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In order to successfully complete a degree program at the graduate level, the majority of schools will require that you either write a major thesis paper or complete a capstone project. Although they may vary greatly from college to college, capstone projects are typically hands-on projects that enable students to apply the knowledge and skills they have learned throughout the program in real-world work environments. Capstone projects are multi-faceted assignments that serve as the culminating academic experience for developing the essential critical thinking, problem solving, research, teamwork, organizational, and communication skills used throughout the remainder of their career. If you are currently enrolled in or considering a graduate degree program, read on to find an overview of everything you should know about capstone projects.
Typical Capstone Project Requirements
Capstone projects are traditionally required by master’s degree programs in a wide array of academic disciplines, including social services, healthcare, business administration, communications, public affairs, liberal arts, finance, criminal justice, and much more. Capstone projects can be a culminating requirement for any degree programs that are geared towards experiential learning to provide students with the chance to take knowledge from the classroom into the workplace. Before students can begin working on their capstone experience, they will generally need to complete a specific number of credits and a course centered on research statistics or ethics. It is important to note that many schools will also require a certain GPA before moving on to the capstone projects, so be sure to keep grades up.
Different Kinds of Capstone Projects
Depending on the university, capstone projects can take on many different shapes and sizes in giving students the freedom to select the project modality that best fits their learning needs. Students are usually asked to select a topic, problem, profession, or social issue related to their program of study that particularly interests them. From there, they may be able to complete their project in the form of a research study, portfolio, short film, multimedia presentation, term paper, or oral presentation. For example, students may choose to design a public service announcement, build a new innovative computer program, complete an internship at a non-profit organization for addressing social injustice, conduct scientific research on environmental change, create a viable global business strategy, etc.
Resource: Top 20 Most Innovative MBA Programs, Ranked by Acceptance Rate 2014
Timeline for Completing Capstone Projects
At the early stages of the culminating experience, students will be required to choose a topic and meet with a faculty mentor or advisor to create a comprehensive proposal that details what their project will consist of. Once receiving the green flag, students can begin researching their topic in more depth, starting the writing process, actually conducting the project, and preparing for the final oral defense. The timeline for completing capstone projects can be as short as a single ten-week quarter to as long as a full academic calendar year with two semesters of hard work. That being said, the majority of master’s degree programs will mandate capstone projects for just one semester with a complimentary seminar.
Overall, capstone projects are one of the most exciting educational experiences in graduate degree programs that give students the option to focus on their unique area of interest and apply what they have learned. If you are a graduate student, it is highly recommended that you get started on researching topics and ideas for completing your capstone project immediately to ensure the most intellectually rewarding experience.
