenging problems, and improve relational abilities, public speaking, planning, teamwork, and so on. Fundamentally, to plan students for their work life. Students explore various ideas and utilize their abilities while doing this project. It additionally assists students with encountering learning techniques, including research, internships, and so forth.
The cycle of Doing A Capstone Project
- Select a topic that interests you and can get endorsed by the educator.
- Do a thorough literature review
- Conduct your broad research for the chosen topic.
- Present your outcomes
Goals of a Capstone Project
After completing the project, you will understand that you have developed areas of strength for a capacity and a deep understanding of the topic. Whenever got some information about academic grades, getting a passing mark on the project will likewise help you in your career. Thus, a capstone project will show your capacities.
The capstone project will likewise expand your presentation abilities. Many students can research, write, and present a decent project; however, they stumble while verbally presenting their project. So this is vital expertise.
This project intends to prepare you for your expert life, which you will be after you complete the project.
Capstone project vs. Thesis
Most believe that a capstone project and a thesis are very similar but not valid. The Thesis underscores more on an exploration situated approach for evaluating students’ figuring out capacities. Then again, a capstone project evaluates students’ status and type.
Similarities between a capstone project and a Thesis are that they require data collection, project execution, and giving the outcome.
In a thesis, students should add new thoughts and learnings. Then again, a capstone project expects students to gather data and give results concerning subjects of their advantage or, as of now, shown in their formal education.
Conclusion
A capstone project could appear to be troublesome. It is the last year project students need to finish and convey. Nonetheless, not all students could see its advantages and significance. A capstone project will force you to leave your comfort zone to examine a subject, conduct interviews, or gather information. Furthermore, the whole excursion from beginning to hugely work on your paper and finishing it will help you. It increases the value of your resume as it demonstrates you had the diligence and inspiration to finish it. It likewise demonstrates that you acquired down-to-earth insight outside the college, something managers are searching for.
To wrap things up, a capstone project assists you with further developing your abilities hugely. It will greatly help you to hone your oral communication, project management, critical thinking, and examination abilities while working on your capstone project. If your looking forward to upskills in new-age technologies like Business Analytics, Data Science, Product Management, Digital HR, etc and apply your learnings via a Capstone Project,
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What is a Capstone Project in Graduate School?
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In order to successfully finish graduate school, most master’s programs require students to either write a thesis or complete a capstone project. A capstone project serves as another way to prove your understanding of a given subject, but unlike a thesis, you can prove your skills through solutions or new ideas instead of pure analysis.
What is the Purpose of a Capstone Project?
A capstone project is designed to push you to think critically and apply what you’ve learned through your graduate program. It allows you to show the faculty of the department what you’ve learned throughout the program. It also allows the faculty to ensure that you're prepared to enter your chosen careers.
What sets a capstone project apart from just an exam is its real-world application. Rather than just proving you understand the subject matter, a capstone project requires you to apply the knowledge and experience in a way similar to how you would in your career. By integrating basic research skills and practical experience, you can also end up showcasing a competitive portfolio to future employers.
Additional Resource : 5 Topics for a Master’s in Communication Capstone Project
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How Long Does it Take to Complete a Capstone Project?
Although this will vary from school to school, generally a capstone project will be as short as a 10-week quarter to as long as two semesters depending on the rigor and requirements of the graduate program. However, it is common for most graduate programs to require students to take a capstone project course that generally only lasts around a semester.
If you are currently enrolled in a graduate program and you have the option of completing a capstone project, it is best that you start formulating an idea of what you would like to investigate. Waiting to the very last minute to study a particular problem or issue in relation to your graduate program can derail your capstone project. You would need to have a sufficient amount of previous research in order to complete a capstone project proposal.
Which programs usually require capstone projects?
Typically, it is very common for master's programs in social services, public administration , mass communications , and liberal arts to require graduate students to complete a capstone project. This is because these programs are usually geared towards working professionals and capstone projects give students the ability to take knowledge and theory they have learned and apply in a real-world setting.
Additional Resource: Writing a Graduate Capstone Project
Prerequisites for a capstone project?
Before an individual can complete a capstone project, one must take a series of undergraduate or graduate courses that will give one the theoretical and skills-based knowledge necessary in order to formulate an idea for a capstone proposal. Classes that usually are required before taking a capstone course usually center around research statistics, ethics, program theory, leadership and other relevant courses based on the master's program. Also, many programs have a GPA requirement before actually completing a capstone course.
Capstone Proposals
Before a student can actually take capstone course to begin implementing their capstone project, many students would need to come up with a comprehensive proposal that will be reviewed by a professor or instructor. This proposal usually contains an introduction, theories, hypotheses, scholarly literature review, research methods, proposal alternatives and any other issues relevant to the project proposal. Each capstone requirement is unique to the student's program, so it is best that a student continuously consult with a program advisor to make sure their capstone proposal meets the necessary requirements.
Different types of Capstone Projects
There are a variety of capstone projects. Some include case studies, program evaluations, outcomes-based evaluations, surveys, focus groups, etc. Each master's program has a different set of capstone projects that students can complete for graduation. Nonetheless, case studies and program evaluations tend to be the most popular forms of capstone projects completed by students.
Erin Gobler
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Erin Gobler is a freelance writer who covers education topics for Best Value Schools, Graduate School Hub, and Criminal Justice Degree Schools, among others. Her work has been published on sites like Fox Business, Rocket Mortgage, and The Balance.
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The Capstone Thesis Beginning the thesis project The master's capstone thesis option must have a substantial research component, present an original argument, use proper academic writing conventions, including carefully documented primary and/or secondary sources, and should be at least fifty pages in length.
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
The capstone, also known as the capstone course or capstone project, comes at the conclusion of your bachelor's degree or master's degree program but is not a final exam or multiple-choice test.
A capstone is similar to a thesis in that the starting point involves strengths that one needs for a thesis or dissertation work. A student needs to think about the skeletal structure of research and form their theory, hypothesis, and problem statement.
CAPSTONE/THESIS PROJECT PROCESS 1. Plan out your timeline 2. Find a faculty advisor 3. Register for the Thesis Advisement course 4. Write the proposal (and have it approved!) 5. Contact the CUNY Human Research Protection Program and the library 6. Work on the project and white paper, or on the thesis 7.
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.
What is a Capstone Project? Educational institutions use the capstone project to evaluate your understanding of the course on various parameters. For the students, the work on the project gives an excellent opportunity to demonstrate their presentation, problem-solving and soft skills.
A capstone research project is very similar to a college thesis. No one can argue that this type of work is a bit more complicated as writing a capstone project involves a wider range of activities like critical thinking, deep analysis, and the ability to use different media. What is a capstone project purpose?
thesis, capstone project, or dissertation is of sufficient quality and acceptable as partial fulfillment of the requirements for a masters or doctoral degree, final submission deadlines are necessarily set earlier than the end of a term. The thesis, capstone, or dissertation should be a written document (with or without an
A capstone project focuses on a narrow, specific topic, whereas a thesis addresses a broader, generalized issue. Explore this article 1 Capstone Project: Coursework Application A capstone project tests your understanding of core concepts in your field of study and requires you to apply them to current situations.
A capstone is a multilayered project that serves as a culminating academic experience for students, typically at the end of an academic program, whereas a thesis is a long research paper that typically serves as the final project for a university degree. Moreover, a thesis is more scholarly in nature than a capstone project.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A THESIS AND A CAPSTONE? In many ways a thesis and a capstone are similar. They both follow a similar basic format and represent a scholarly effort of high quality. However, practice-based programs can use a capstone project to emphasize preparation of the student for professional practice. In contrast, a thesis ...
The capstone project is accompanied by a 20-page white paper that explains the project, offers a literature review (explaining how the project is a response to a scholarly or practical questions about the chosen topic), describes the project's conceptualization, methodology, and how it is related to the student's concentration and studies.
While a capstone and thesis serve similar functions, most MBA programs distinguish between the two projects. MBAs typically include practicum/internship components, enabling students to gain hands-on experience in professional business environments. Capstones build on this experience, requiring students to develop practical solutions to real ...
Steps in doing a capstone paper or project: Step 1: Select a topic area. See the "Selecting and focusing your research topic" tab at left for suggestions on choosing a topic, narrowing your focus, and developing a thesis statement or research question. Step 2: Do a literature review. The "Literature Review" tab will link you to helpful ...
A thesis is an academic article that presents an argument or research findings. Common in graduate programs, thesis projects are often by an adviser or other faculty member. Capstone projects take various forms and, although more common in undergraduate studies, may be a requirement of master's programs.
Management Capstone Project Ideas. Evaluation of free clinic process. The role of project management in effective political campaigns. The practice of ethical thinking in administration. Modern strategies for rate of return and capital investment. The importance of conflict administration for big companies.
A capstone project refers to a final or culminating project high school or college seniors need to earn their degrees. It's usually a project that takes several months to complete and should demonstrate students' command over particular subjects within an area of study. It may be similar to master's thesis writing.
A capstone project is a multifaceted assignment that serves as a culminating academic experience for students, typically at the end of high school. Skip to the content ... While similar in some ways to a college thesis, capstone projects may take a wide variety of forms, but most are long-term investigative projects that culminate in a final ...
A capstone research project is the same as a college thesis. Nobody can argue that this sort of work is a bit more complicated as composing a capstone project includes a wider range of exercises like critical thinking, deep analysis, and the capacity to utilize various media.
In order to successfully finish graduate school, most master's programs require students to either write a thesis or complete a capstone project. A capstone project serves as another way to prove your understanding of a given subject, but unlike a thesis, you can prove your skills through solutions or new ideas instead of pure analysis.
Student Handbook - University of Houston-Downtown
15. Thesis and Capstone Project Compilation January 2020 16. 150 Thesis and Capstone Project for IT and IS 17. 100 IT and Thesis Capstone Project Source code and Documentation 18. Thesis and Capstone for SAD and Software Engineering 19. Capstone Projects and Thesis Titles for Information Technology 20. Thesis and Capstone Project for IT, IS and ...