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What is a Capstone Project? All You Need to Know

Gabriel Jimenez-Ekman is a content editor and writer at Scholarships360. He has managed communications and written content for a diverse array of organizations, including a farmer’s market, a concert venue, a student farm, an environmental NGO, and a PR agency. Gabriel graduated from Kenyon College with a degree in sociology.

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Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

The capstone project can go by different names at many schools, but ultimately, it is a culminating project that helps showcase and tie together all that you have learned through your college experience. Some colleges refer to it as a capstone experience, a senior project, or senior exhibition. But regardless of the name, it is a highly involved project that results in a lot of challenge and growth.

This project may take place in the form of a final paper, a long test, a presentation, or a research project. It could even be an art project or a musical composition. Depending on what you study, your capstone project will vary greatly in form. But each capstone typically involves a synthesis of the information you have gathered throughout your college years.

How to approach the capstone project

You should approach your capstone project as your “last hurrah” in college. It’s a great way to show yourself, your peers, your teachers, and your family what you’ve learned. For music majors, this may be a composition where they employ all of the techniques they’ve learned. For anthropologists, it could be an exercise in combining their new research skills with their theoretical knowledge. Mathematics majors might take an extensive exam or present their own research project.

For papers and presentations

As you approach the project, you might feel overwhelmed; after all, it should be the most ambitious project you undertake. If you begin to feel overwhelmed, it can be a good idea to portion out your tasks. Impose limits on yourself and set approachable goals. Work with your adviser to create a comprehensive calendar of tasks. Set a date to determine your preliminary thesis. Then decide when you’d like to have your first round of research done. Choose a date to start writing, and when to finish a first draft.

Make sure to check back in with your adviser often to discuss your progress. Remember that your thesis does not need to remain consistent throughout the entire process. In fact, it can actually be a good sign that your thesis changes! It shows that you are reacting to the new information that you are learning. If your thesis changes throughout the process, it’s a sign that you are creating a dynamic project.

If you’re studying for a long exam, you should learn what’s going to be on the exam, and set dates to review each topic. You can form a study group with your peers to help get the wheels turning. It can be a good idea to start by going over your notes and converting them into a study guide. Work with your classmates to sift through the immense body of material that you’ve covered. This will help you determine what to prioritize.

Throughout the entire process, you should be in communication with your professors and advisers. They are there to help. Though they probably won’t be able to give you all the details on the exam, they can give advice. If you don’t know whether to prioritize a certain subject matter, they can probably offer some counseling.

Related : How to email your professor (with examples)

Talk to recent grads

Regardless of the nature of your capstone project, it’s always a great idea to talk to recent grads. Talking to someone who recently completed a similar project or test is invaluable. They can tell you what was valued most by your department. They can also share what worked and what didn’t work for them as they prepared. Speaking to someone who just went through the task you are approaching can never hurt.

Leveraging your capstone project for grad school

Your capstone project is not only a great opportunity to grow and reflect on what you’ve learned. It’s also an opportunity to appeal to graduate schools. Capstone projects can be an impressive achievement to include in grad school applications. Especially for students who write papers, it is a concrete example of what you are capable of.

You can also use your capstone project as an opportunity to zero in on a specific area of study that interests you. If you manage to write a 30-page paper about the Mongolian empire for your capstone, perhaps you’d be interested in going on to study more about Genghis Khan in grad school. Grad school is all about going in-depth on specific topics. So, they’ll love to see that you succeeded when completing your capstone project.

See also: The GRE: Everything you need to know

Balancing your capstone project with your other courses

Because capstone projects are so immersive, it may be difficult to balance the workload with your other courses. You should be cautious about neglecting your other schoolwork for your capstone, and vice versa. For this reason, it can be a good idea to try to sign up for an easier courseload for the semester that you complete your capstone. Try to get your other harder courses out of the way during junior year. If it’s too late for that, try to spend one semester of your senior year with easier courses. You can use this semester to focus on your capstone.

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What is a capstone course?

At some colleges, capstone projects are synonymous with a capstone course. Students enroll in a course that walks them through their project or prepares them for an exam. These courses are highly useful, as they help bring structure to this difficult project. If you have multiple options for a capstone course, try to enroll in one with a professor you like. You’ll be working very closely together. So, if you have similar interests or good communication skills, you will see great results.

Deciding on a subject for your capstone project

When it comes time to decide on a subject for your capstone project, you’ll be faced with many choices. You can start by thinking back to other major papers you’ve written in college. If you have a desire to continue with any of the topics, you can do that. But in some cases, the subject will be determined by the capstone course you enroll in.

You should think of the subject of your capstone project as a fluid idea. Once you have an idea, talk it over with your friends over lunch. Try to figure out what you are interested in, but don’t latch on to an idea too quickly. Once you have an idea you are into, keep thinking about it and allow it to change as you do more research.

See also: Top scholarships for graduate students

Earning distinction on your capstone project

Some colleges offer an opportunity for select students to receive distinction on their capstone project. This can be a great honor, and it can look good to grad schools. You may be shooting for distinction as you start your project. But don’t allow the prospect of distinction to paralyze you as you work on your project. To complete an effective capstone project, you’ll have to make mistakes and change it as you go. 

Your best shot to earn distinction would be to start early and not be off-put by errors or changes you have to make. If you finish your project early, you’ll have more time to show it to professors and advisers. This gives you more time to refine it and iron out the kinks. If you finish a messy first draft early, you’ll have plenty of time to perfect your project.

• If your capstone will be in the form of an exam, start taking notes in class with your exam in mind
• At the end of each semester, write out the most important concepts that you learned and put them into a master study guide
• If you’ll be completing a capstone project, remember the papers you write that are most interesting
• Remember to save your sources, and you’ll be saving yourself time later on as you delve back into the subject

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What Is a Capstone Project in University?

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Importance of Capstone Courses

Characteristics of capstone projects, capstone project vs. capstone course, examples across various majors, capstone project process, benefits for students, challenges and tips, frequently asked questions about capstone in university.

Confused with the concept of a capstone project ? As you approach your senior year, you might be hearing about this culmination project—whether a research endeavor, final paper, application, or portfolio— this academic endeavor aims to showcase the depth of your learning throughout your college years and prepares you for the professional world.

 In this blog post, I will explore what it means, how to prepare for it, and how you can bring this academic achievement to life. I'll guide you through this process, ensuring you have the support and resources you need. With the right guidance and understanding, you can transform this challenging task into an opportunity for growth and real-world application.

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Capstone courses are part of university curricula and are strategically designed to prepare students for a seamless transition from academia to the workforce. They may include research endeavors and theses. However, each has a distinct focus and purpose.

These projects often highlight practical applications and skill enrichment, making them more aligned with professional practice (often done as a group project).

On the other hand, research and theses contribute to the academic body of knowledge, delving deeper into theoretical aspects. Bridging this knowledge gap is essential to empowering students with the understanding needed to make informed decisions about their final-year assessments.

In a broader context, a capstone project is designed to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application. It provides a platform to reflect on academic journeys, apply acquired knowledge to real-world scenarios, and develop problem-solving skills. By addressing tangible challenges, learners enhance their readiness for the professional world.

The benefits of capstone projects extend beyond academic prowess. They empower students to navigate complex, work-related issues, through practical experience and fostering a deeper understanding on a particular subject.

This synthesis of knowledge and practical application enriches the graduate student's educational experience and typically involves graduates with a skill set essential for success in their higher education.

Although the terms "capstone project" and "capstone course" are often used interchangeably, it's necessary to understand their differences:

A  capstone project   is an independent assignment that encapsulates students' academic learning and demonstrates their proficiency in a specific discipline or field.

The focus is on individual research, problem-solving, or creative endeavors, providing a medium to demonstrate the knowledge acquired as students finish their studies. A capstone project is part of a course (think of it as a final assignment).

A  capstone course   contains a broader coursework and educational experience. It is an entire course (like any other) in which students incorporate and apply their knowledge gained throughout a program. It often requires students to collaborate on projects, engage in discussions, and participate in various activities. It can take longer to complete and varies depending on the institution. 

Students across different degree programs engage in multifaceted capstone experiences at the end of their college careers. These experiences can vary widely, from individual research to collaborative group endeavors, reflecting the essence of their academic achievements.

For example, in fields such as political science, students may delve into a senior thesis, conducting extensive research and showcasing their critical thinking skills.

Alternatively, within literature courses, the last capstone course may involve a comprehensive literature review, illustrating the culmination of knowledge and skills acquired throughout the course of the degree program.

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Many capstone courses extend beyond conventional research papers, requiring you to work on a final project addressing a real-world problem. This collaborative effort and practical method, which can be conducted in small groups, emphasizes teamwork, a significant amount of research, and a strong work ethic (fundamental skills that prepare students for the workplace).

In addition to meeting the degree program and requirements, these capstone experiences often involve a final exhibition, allowing students to present and demonstrate their problem statement to professors, other students, peers, and sometimes even external stakeholders.

A capstone course experience serves as a bridge to graduate degrees or even doctorates, honing research capabilities that are essential for success and develop the necessary skills for potential employers.

As Jolanta Burke and Majella Dempsey highlight in their Practical Guide for Students Book , commencing a capstone project is like constructing a house:

Firstly, you must establish solid foundations, much like a house, ensuring reliability. Then, continue learning and enhancing your skills to build it. Once armed with the necessary skills and information, the next step is to decide on the materials, devise a plan of action, and follow through until the house—your project—is complete and ready for use.

Just as a house requires a robust foundation, a capstone project initiates with meticulous planning. This phase encompasses defining content, goals, and methodologies, ensuring the project demonstrates most capstone courses.

For instance, if your project revolves around human-centered design, identify a problem, such as a shortage of shelters in a city, and conduct research. Then, the person and approach to solving this problem should be determined, perhaps by studying the owner of an existing shelter and identifying gaps in current approaches.

While delving into extensive research, it's crucial for students to hone academic capabilities by studying other courses and examining what has already been done about the specific problem. Seeking input from people, professors, and TAs are invaluable. Once enough material, like a literature review or interviews, is gathered, present it to your professor for feedback before progressing.

Pre-Execution

Jus like choosing construction materials for a house, students must decide on materials and formulate a detailed action plan, meeting degree or course requirements. This phase demands careful consideration of methodologies and strategies, emphasizing material determination—whether it's an app, a history psychology project, or any other course. Craft a structured plan and present it as a proposal before delving deeper into the subject.

The final stage involves executing the plan and completing the project, demonstrating the capstone experience. The research project needs to be prepared for use, showcasing the culmination of efforts.

Presentation

The presentation serves as the grand reveal of the completed project. A well-structured project and a compelling pitch, typically required, is essential to demonstrate its readiness for use.

This approach ensures a seamless transition from planning to execution, essential for success in capstone courses and the culmination of their academic journey.

The preparatory nature of these projects makes students discover what they enjoy the most, what comes easily, and the potential to find areas of improvement. The benefits are crucial for student' personal and professional development, providing a real connection between academic knowledge and real-world application.

Gaining Skills and Experiences

Capstone projects showcase the skills and experiences accumulated throughout a student's educational journey. From research prowess to critical thinking and effective communication, the project culminates in these proficiencies, bringing them to the student's forefront.

Practical Transition to the Next Phase

Capstone projects are vital in preparing students to transition to the professional world or advance in academic pursuits. It's a practical initiation into college career, familiarizing students with the challenges and responsibilities they'll encounter in their future careers or advanced degrees at other schools.

Initiation of Work or Advanced Studies

Working on a capstone project program allows students to navigate the complexities they'll encounter in their chosen field. This experiential learning program equips them with valuable insights and the confidence and adaptability required to transition to the professional world or pursue advanced degrees.

Holistic Development for Future Success

Capstone projects contribute significantly to students' and major programs' holistic development, ensuring they are academically qualified and possess the practical skills demanded by prospective employers for their future endeavors.

Here are some potential burdens and some capstone journey strategies that have helped me throughout my projects during school.

Choosing a Subject:

• Challenge:  Defining the size of your capstone project can be daunting. I recommend balancing ambition with feasibility. For example, if you are trying to help dog shelters, maybe focus on how to prevent owners from abandoning them by educating dog owners. In the case of a more research-based project, look at the literature review of your research focus and build upon what has already been investigated.
• Strategy:  Begin with a clear project scope and revisit the risks regularly. Prioritize key objectives to avoid complicating your project, and focus on a single issue .

Time Management:

• Challenge:  Capstone projects often overlap with other academic commitments. Time management becomes paramount.
• Strategy:  Create a detailed timeline, allocating specific tasks to manageable time frames. Regularly reassess and adjust as needed.

Research Roadblocks:

• Challenge:  Conducting extensive research may lead to information overload or difficulty finding relevant sources.
• Strategy:  Define research questions early. What is the project doing? For whom? In what builds upon? Utilize academic databases and seek guidance from mentors for targeted resource discovery.

Team Dynamics (if applicable):

• Challenge:  Group projects may need help coordinating schedules, differing work styles, or conflicting ideas.
• Strategy:  Establish clear communication channels, set expectations from the beginning, and address conflicts promptly.

What exactly is a capstone project?

A capstone project is a culmination endeavor in your last year of college. This final assignment showcases the knowledge you acquired throughout your college years. It's a bridge between academia and the professional world, demonstrating the complete scope of your learning.

How do capstone courses differ from capstone projects?

A capstone project is an independent culminating assignment reflecting academic individual proficiency. On the other hand, a capstone course is an entire academic course that may involve collaborative projects, discussions, diverse activities, and presentations.

What are the benefits and challenges of capstone projects?

Capstone projects offer transformative experiences, unveiling skills and experiences gained through academic years. The benefits include skill refinement, self-discovery, and a practical transition to the professional realm.

However, challenges such as choosing a subject, time management, research roadblocks, and team dynamics may arise. Strategies like clear project scoping, time management, focused research questions, and effective team communication can help overcome these challenges.

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Best Practices for Capstones

See the College Curriculum Council's report on best practices for capstone projects.

Many Brown graduates spend a portion of their senior year hard at work on an independent project of their own design. A senior capstone project enables students to synthesize knowledge gained in the (inter)discipline(s), often by allowing students to apply what they have learned.

A senior capstone experience can be any kind of project that draws on what you have learned in your concentration. It is usually completed in close consultation with an advisor. An honors thesis or independent study is one obvious type of capstone. A performance or art opening is another. And, depending on one's goals, a focused internship or other kind of educational work experience could be another, especially if carried out in consultation with a faculty mentor. Many concentrations at Brown, particularly interdisciplinary and joint concentrations, require a senior capstone experience. Even if such a culminating project is not required by a student's concentration, we encourage all juniors to include such a project in their senior-year planning.

Brown offers several resources to help rising seniors think carefully about possible capstone projects. Faculty members and concentration advisors represent a deep pool of intellectual expertise and can help with the planning and execution. Dean Lindsay Garcia , the Assistant Dean for Junior and Senior Studies, is also available to discuss capstone endeavors or other issues pertaining to your final year at Brown.

Seniors who wish to share their capstone projects with the larger campus community should consider applying to the  Theories in Action  exchange held each spring.

Examples of Departmental Approaches to Capstones

Environmental studies, modern culture and media.

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Honors College

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• Book icon Capstone Student Handbook
• User icon Capstone Supervisor Handbook
• Blackboard icon Discipline-Specific Information
• UIC Undergraduate Research

What is a Capstone? Heading link Copy link

A “capstone” is the final stone that unifies and protects an underlying structure. All Honors College students complete a Capstone Project—a scholarly experience that incorporates concepts and techniques learned throughout the undergraduate career, through which students can make original scholarly or professional contributions to their field. The Capstone may focus on a research problem, theoretical issue, new creative work, professional challenge, or novel application (such as design, technological, or social innovation).

Expectations for the Capstone are in line with honors quality departmental theses, senior design projects, and other senior research projects that enable students to carry out rigorous inquiry, writing, and public presentation. The Capstone Project is typically pursued in the  final two semesters  at UIC, building upon the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the undergraduate years.

Projects like the Capstone enable students to enhance critical abilities: working independently and as a member of a team; superseding obstacles; cultivating confidence and willingness to take risks; and contributing to a larger community of knowledge.

What is the Purpose of the Capstone Project? Heading link Copy link

The Honors Capstone Project is intended to provide a challenging experience for students, one that builds on their Honors College training in the “art” of research and independent scholarship and allows the production of an original contribution to a discipline or field.

It involves in-depth examination of a research problem, theoretical issue, new creative work, professional challenge, or innovative area of application (i.e., design or technological innovation) supervised by a faculty member chosen by the student in consultation with their Faculty Fellow.

The Capstone Project is commensurate with the expectations of traditional departmental honors theses, senior design projects, and other senior research/inquiry projects intended to prepare students for the rigors of research/inquiry, writing, and scholarly presentation associated with postgraduate professional programs, graduate programs, and careers post-college.

Your Capstone Timeline Heading link Copy link

Worried about Capstone in your  first year of college ? Don’t be! Focus instead on finding your footing academically and joining a student organization or club.

In the  second year , explore your interests! You are probably taking courses related to your major and engaging in stimulating conversations with peers and faculty. What do you find interesting? Surprising? Unexpected? Make a mental note of these things and consider seeking out research opportunities, internships, and other opportunities outside of class.

Third year  is for brainstorming and honing in on your purpose and passions. This is the year when MOST students will take HON 301, a course that helps with Capstone planning. Narrow your focus to topics you most want to pursue. Chat with your Faculty Fellow about your interests; they may help you with project ideas or finding a potential Capstone Supervisor.

In your  final two semesters , take action! You should now have a Capstone plan and Supervisor in place. Your Capstone Supervisor will provide expert guidance and may provide feedback on drafts of the written requirement or practice presentations.

Any time is a great time to view Capstone presentations at a Fall Honors Research Symposium or Spring Undergraduate Research Forum. Throughout this process, your Faculty Fellow and Honors Advisor can offer additional guidance.

Capstone Timeline Overview Graphic Heading link Copy link

The timeline graphic is representative of 4-year graduation, if your time in the Honors College will differ, please consult your Honors Advisor.

Junior Year (any semester) Heading link Copy link

Anytime throughout your Junior year, students should initiate conversations with faculty about potential Honors Capstone topics and meet with the Honors Capstone specialist and/or Faculty Fellow. For detailed steps and required forms as you commence and carry out your project, please see the timeline below.

Foundations of the Future 

The Honors 301 seminar is intended for Honors College students in their junior year. Divided into four major units—research and other forms of creative scholarship, awards, career/internship/graduate school, and long-term future goals—this course will provide specific information about the next steps of your academic and professional career.

In research and other forms of creative scholarship, we will examine different research methods, consider the selection, execution, and value of a Capstone project, and learn how to read and present a journal article. In examining awards, we will show you how to locate and apply for academic and travel awards, understand their professional and personal value, and prepare resumes and personal statements for scholarship applications. The career/internship/graduate school section will aid you in preparing for life after graduation: gap year possibilities, graduate school and career decision making, and networking and mentoring strategies.

The last unit—long-term future goals—will promote broad thinking concerning civic engagement and life-long learning as well as deliver specific information on practical post-grad concerns.

Ideally, Honors College students will start brainstorming early about what they want to experience and accomplish in their undergraduate careers; choose classes and co-curricular activities that support those goals; initiate a Capstone Project that feeds their unique intellectual passions; and, finally, carry what they have learned forward into life beyond college.

Students have the option of pursuing a capstone inside or outside their major and discipline. In many instances, expectations for the Capstone are in line with honors quality departmental theses, senior design projects, and other senior research projects that enable students to carry out rigorous inquiry, writing, and public presentation.

Introducing the Honors Capstone Project:  General information; a sample timeline and the steps to completing a Capstone; registration and paperwork; and tips about using the Capstone Project to pursue other opportunities like fellowships and graduate school admissions.

Video :  https://youtu.be/M5ssU7I-98M Transcript :  https://uofi.box.com/v/capstonetranscript

Capstones in Specific Disciplines/Areas of Study

The Honors College encourages students to complete a Capstone Project that will simultaneously fulfill departmental or college requirements/opportunities for advanced undergraduate research and professional presentation, subject to approval by the student’s Capstone Supervisor and Faculty Fellow.

Discipline-Specific Information :

•   See discipline-specific information for your Capstone.

Capstones Outside Your Specific Discipline

Students must have taken sufficient coursework in the field they wish to produce a Capstone Project, and they must locate a faculty member or practitioner from that field to serve as their Capstone Supervisor.

Need Help Deciding on a Capstone In or Outside Your Major? 

Your Capstone Supervisor will be your ultimate guide along the way, but as you move through this process, you can:

• bring general questions to and receive feedback from your Honors College primary advisor,
• brainstorm options with and bring field-specific questions to your Faculty Fellow;
• or make an appointment with Honors College Capstone specialist Tricia Guerrero ( [email protected] )

The Honors Capstone Project involves two semesters of work and is generally supervised ideally by a UIC faculty member. Honors College students also have the option of recruiting an expert outside of the university to be their Capstone Supervisor, as long as that person has appropriate experience in the field, as determined by the Faculty Fellow and the Honors College.

Here are some ways to recruit a Capstone Supervisor:

• Contact your Faculty Fellow! Your Faculty Fellow is your lifeline to the academic research community on campus. They have myriad connections to other faculty and researchers across campus who can mentor you with your Honors Capstone Project and can help you brainstorm.
• Approach current faculty or professors you’ve taken classes with in the past! Swing by their office hours and chat with them about your current research interests. Ask them to direct you to relevant peer-reviewed sources articles and to other faculty members or experts in the community.
• Consider internships, volunteer hours, or work experience as potential sites to initiate an investigation applied research project.
• Come meet with Tricia! She’s the Capstone Specialist and is here to help you with all stages of the Honors Capstone Project.  You can email her at [email protected] .

Note : Honors College students may complete an Honors Capstone Project outside of their major discipline if they have taken sufficient coursework in the field of interest and are able to locate an appropriate Capstone Supervisor.

The Capstone Supervisor reviews drafts, provides feedback, and guides the student as they develop their project. Therefore, the Capstone Supervisor determines whether or not an Honors Capstone Project meets the academic standards of the field for a novice researcher.

Final/Senior Year (semester 1) Heading link Copy link

Your Honors Capstone takes place across your final two semesters at UIC.

Below is a more detailed breakdown of what students should expect for the first semester of their senior/final year at UIC.

Register for HON 322

If you are a senior and intend to conduct work to satisfy your Honors capstone, you must register for HON 322. This serves as a transcript notation for your honors capstone and allows our capstone specialists to communicate important information and updates through Blackboard.

Students should NEVER register for both HON 222 and HON 322 in the same term ; any student choosing to work on the Capstone and another activity during a single semester should be registered for HON 322 only.

HON 322 – Honors Capstone Activity 

0 credit hours. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grade 

Fall Course Reference Number (CRN): 29074 

Meeting with your Capstone Supervisor

The  Capstone Supervisor  is knowledgeable in their area of research and is a resource for the student. More specifically:

• Students need to ascertain that the prospective Capstone Supervisor has expertise in the area of study and is willing and able to devote the time required to supervise the project effectively.
• being available to check-in with the student on a recurring basis, ideally in person
• identifying appropriate research methods and obtaining background reading materials
• reading and critiquing drafts in a timely manner
• consulting with the student regularly on the scope and methodology of the project.
• helping the student find appropriate public presentation venues and forms of presentation
• evaluating the project to determine whether it meets academic standards and disciplinary requirements
• attending the public presentation, if possible

Meeting with your Faculty Fellow 

The  Faculty Fellow  ensures that the student successfully fulfills the Capstone Project requirements. More specifically:

• The Fellow may assist the student in finding an appropriate Capstone Supervisor.
• The Fellow may periodically check with the student to ensure that the project is progressing as expected and that the student is working well under the Capstone Supervisor.
• The Fellow is expected to comment on the quality of the Capstone Project and must certify that it meets the Honors College requirements.
• Some Fellows also serve as Capstone Supervisors for one or more Honors College students, while others do not.

The Honors College Capstone Agreement Form is required for any student who is registered for HON 322. It is the first (#1) of a series of 4 forms related to the Capstone. This is in lieu of the Honors Activity Agreement Form, and must be completed at the beginning of the semester in which a student begins work on the Capstone project. After the Capstone Agreement Form is submitted by the student in HARS, the Project Supervisor will be notified within one business day for electronic approval.

Only after the Project Supervisor has approved the project, will the Fellow be notified for electronic approval. The form should be created in HARS by the end of the third week of the semester.

Log into the Honors Activity Reporting System to generate and print your Capstone Agreement Form.

Registering for HON 322 also involves the following paperwork:

Capstone Agreement Form

Students must submit a signed Capstone Agreement Form to the Honors College front desk by the third Friday of the first semester in which they are enrolled in HON 322.

The form includes a section for the student to include a project proposal. The project proposal should include the following elements:

• Purpose and Goal of the Research  – A brief summary of the issues to be addressed and/or questions to be investigated. The issues described should be as specific as possible, and the student may wish to include a summary of preliminary background research.
• Methodology and Data/Materials Collection  – An explanation of what data or other materials are to be collected to answer the research question(s) and how.
• Analysis and Anticipated Results  – An explanation of how the data or materials will be analyzed and the potential scholarly contribution of the results from the study.
• Preliminary Schedule  – A tentative schedule for completing the above steps in two semesters, including plans for preparing and conducting the public presentation. For example, students will likely carry out the necessary background literature review and conduct the bulk of their research during the first semester of the Capstone and then devote the second semester to writing up research and preparing a poster, a PowerPoint presentation, and/or a lecture for public presentation. The venue for public presentation should also be identified.

Students should provide the Capstone Supervisor and Faculty Fellow with an initial draft of the project proposal so that they are able to address their concerns prior to the student submitting the proposal by the third Friday of the semester.

Capstone Progress Report

At the end of the first semester, students submit a Capstone Progress Form indicating the progress made on the project and must be signed by the Project Supervisor. Students must have a completed Capstone Agreement Form approved by both the Capstone Supervisor and the Faculty Fellow before they can access and submit their Capstone Progress Report.

• The Capstone Progress Form is due, signed and submitted in HARS , by the last day of classes.
• Questions about your Capstone Progress Report should be directed to your Capstone Supersivor or your Honors primary advisor

Final/Senior Year (semester 2) Heading link Copy link

Below is a more detailed breakdown of what students should expect for the second semester of their senior/final year at UIC.

Students are expected to complete the Capstone Project over two semesters, and they must enroll in HON 322 (0-credit hours) for each of those semesters.  HON 322 replaces HON 222 as the required Honors College course registration . Students who complete a Capstone prior to their last semester at UIC should enroll in HON 222 for subsequent semesters and resume Honors Activities until graduation.

In addition to registering for HON 322, students may also enroll in research or independent study courses during their work on the project. Departmental advisors, Faculty Fellows, Capstone Supervisors, and Honors College staff can help identify such courses.

If you are a senior and intend to conduct work to satisfy your Honors capstone, you must register for HON 322. This serves as a transcript notation for your honors capstone and allows our capstone specialists to communicate important information and updates through Blackboard. Students should NEVER register for both HON 222 and HON 322 in the same term; any student choosing to work on the Capstone and another activity during a single semester should be registered for HON 322 only.

Fall 2022 Course Reference Number (CRN): 29074 

At the start of your second semester, you should meet with your Capstone Supervisor to discuss the parameters and expectations of (1) written portion and (2) public presentation

To help you prepare for the meeting, please consider reviewing examples of Capstone projects from former Honors students.

Verified UIC students and faculty/staff can access an evolving collection of Capstone examples at  https://uofi.box.com/v/MoreCapstoneExamples . Graduating Honors College students have consented to share their supervised intellectual property within UIC only, and not all projects are included in their entirety.  ( NOTE:  You must have a UIC Netid and Box account to view these files.  Create Box Account here. )

Below is list of sample capstones from former Honors students:

• Colonizing or Coexisting: The Psychological and Psychogeographical Implications of Gentrification Efforts in Pilsen 
• Analysis of Student Perceptions of Service Learning and Global Health Impact 
• Film and Television Adaptations of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes: Gender and Sexual Orientation 
• Othering and Imperial Criticism: The Ambivalent Message of the Adventure Novel 
• Development of Health Rehabilitation in Mainland China: From Traditional Chinese Medicine to Modern Rehabilitation Methods 
• The Displaced Agent: A Pentadic Analysis of Immigrant’s Protective League Discourse from the 1930s through 1958 
• Dragonfly Abundance and Richness in Chicago’s Community Gardens 
• The Incorporation of UDL into Lesson Plans 
• Geometry and Structure of BaTiO3 Nanocubes 
• Culture Fit in the Interview Process: How Important is it, and How Do We Gauge it? 
• Shattering Mental Health Stigma 

Capstone Proposal Update Form

• At the beginning of the second semester of the Capstone, students must submit a Capstone Proposal Update Form to describe any changes to the original proposal and to outline a schedule or timeline for completion of the project. Both the Capstone Supervisor and the Faculty Fellow must sign the Capstone Proposal Update Form. In the cases when the Capstone Supervisor is different than the Faculty Fellow, this midway review is another opportunity for the Fellow to ensure the proposed work is meeting Honors College standards.
• The signed Capstone Proposal Update Form is due in HARS at the end of the third week of the second Capstone semester.

Students are also required to present their research publicly in some form. Depending on the project discipline, the presentation could be in the form of:

• A poster presentation
• A reading or “unveiling” of a creative work
• A concert or other type of performance,
• A “defense” of the undergraduate thesis, preferably with the opportunity for questions, comments, and evaluation by the audience

The presentation may also take place in a variety of settings, including:

• an academic symposium outside the university (e.g., a national/international or regional scholarly conference for a particular discipline);
• a large university-wide event (e.g., Undergraduate Research Forum in the spring semester);
• the Honors College Research Symposium (held in the fall semester); or
• a forum or symposium sponsored by the department or college (e.g., the UIC Engineering Expo in the spring semester).

A presentation to other students in a class or lab setting is  NOT  sufficient to satisfy the public presentation requirement. The project must be presented in a context or to an audience beyond the one in which it was developed.

The Capstone Supervisor and Faculty Fellow must approve the public presentation event as an academically appropriate venue. The Capstone Supervisor should attend the public presentation or otherwise verify that the presentation was completed in a professional manner. Faculty Fellows are also encouraged to attend the presentation whenever possible.

The public presentation may take place:

• In a forum/symposium sponsored by the department or college (e.g., an “undergraduate research day” scheduled at a department or college level);
• At a large university-wide event (e.g., the annual Undergraduate Research Forum held in the spring semester);
• At the Honors College Research Symposium (held in fall semester); or
• At an academic symposium outside the university (e.g., a national or regional scholarly conference for a particular discipline).

The presentation may be a lecture or oral presentation (including PowerPoint-aided talks), a poster presentation, a reading or “unveiling” of creative work, a concert or other type of performance, or a “defense” of the undergraduate thesis. Consult with your Capstone Supervisor to identify an appropriate outlet and form for your presentation.

Video Guide: Poster Design and Presentation: How to design a good research poster and present it to your audience.

• Video Guide: https://youtu.be/WaB5s7APs_8
• Transcript:  https://uofi.box.com/v/posterdesigntranscript

I Understand the written requirement. Why should I present the project in public? 

Presentation of the results of your work in some form of public academic or professional forum allows you to showcase your accomplishments. It is a great opportunity to share ideas and receive constructive feedback from your colleagues. And it is an important chance to network with academics, professionals, alumni, and others in your field interested in similar lines of inquiry. Overall, it will be a proud moment for you, your Capstone Supervisor, your Faculty Fellow, your family and friends, and of course, the Honors College.

Examples of presentation venues include :

• Undergraduate Research Forum — Annual event in April
• Honors College Research Symposium — Annual event in November
• Chicago Area Undergraduate Research Forum — Annual event in April
• Undergraduate Forum Information

Capstone Completion Form

Both the Capstone Supervisor and the Faculty Fellow must approve the final project and sign the Capstone Completion Form at the conclusion of the project.

While no formal grade will be given by the Honors College on either the written portion or the public presentation of the project, the Capstone Supervisor indicates that the project is acceptable, and the Faculty Fellow certifies that the project meets the Honors College Capstone requirements.

The Capstone Completion Form is due by the last day of classes.

Final Capstone Submission to Blackboard

The student is responsible for submitting their final Honors Capstone Project (written thesis and/or Scholarly Report, and documentation of public presentation) to the Honors College by the last day of classes in the second semester via the Blackboard course site HON 322.

The Capstone Supervisor is responsible for addressing any possible academic honesty and plagiarism issues that are discovered when the student submits drafts of the written portion of their Capstone Project through SafeAssign. Honors Capstone students have the ability to make unlimited submissions of capstone drafts within their Blackboard course site HON 322. They have access to their SafeAssign originality report, and should submit that report to the Capstone Supervisor as part of the iterative writing process. Students who struggle with paraphrasing, quoting, and properly citing should be referred to the UIC Writing Center ( https://writingcenter.uic.edu ) for support.

• Note: The Honors College requires students to run their final capstone submission through SafeAssign. Any academic honesty issues identified at that time may impact the student’s ability to graduate as a member of the Honors College and may be reported for a formal Standards of Conduct Review. The Capstone Supervisor at that time will be contacted about the academic honesty issue. Please work with the student throughout the iterative process to address issues prior to this point.

Capstone Samples Heading link Copy link

Capstone features heading link copy link.

Janessa Acosta – “A Bruja from Humboldt Park”

UIC Honors College student Janessa Acosta discusses their Capstone project, “A Bruja from Humboldt Park”, a still-in-progress novel based in the historic Chicago neighborhood.

The story centers around a young woman and involves supernatural cultural elements found in Puerto Rican culture. Janessa describes their ideation of the concept and why she decided on a creative Capstone.

Rahul Kakarlapudi – “Gone Too Soon”

Rahul describes how he incorporated his newfound love for manual photography and his Computer Science major for his Capstone project. Using his newly learned photography techniques, Rahul’s work showcases how some endangered animals in the wild are disappearing.

Various Capstone Examples

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Student Perspectives Heading link Copy link

“My Capstone topic is connected to my personal interests because I strongly believe that adequate housing is a basic human right and I am an advocate for fair and equal access to housing for all.”

– Brianna Moling, 2022 Graduate

To read more about Brianna Moling’s Capstone journey and advice for future students, click the link below.

Frequently Asked Questions Heading link Copy link

Yes. Students must have taken sufficient coursework in the field they wish to produce a Capstone Project, and they must locate a faculty member or practitioner from that field to serve as their Capstone Supervisor.

Consult with your Capstone Supervisor to see if your department already requires a written document for Honors College students who wish to use their contribution to a senior group project to satisfy the Honors Capstone Project. The written document in such cases typically includes:

(a) a clear statement of the student’s specific contribution to the design, creative, or business issue that the group project is attempting to tackle

(b) background on the artistic, professional, or technological area in which the group is attempting to make a contribution (i.e., what has been done in this area of creative arts, professional practice, or technological design in the past and how this frames the group’s approach)

(c) discussion of how the design, technological, business, or artistic product was conceived; (d) presentation of the results and how they contribute to the field

(e) an analytical self-reflection about the student’s overall capstone experience. In addition, note that any team-based Capstone Project will require the submission of a Scholarly Report.

More information about the Scholarly Report can be found in the Capstone Student Handbook. Students in this situation would submit three components to the HON 322 Blackboard course site at the end of their second semester of Capstone to satisfy the Honors Capstone Project requirement:

(1) their team-authored final project

(2) their individually authored Scholarly Report

(3) their public presentation.

Every discipline or field has different conventions regarding sufficient page length and number of citations. Your Capstone Supervisor will speak to conventions of your field and what’s appropriate for the Honors Capstone Project.

There are numerous ways to coordinate a study abroad experience with the Capstone Project. In addition to staggering Capstone work before and after a semester abroad, or conducting an Applied project based on a study abroad experience or internship, there are opportunities to conduct research abroad.

Honors College students may apply to conduct research abroad through  EuroScholars , a consortium of five major universities in Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, that enables 3rd- and 4th-year students to join existing research projects for a semester or full academic year, while earning up to fifteen credit hours per semester. Projects are available in disciplines ranging from humanities and social sciences to biological sciences, engineering, and more. Foreign language skill is not necessary. The Honors College and the UIC Study Abroad Office are collaborating to support students through the nationally-competitive EuroScholars application process. If you are interested in this program, reach out to honors advisor Celia DeBoer at [email protected] . Learn more at  http://euroscholars.eu .

Conducting an Independent Study Project with  SIT Study Abroad  is another option. Examples of independent research projects completed by students in these programs is available at the  SIT website . (Projects are listed alphabetically by country). For more information on the SIT Study Abroad Programs and other study abroad programs, visit the  Study Abroad website .

• Study Abroad Office

Yes. Given the amount of work involved, except in unusual circumstances, you should carry out your project over two semesters in order to allow enough time to successfully complete all the necessary components of the Capstone. This will also allow you to incorporate the Capstone research into your academic load with less stress and provide more time for close mentorship by your Capstone Supervisor and the Faculty Fellow.

Keep in mind that in addition to any departmental research credits, you should be registered for HON 322 for each semester you are working on the Capstone.

Finally, please note, if it is possible you will graduate early, you must proactively plan to register for HON 322 for two semesters of Capstone work.

You should begin thinking about the Capstone Project and initiate discussion of your research interests and possible Capstone topics with potential Capstone Supervisors in your sophomore and junior years. Usually, the project should be completed during the last two semesters of your senior year at UIC.  You may also begin the Capstone Project as early as your junior year and complete it prior to your last semester.

Note that if this does happen, you will need to continue to register for HON 222 and complete an Honors Activity up until graduation.

Students are expected to complete their Honors Capstone Project within two semesters. Be sure to plan accordingly so that you meet this deadline. Should extraordinary circumstances require you to need a third semester to complete the Honors Capstone Project, you need to meet with your Honors advisor as early as possible to review whether a policy exception can be made for you.

If due to extraordinary circumstances you are given approval by the Honors College to use a third semester, you will submit a Capstone Progress Form at the end of your second semester and you will receive a deferred grade in HON 322. For the following semester, you must create a new Capstone Activity in HARS and thus fill out a new Capstone Proposal Update Form, in which you map out your plans for completion. You must also register again for HON 222, and you must complete an Honors Activity, for which you will submit a separate Honors Activity Form and Honors Completion Form.

Upon the successful completion of the Honors Capstone Project, you will email your Honors advisor and request that you be added to the Blackboard course site HON 322 so that you can submit your final Capstone Project. You will also submit the signed Capstone Completion Form to the Honors College front desk. Soon after, the Deferred grade for HON 322 will be changed to passing.

Unless you are working on a project with two distinct parts (such as internship & immersion), this is not advisable. If you are thinking about making a change, your Capstone Supervisor cannot continue their supervision, or unforeseen difficulties make it imperative for you to find a different supervisor/project, reach out to your Honors advisor as soon as possible.

Possibly, depending on your project’s use of human subjects and whether you intend to present your work beyond the UIC community. Early in your first semester of working on the Capstone Project, you should check with your Capstone Supervisor to see if you should apply for IRB approval to conduct and present your Capstone Project.

The Capstone Supervisor should consult the Capstone Supervisor Handbook for information about the IRB and Honors Capstone Projects.

If you have signed an NDA and you believe submission of the Capstone written portion and public presentation would compromise this NDA, you should first consult with your Capstone Supervisor on this matter. If your Supervisor agrees with you, they should contact us at Honors College Support to notify the Honors College.

Regardless of the type of capstone project you are completing, you must also write a Scholarly Report of 3 to 5 pages that include at least: (a) a critical self-analysis of your overall UIC academic experience and how the Honors Capstone Project is a culmination of this experience; and (b) an examination of how the Honors Capstone Project is the outcome of their passion, curiosity, and aspirations. More information about Scholarly Reports can be found in the Honors Capstone Student Handbook.

You should submit the Scholarly Report in the Blackboard course site HON 322 by the end of the second semester.

Capstone Projects

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

Types of Capstones

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

Capstone Course–Faculty Directed

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

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

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

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

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

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

Precapstones

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Capstone Independent Project–Student Directed

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

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

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

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

There are two major steps to obtain project approval.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Human Subjects

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

Journalism Capstone

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Journalism Timeline

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

Final Capstone Grade

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

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

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

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

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What Is a Capstone Project? All You Need to Know on College Capstones

What is a capstone learn all about what capstone projects are and how these important assignments play a major role during your studies..

You’re almost done.  3.7 million students  graduated from high school in 2019, moving onto college and professional lives. But there’s one last stone they had to step on. 

The capstone project is many student’s worst nightmares. In both high school and college, you may very well have to make one.

But don’t panic. 

What is a capstone? How do a high school’s capstone projects and courses compare to a college’s? What are some capstone project ideas, and how should you go about developing your capstone? 

Answer these questions and you can graduate from school with a project you can be proud of. Here is your comprehensive guide. 

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What Is a Capstone Project? 

Literally speaking, a capstone is a stone that goes on the top of an arch. It supports the arch and provides a decoration as a crowning jewel.

A capstone project accordingly is the crowning jewel of a student’s high school or college career. It encapsulates what they have learned while acknowledging their core interests. 

Most capstone projects are long papers. On the high school or collegiate level, a student may write a paper dozens of pages in length. But some students may make a film, deliver an oral presentation, or create an art piece in lieu of a paper. 

Capstone projects require weeks of research. Many teachers specify that students have to use a certain number of sources in their work. They may need to prepare a proposal for their project and an outline of the points they want to hit. 

The principles of a high school capstone project are the same as a college capstone project. The main differences between the two are length and sophistication. A college student is expected to prepare more material on a more nuanced level than a high school student. 

Related Read : What Should I Major In? The Complete Guide on How to Choose a Major

What Is a Capstone Course? 

Many schools help students prepare for their projects through capstone courses. Each capstone course is different, but there are some things you can look for on the high school and college levels. 

High School 

Most high schools do not have separate capstone courses. Toward the end of a student’s senior year of high school, their teacher presents them with a capstone project. 

A student may have to perform a capstone project for each subject they take. But teachers communicate with each other so a student does not feel overwhelmed by the work they have to perform. 

The capstone projects of honors courses tend to be longer and more detailed than those of other courses. Some schools may allow students to prepare an “honors project.” They may work alongside a teacher to generate a longer paper. 

Most colleges do have separate capstone courses. College seniors sign up for them during their last semester, after they have declared their majors. Their courses are within their majors, and they do not take capstones for other subjects. 

College capstone courses tend to be in small groups with one professor. The professor listens to the students’ ideas and provides some texts for them to consider. They may teach their students how to write a good thesis statement. 

But most of the course is student-directed. They may pair up to workshop each other’s papers and compare ideas. They may give verbal presentations to the room about what they are learning. 

Courses may take place once or twice a week. They may take place at night, later than other courses on a student’s schedule. 

Homework for the course comprises preparing for the capstone project. A teacher may ask students to find sources or write segments of their papers. By the end of the course, they have their entire projects done. 

Related Read : 6 College Essay Tips to Help You Write & Ace Your Next University Paper

Starting Your Capstone 

Do not worry about your capstone until your senior year. Enjoy your high school and college years, and create a good  work-life balance  for yourself. 

Once you make it to your senior year, you can start thinking about your project. Think about the overall themes and subjects that you have dealt with in school. If a particular subject has been interesting to you over the last three years, consider writing about it. 

Read over the instructions from your teacher very carefully. Nearly all instructions give you broad latitude for your subject, but you may need to meet some additional requirements. You should expect to use a certain number of credible sources. 

All rules for academic research apply to your capstone project. Under no circumstances should you plagiarize or have someone else write your paper for you. It is okay to go to others for help, but your project is your responsibility. 

Developing Your Project

The course your project takes largely depends on your subject. Each subject has its own perimeters for academic writing, and you may be expected to do different things in your paper. 

English Language Arts

English capstone projects are writing-heavy. You will write a paper, though you may need to give a presentation at some point. 

You should pick a particular book or author you want to focus on. Picking a book is good if you want to engage in explication, but it may be hard to find academic literature on it. Picking an author lets you talk a little more about the sociopolitical context for individual works. 

Once you have a book, you need to spend a lot of time reading it. Read it through once without taking notes so you can get a feel for its overall themes. Then read it through multiple times, taking notes while following  good note-taking tips . 

You should then go to academic sources. You should find materials about the book you are analyzing, the author, and the author’s sociopolitical environment. 

Your capstone project should describe what a book is trying to say, how the author uses literary techniques, and how the book applies to important ideas. You should address a question common amongst scholars of your author. 

You may be able to pursue a creative project instead of an academic paper. You will need to ask for permission from your teacher, and you may need to participate in some research for your project.

Related Read : Common Types of College Degrees & How to Choose Among Them

Social Studies 

The category of social studies includes history, political science, and philosophy. On the high school level, these subjects are often grouped together, though there are individual AP courses in each one. On the college level, a student may major in one particular subject. 

Social studies capstone papers tend to answer questions in a given subject. A paper answers one precise question that the student comes up with, but their question must impact scholars in the subject. “How did William Jennings Bryan campaign?” is not a good question, but “How did William Jennings Bryan’s methods of campaigning for office impact future presidential campaigns?” is. 

Research is an essential component of social studies capstone projects. A student often must break down the individual details of their question. A student answering the above question needs to look into who William Jennings Bryan was, how he campaigned, and how others adopted his methods. 

The student then develops a thesis statement that answers all aspects of their question. This thesis statement may be controversial, so they have to address contrasting opinions in their paper. They can do so toward the end of the paper after they present most of their findings. 

On the high school level, different branches of sciences are grouped together in one class. A student may explore physics, engineering, and biology in one year. On the college level, each subject is its own major. 

In general, capstone papers in the sciences focus on experiments. A student is expected to create an experiment that answers a question in their field. This experiment must conform to  the scientific method , and the student must detail how their experiment does so in their paper. 

Scientific papers do require extensive research. Most have a literature review toward the beginning, which describes the consensus of scholars.

A student may need to relate the findings of their experiment with the findings of other scholars. If a student disagrees with others, they must articulate why their argument deserves respect. 

Scientific papers can have interdisciplinary components. It may be relevant for a student to talk about the history or philosophy of science. The student may need to talk with their teacher about incorporating other disciplines. 

Related Read : 10+ Best College Tips & Advice to Improve Your University Experience

So What Is a Capstone? 

Many students are nervous about their capstones, which are, essentially, the culmination of your academic achievements in school. 

A capstone course is a class that helps you prepare for your project, and your professor or teacher gives you instructions on what to do. 

How should you prepare for a capstone? Read your teacher’s instructions, then figure out a subject you want to pursue. Spend plenty of time researching and generate a good research question and thesis statement. 

For more great college advice, check out the rest of our articles on navigating university !

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Hi everyone! I've come across the term 'capstone project' in relation to college lately, but I don't have a clear idea of what it means. Can someone explain what a capstone project is, its purpose, and how it works? Would really appreciate the help!

Hi there! A capstone project is a culminating academic experience that typically takes place in the final year of a student's undergraduate or graduate program. Its purpose is to provide students with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills they've gained throughout their coursework in a hands-on, real-world context. Essentially, capstone projects allow students to demonstrate their mastery of a subject area while delving deeper into a sub-topic of particular interest.

Capstone projects can take various forms, including research papers, presentations, performances, exhibitions, or even the development of a product or service. The specific requirements and structure of a capstone project vary depending on the academic discipline and the educational institution.

To complete a capstone project, students usually start by selecting a topic or research question, then conduct a literature review to understand the existing scholarship around that topic. Based on this initial work, they develop a project proposal, which outlines their intended approach and methodology. Once the proposal is approved by a faculty advisor or committee, students proceed with implementing their project.

Throughout the process, students are typically required to present their progress, engage in peer evaluation, and work closely with a faculty advisor for guidance and support. Upon completion, students present their findings, which are then evaluated by a committee of faculty members to ensure that the project meets the expected standards.

Overall, the purpose of a capstone project is to help students integrate and synthesize the knowledge they've gained throughout their academic career, demonstrate their expertise in their chosen field, and develop valuable skills that can be useful in their future professional pursuits.

I hope this helps clarify what a capstone project is! Good luck with your college journey!

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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’s a Capstone Project? And Why Do I Have to Take It?

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Over the years, I’ve frequently heard students grumble about taking a capstone course or project, that one last step before graduation as outlined by their degree requirements.

“Why do I have to take it?” “Do I really have to take this?” “What is the point of all this!”

This final course may seem daunting or frustrating, but once it’s completed, the Capstone often becomes one of the most rewarding and valuable experiences in a student’s college career.

The capstone course is the last class in a program of study. It’s called a capstone because it represents a crowning achievement as a capstone does in architecture. For some degree programs, a capstone course may require a project and subsequent presentation; for others, it may include an assessment exam to test interdisciplinary skills (like math, writing, critical thinking, etc.). A capstone may also involve a final research paper exploring a topic of interest, emerging from a student’s individualized program of study. Ultimately, a capstone project represents new work and ideas, and gives you the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and skills you have gained during your college career.

Not only does a capstone course allow us to substantiate if students are learning the necessary skills needed to continue onto success after graduation (and we’ve made changes to courses and degree requirements to better assist students in this manner), but the completion of a capstone project can be used for an employment portfolio. By integrating theory and practical experience, your project can set you apart from graduates of other institutions. Imagine walking into a potential employer’s office with an applied research project exploring solutions to an issue or problem the organization, or industry as a whole, has been grappling with?

A Capstone’s Purpose: Career Advancement

In the field of technology for example, one of the challenges is how rapidly it changes. Jordan Goldberg, mentor and developer of our APS-295 Associate Capstone  course, said it helps ensure students are prepared to handle these changes as they start their careers. “Today, it’s important to understand the trends early on in the process, and the tools available to develop and deploy new technology,” he says. “The Capstone course uniquely brings together students from all majors within the school [of Applied Science and Technology] in an interactive and collaborative fashion to discuss and examine opportunities, challenges and issues related to technology.”

Here, students are able to look at real world examples and situations, exchange their points of view based on experiences and discuss potential solutions to problems. “The concept of the capstone course is to provide the essential information to be able to ask the right questions and critically look at nontechnical issues that have the potential to negatively impact the deployment of a new emerging technology or application,” says Goldberg. “Ultimately, this will prepare the student for a technical leadership role in their area of study as they complete their degree.”

Thomas Edison State University offers Capstone courses in several of our degrees:  LIB-495 Liberal Arts Capstone is required for a Bachelor of Arts degree, and APS-401 Current Trends and Applications  is required for our Bachelor of Science in Applied Science and Technology degree. Our newest course is the APS-295 Associate Capstone, required for the Associate in Applied Science and our Associate in Science in Applied Science and Technology degree programs. These courses have engaged students to pursue intriguing projects, indicative of their career pursuits, including:

• Classroom accommodations for elementary age students with attention deficit disorder
• The theoretical impact of a present-day conflict between North and South Korea on the U.S.
• Evaluating public awareness of privacy issues surrounding modern technology 

On Your Own Terms

In any college degree, there are courses you have to take to fulfill the general education requirements for your degree or area of study. And a capstone project, while relative to your major, allows you to choose your own subject in that discipline. When I was a graduate student studying American History, my capstone project afforded me the opportunity to research a topic that I never solely focused on in any of my courses, but was fascinated by all my life, Abraham Lincoln. 

I delved into an intense study of how the narrative of President Lincoln’s life had changed throughout the course of history, depending on when and who was writing the biography. This was the most fun I’d ever had taking a college course because I was able to read and write about a topic I was passionate about. Meanwhile, I was able to show off the skills I’d gained during my years in college.

So if you are required to take a capstone course, I understand if you want to grumble about it a little while. But when it’s all done, get ready for the most exhilarating feeling ever. I promise.  

Are you currently working on a capstone project? Share your experience and advice in the comments below!

Written by Donald Cucuzzella

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Capstone Courses: What and Why

Reviewed and edited by Tyson Schritter : 28 March, 2024.

After four (or five, or six) years of work towards a college degree, most students are very anxious to walk across the stage, grab their diploma, and be on their way into the working world. But many students must complete one final thing before walking that stage: the capstone course.

What Is a Capstone Course?

A capstone course can have a variety of names, depending on where you go to school. A capstone might be called a culmination project, senior thesis, or a final exhibition. Don’t be confused—under any name, the capstone is just a final assignment to help you synthesize and demonstrate what you’ve learned through your studies.

Capstone courses vary in form depending on your major. If you’re an English major, you may have to write a long paper interpreting multiple pieces of literature. If you’re a design major, you may have to put together a show exhibiting theoretical magazines.

If you’re an engineering major, you may be asked to put together a project to illustrate how a certain building or bridge could be built in a structurally sound way. The capstone course is intended to apply all of the knowledge and skills you’ve gained over a college career in one assignment.

A capstone course is not always a paper, though a paper is often a piece of it. Art students may put on exhibitions of their work, while other students will have to pass an oral examination, defend their thesis to a group of professors, or complete a book.

A capstone is often multifaceted, meaning there’s a presentation or performance, a paper, and research that all come together to make the complete project.

Don’t be overwhelmed by the scale of the projects described. Most students spend an entire semester putting together their capstone and completing the necessary research.

Why a Capstone Course?

You may be asking yourself, “Why is the capstone necessary? It sounds like a lot of work.” Though daunting, most students find that the capstone is the most rewarding college project. Here’s a few reasons why the capstone course is important:

• Improves confidence and self-perception : Your capstone will not only help your professors see how much you’ve learned and accomplished—it will also prove your potential to yourself. Looking back upon a project that took you months of hard work and dedication is rewarding, and will help you realize how much you are capable of.
• Increases rigor of senior year: Some colleges use a capstone course to increase the rigor of the final year. Some students are able to finish their difficult classes by their junior year, bringing a cloud of senioritis and laziness in that final year. A capstone increases the stakes, helping students focus their energy towards a final project and the continuation of learning.
• Hones skills:  As you apply skills and knowledge to a self-driven project, you are able to learn what you don’t know and ask questions before entering the professional world. The capstone is a safe, guided space to finish learning.
• Builds your résumé:  Your degree is a stamp of approval from the college that you’re knowledgeable in a certain area of study, and your internships show professionalism and real-world experience. But your capstone shows motivation, drive, planning, and application of knowledge and skills. A capstone on your résumé is proof to future employers that you have the skills you say that you do.
• Demonstrates learning and knowledge : Most people have a moment during their careers when they are asked a question and think, “I took a class on that, but I have no idea what the answer is.” Just because you go to class doesn’t mean you learned something. A capstone allows you to apply the knowledge you have gained through college, so you’ll be able to answer those tough questions in the real world.

Now that you’ve got a grasp on what a capstone course is, we want to hear your thoughts.  Do you have any other questions about capstones? Is there another way you would rather complete a culminating experience?  Feel free to comment below!

Abby is a student at Walsh University . She enjoys ministry and meeting people where they are in their personal and faith lives, which is why she is pursuing a degree in counseling. She is involved in many areas on campus, being a PASS coach, giving campus tours, and ministering at Holy Mass. Her biggest goal in life is to use her talents to help others and make a positive impact in the world!

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Capstone Project: Definition, Types, Structure, and Examples

by  Antony W

January 2, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Is a Capstone Project? 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Capstone Project Vs. Thesis

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

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

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

However, there are some important differences.

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

Types of Capstone Projects

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

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

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

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

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

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

Senior Capstone Project

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

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

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

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

Sample Capstone Project Outline

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Capstone Project Examples

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

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

You can check out various project samples here . 

Get Help With Your Capstone Project

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

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

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

About the author 

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

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What is a Capstone Project in High School?

What’s covered:, what are capstone projects, how do capstone projects benefit high schoolers, should my child complete a capstone project, what are some examples of capstone projects.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a capstone as a “high point: crowning achievement” which, in many ways, defines a capstone project for high schoolers. Capstone projects require students to use all of the skills they’ve built over the course of their schooling to complete a substantial project that highlights their educational and intellectual experience.  

A high school capstone project is a way for students to demonstrate the culmination of skills and knowledge gained through their academic career by completing a long-term, multi-faceted project.

Typically performed at the end of a student’s high school career, students commonly choose a topic, profession, or social problem to explore and work with a mentor in that field of interest. The mentor guides the student through the project—sharing their knowledge of the field, teaching new skills, ensuring the student stays on task, and fostering a professional, real-world experience.

Over the course of the project, students conduct research, maintain a portfolio detailing the steps taken, and create a final paper, product, or presentation that demonstrates what they’ve learned. Often times, a final presentation is given to a panel of teachers, experts in the field, and community members.

One of the primary benefits of a capstone project to a high school student is that it highlights their educational accomplishments. Capstone projects provide students with the opportunity to exhibit their capacity for learning and allow them to show off the critical thinking skills they’ve built.

Colleges search for well-rounded students and the multi-faceted nature of a capstone project allows students to display a wide range of skills to prospective schools—writing, research, teamwork, planning, self-sufficiency and public speaking are just a sampling of the many skills used by a student to complete such a rigorous project. Capstone projects are a great way to indicate to potential colleges that a student is prepared for the demands of higher education.

Capstone projects also benefit high school students by creating self-confidence and building a sense of preparedness for college. A student who has successfully completed a thorough study of a subject and collaborated with an older, experienced mentor is likely to feel ready to take the next step academically. Capstone projects can also add a sense of purpose to a time where interest in education often wanes—consider it a cure for senioritis.  

Lastly, capstone projects let students immerse themselves in a field of interest. For some students, it solidifies their interest in a field and clarifies a degree path; others may learn through their capstone project that the field they chose isn’t as interesting as they thought. Either way, it helps create a sense of certainty before taking expensive college courses.

Though there are numerous benefits to undertaking a capstone project, the question remains: should your child complete one? The simple answer is yes. Completing a capstone project can be a feather in the cap of any prospective college student, so long as the project doesn’t interfere with any of the student’s other activities or interests that may be attractive to colleges and universities.

Colleges are always searching for students who maintain a high grade point average (GPA) while challenging themselves academically. The long-term, intense study of a subject will certainly make a student’s academic prowess evident to prospective schools, but this is only valuable if it doesn’t interfere with their studies and negatively affect their GPA. Students challenging themselves with a capstone project should be careful not to undertake the project at the expense of their other intellectual pursuits.

Colleges also seek out well-rounded students and you can make the argument that the focused study of one subject is out of line with what colleges and universities hope to see in a student. It’s true that capstone projects highlight the possession of a diverse skill set in a student, but colleges look for students with a wide range of interests in addition to skills. Students should not take up a capstone project if it means sacrificing extracurricular activities and other interests.

On a more personal level, students should ask themselves what they want to accomplish via a capstone project. The best projects are often the ones where the student is most passionate. If a student has a sincere interest in the deeper exploration of a field, it should be encouraged and their excitement and enthusiasm for the field can be felt in their work. If a student is solely tackling a capstone project to wow colleges, there is most likely a better way to impress schools more in line with the student’s interest.

Looking to get a better sense of what a capstone project is or looking for an idea to get started on your own capstone project? Here are some examples:

Business: Study digital marketing and create a digital marketing plan for a local business to help increase awareness and drive sales.

STEM: Learn about video game or app development and conceptualize, design, and build a working game or app.

Athletics: Research training and nutrition, build a training plan and diet, and perform in an athletic competition (a triathlon or marathon, for example).

Community Service: Learn about the work non-profits do, get first-hand experience volunteering with a local non-profit, and build a plan to create an organization that serves your community.

Film: Research what makes an effective public service announcement (PSA) and write, direct, and film a PSA that addresses a concern in your community.

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Engineering students collaborate with industries on capstone projects

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May 8, 2024 : By Ted Allen - Office of Communications & Public Engagement

Capstone, also known as senior design, is the culminating academic experience for Liberty University School of Engineering (LUSE) students and a significant résumé-enriching achievement as they prepare to transition to professional careers.

“Each student works on a team of four to six to design a new product or process or make significant design improvement on existing systems,” said Dr. Howie Fang, a professor and chair of the mechanical engineering department and director of LUSE’s capstone program. “It’s a creative activity, and students do that for their client, who works with the student team over the period of two semesters.”

That creativity and collaboration was on display during Thursday’s Engineering Capstone Expo in the Montview Alumni Ballroom. For this academic year, LUSE offered 22 capstone projects to 97 engineering students with 18 projects from industry partners. Area businesses included Automated Conveyer Systems Inc., Centra, Delta Star, Framatome, Harco Fittings, Lawrence Companies, and Master Engineers & Designers. Students also worked with multi-industry companies such as Textron, and government agencies like NAVAIR, who have provided funding for and benefited from students’ innovative capstone projects. (See the full list of industry sponsors below.)

“It is very important for our students to learn real-world engineering problems and how to find solutions to those problems before they go out and get into industry as engineers,” Fang said. “Then, they are prepared and comfortable applying what they have learned in the classroom to real-life engineering challenges in their new jobs.”

Capstone teams involved students from all five engineering programs: mechanical, electrical, computer, industrial & systems, and civil engineering.

“Dr. Howie Fang is a world-leader in design optimization methodologies and has taught that in the context of the Creationeering process to the senior students while integrating it with real-world engineering problems,” School of Engineering Dean Mark Horstemeyer said, with Creationeering referring to his coined term for the interface between business and engineering and the creative inspiration from God in students’ research and design. “I am so proud to have Howie Fang in the LUSE as his leadership has raised the standard for the school.”

Such was the case for Tanner Randall, who will start this month at Framatome in its thermal hydraulics and component testing center after leading a team of six mechanical engineering students who worked under the supervision of Framatome mechanical engineer and software developer Greg Troyer to analyze the natural frequencies of nuclear reactor vessel internals (RVI), which facilitate fission in extreme environments. Christopher Pace, an electrical engineering student who worked on another Framatome-sponsored project, has also been hired by the company, which has its North American headquarters in Lynchburg, Va.

Katherine Rioux and fellow mechanical engineering students Fady Fayek, Caleb Schaible, and Logan Drawbaugh worked with Dr. Andy McIntosh from Leeds University in England to develop a Biomimic Novel Spray System, using the bombardier beetle as its model for extinguishing fires. She has landed a job working on E2D Hawkeye Airborne Command and Control Aircraft at NAVAIR in Patuxent, Md.

“It’s been a steep learning curve, but the cool thing about being tossed into the deep end is you either sink or swim, and I didn’t want to sink, so I learned,” said Rioux, who had internships with NAVAIR over the past two summers.

At last spring’s Expo, Josh Ingram and his team won the Capstone Legacy Award for their best product design for NAVAIR, a small tool that can be used to repair the engine of the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. Ingram was hired by BWXT last May while Zach Deluth, another member of this team, was hired by NAVAIR.

“The team worked with NAVAIR really well, and the product the students delivered to them is ready to be made for them to use to maintain these aircraft, so they were really happy,” Fang said.

Due to the quality of work produced by the engineering students on that capstone project, NAVAIR’s Cherry Point, N.C., location sponsored two capstone projects for Liberty’s engineering students this year.

Several of the seniors said the capstone projects stretched them more than any other class they had taken toward their degree, challenging them to put what they have learned in the classroom into practical application.

“It’s hands-on, working with a real customer, solving real problems, and it really made them think through, identifying what the problem is, coming up with solutions to that problem,” School of Engineering Lab Manager Marc Jantomaso said. “They built really good relationships with the clients.”

In recent years, as the School of Engineering has grown — both in number of students and faculty and in reputation in the Lynchburg, Va., area and around the nation and the world — more and more connections have been made between graduating seniors and area engineering companies.

“Through the capstone program, we have built up some very good relationships with industry that will tremendously benefit our engineering students, as well as the industry, providing the students with opportunities to refine their learning and open doors for employers to hire highly skilled graduates,” Fang said. “It’s a win-win situation. We can have more impact for students if we bring real-world applications, real-world projects from industry and let students work with industry people directly in these projects.”

This year, the projects received more than four times the total amount of funding as last year, allowing the seniors to develop more elaborate projects with greater functionality.

“They have more financial resources now, so they can do more,” Fang said. “When you go out to industry, your project can run anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars. That is the scale type of work from industry, and that is very beneficial to students if you can have a project with that complexity. So, from that perspective, we try to attract as many industry projects as possible.”

With genius inspired by God, and plenty of direction from faculty advisors and the clients they are doing their capstone projects for, the student teams “make miracles happen,” said Liberty President Dondi Costin, who attended the Expo.

“I was blown away at every single station, and I couldn’t believe it,” he said. “This is a true testament of your education … (and) exactly what Liberty University is all about. It’s taking young men and women who have natural talent and who have been raised with character and who are brought here by God, who have an individual ability and skill and passion and motivation and coming together as a team and using that skill in concert with the skills of others who are just as intelligent and passionate and gifted.”

2023-24 Engineering Capstone Industry Sponsors

Automated Conveyer Systems (ACS) Inc.

Centra Health

Corvid Technologies LLC

Delta Star, Inc.

Energy & Automation, Inc.

FarmBot Inc.

Harco Fittings

Kapstone Projects LLC

Lawrence Companies

Master Engineers & Designers

McKee Foods Corporation

U.S. Navy’s Fleet Readiness Center East (NAVAIR)

Textron Specialized Vehicles

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Honors College Students Present Independent Study Capstone Projects

Ten students from Raritan Valley Community College’s Honors College presented their independent Capstone Research Course projects during a May 1 symposium at the College’s Branchburg campus.

Project topics ran the gamut of subjects—from “Proving that Drones and Aerial Media have Positively Affected the United States Real Estate Market,” to “Self-Solving Rubik’s Cube,” to “Union Voter Dynamics: Analyzing and Understanding Voting Patterns Among Union Members,” to “Musical Seasons in Modern Times,” to “Quantitative Analysis and Optimization of Local Emergency Response,” to “The Science of Music: a Spectrum of Emotion and Memory,” and more.

The Capstone Research Course is designed to guide sophomore Honors College students from all disciplines through the stages of researching and writing a major research paper or project, or developing an artistic pursuit. The students are mentored by faculty members and present their work at the end of the semester.

Launched in 2011, RVCC’s Honors College serves highly qualified high school graduates who are entering college for the first time. Honors College students benefit from being in small classes with similarly academically motivated students. Students in the program are taught by a select group of faculty. The Honors College features a cohort-based program with smaller, seminar-style courses that have an interdisciplinary focus and afford students the opportunity to develop a close working relationship with their professors.

To learn more about the Honors College, attend an Honors College Information Session, May 15, at 6 p.m. The program will be held in the RVCC Event Center. The May event is the final Honors College Information Session scheduled before the program’s late application July 1 deadline.

To register for the Honors College Information Session, visit www.raritanval.edu/visit . For additional information about RVCC’s Honors College, email [email protected] or visit www.raritanval.edu/honors

RVCC is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu .

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May 6, 2024

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May 7, 2024

Capstone Day 2024 Highlights Senior Theses

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For the past 17 years, Scripps’ Capstone Day event at the end of the spring semester has served to celebrate the research and hard work that graduating seniors have dedicated to their theses and final projects in pursuit of their degrees.

This year’s Capstone Day on May 2 was made available by Zoom in addition to its in-person sessions.

“As in years past, this Capstone Day was a wonderful event highlighting the remarkable accomplishments of our graduating seniors,” says Associate Dean of Faculty Warren Liu. “For the seniors, it’s a chance to share their research projects with the Scripps community and with each other. For students, faculty, staff, friends, and family in attendance, it not only provides an opportunity to learn about these impressive projects, but equally importantly, serves as a welcoming and inclusive venue where we can come together to recognize and celebrate the students who produced them.”

The 79 theses spanned 20 disciplines and covered a wide range of topics including the long-term harm that overincarceration does to the reproductive capacity of affected populations, the impact of light intensity on the hunting patterns of wolf spiders, the consequences of the criminalization of homelessness in Los Angeles, and the effects of hospital mergers.

The presentations were conducted inside the Edwards Humanities Building. Senior art theses are exhibited at the Ruth Chandler Williamson Gallery’s Double  Take  senior art exhibition, which runs until May 11 and features digital illustration, drawing, painting, ceramic sculpture, mixed media, and more.

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Senior Honors Celebration 2024 honorees

Augustana College will hold its annual Senior Honors Celebration on May 24 in Centennial Hall. The list of honorees is below.

Student Government Association Awards

Outstanding Student Leader Ayomide Mary David

Outstanding Student Organization Global Engagement Team

Presidential Service Award Jared Thomas Slusher

Senior Honors (4.0 GPA)

Lauren Elizabeth Anderson Amanda Nicole Gravelle Jalane Maiva Tsague Nguepi Christina O’Connell Kayla Skye Palliser

Lincoln Academy of Illinois Student Laureate

Rachel Matanda Nandelenga

Departmental Honors and Awards

Outstanding Student in Accounting Rei Aoki Blake Raymond Oliver

Students of Distinction in Accounting Luke Austin Cowan Zachary Michael Dinkel Jason Lucas Miller

Art, Art History and Graphic Design

Augustana Art and Graphic Design Research Senior Award Aykeem M. Spivey

Art History Scholar Award Karen Emily Rizzo

Biology Major with Distinction Jenna Marie Revell

Biology Majors – Honorable Mention Mariam Elahmady Jason Thomas Smith David Jenner Vaynerman

Pre-Medicine Major with Distinction Adam Bradley Torry

Pre-Medicine Senior Award for Academic Excellence Rachel Matanda Nandelenga

Business Administration

Outstanding Senior Business Administration Majors Rei Aoki Luke Austin Cowan Kayla Skye Palliser Logan James Pearce Jalane Maiva Tsague Nguepi

Business Student with Distinction Jayla Hathorn

Albert L. Eliason Endowed Scholarship Award Nicholas Ian Weilbaker

Anna Lesisz-Wartman Biochemistry Award Leslie Erin Bandera Addison Blair Larson

CAMWS Award for Outstanding Achievement in Classical Studies Alexis Bryleigh Anderson Laurence Walter Pavlik

Award for Best Research by an Eta Sigma Phi Laureate Laurence Walter Pavlik

Eta Sigma Phi Honorees, National Classics Honor Society Alexis Bryleigh Anderson Via Grace Montgomery Laurence Walter Pavlik

Communication Studies

Outstanding Senior Inquiry Award Kayla Skye Palliser, "ASL Captioning Introduced to Streaming Services"

Multimedia Journalism and Mass Communication

Outstanding Senior Inquiry Award Karli Alyssa Wilson, "Counting the Days: A Video Journal Series"

Frank and Barbara Wright Observer Award for Excellence in Journalism Molly M. Sweeney

Data Analytics

Outstanding Student in Data Analytics Luke Austin Cowan

Tallgrass Capital Endowed Award for Outstanding Seniors in Economics Rei Aoki Eyasu Yenesew

Senior Honors in Economics Van Minh Bui

Roald Tweet Scholar in English Studies Bethany Faith Abrams

Dorothy Parkander Scholar in English Studies Victoria Rose Bernero

Peggy Anderson Creative Writer April Alexis Lambert

Illinois Geographical Society Outstanding Senior Geographer Award Carl Alan Reina

Robin Hoffmann Award for Scholarship and Service Portia Rose Carrera

Distinction in Geology Kacey C. Plambeck Cavit James Schempp

Geology with Merit Departmental Honors Jack David Hughes Emily Ann Martin Makayla F. Palm

Joseph McCormick Hoare Endowed Scholarship in Geology Kacey C. Plambeck Cavit James Schempp

O.F. Ander Award for the Outstanding History Student Elena Louise Haffner

Cletus Melchior Award for Outstanding Future Educator Samuel Timothy Allen Katelin Faith Hatlestad

Daughters of Founders and Patriots Award for Outstanding Achievement in American History Utah Keehner

Mark Schwiebert Spirit of History Award Samuel Louis Rabideau

Kinesiology

Kinesiology Major with Distinction David Jenner Vaynerman

Kinesiology Major – Honorable Mention Micaela Jordan Koeppen Connor M. McBride

Mathematics and Computer Science

Andrew W. Williamson Award for Excellence and Achievement in Mathematical Sciences Colin Oliver Hogan

Donald E. McLaughlin Award for Excellence and Achievement in Computer Science Katelyn Jo Dennis

Harry Nelson Award for Excellence and Achievement in Applied Mathematics Van Minh Bui

Presser Scholar John Patrick Flannery Linnea Grace Johansen

Ruth E. Hagelin Scholarship Linnea Grace Johansen

Pi Kappa Lambda John Patrick Flannery Linnea Grace Johnson Anna K.Winn

Philosophy Honors Luca James Barba Lucas Fahnoe Amanda Marie Quinn

Physics Major with Distinction Amanda Nicole Gravelle

Physics Service Award William Emilio Murillo

Physics Research Award Molly Clare Garrison Colin Oliver Hogan

Cecilia Vogel Quantumberry Award Viet Minh Bui

Political Science

Outstanding Political Science Majors Alexis Bryleigh Anderson Maria Fernanda Rubi Carmona

Political Science Majors with Distinction Matias Emilio Bidegaray Joanne Horne Riley Lynn Scrivner

Departmental Leadership Award Maria Fernanda Rubi Carmona

David Dehnel Award in Public Law Olivia Renee Pigliacelli Riley Lynn Scrivner

Public Health

Distinguished Scholars in Public Health Makaia Delancey Decker Addison Blair Larson Alexis Angelica Osei-Kofi Karli Alyssa Wilson

Sociology and Anthropology

Alpha Kappa Delta, International Sociology Honor Society Brianna Marie Ebenroth Americus Mahatshahi

Theatre Arts

Augustana Endowment Society CAST Award Roger D. Pavey Jr.

Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

The Nancy Huse Award for Outstanding Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Senior Kara Grace West

WGSS Outstanding Senior Award Makaia Delancey Decker Elena Louise Haffner

World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, Asian Languages

Outstanding Academic Achievement in Chinese Morgan Elizabeth Bielfeldt

Outstanding Academic Achievement in Japanese Noah Roderick Anderson

Scandinavian Studies

Outstanding Senior in Scandinavian Studies Abigail Ann Holtan

Louis C. Belby Award for Outstanding Achievement in Spanish Carina Isabel Martinez Kara Grace West

Barbara Olsen Herrarte Award for Outstanding Spanish for Professional Use Mia Catherine Reese

Honors Capstone Projects

Bethany Faith Abrams, "Parasocial Relationships With Queer Fictional Characters And The Importance Of Representation In Television Shows" (Allie Barringer, advisor)

Makaia Delancey Decker, "Gender Identity and Utilizing Social Support" (Dara Wegman-Geedey, advisor)

David Robert Russ, "Concussions and Vision: How Head Injuries Contribute to Long-Term Vision Deficiencies and Changes" (Joseph McEachern, advisor)

Brian Craig Thomas, "40 Years of Koyaanisqatsi: the Greatest Experimental Film Ever Made" (Deke Gould, advisor)

If you have news, send it to [email protected] ! We love hearing about the achievements of our alumni, students and faculty.

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May 10, 2024 9:41 AM

Demo Day features capstone projects by Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology students

Graduating students from Conestoga's Electronics Engineering Technology and Computer Engineering Technology programs shared working solutions to real-world challenges at their capstone Demo Day.

The event held April 11 at the Cambridge - Fountain Street campus featured six capstone projects, along with the announcement of leadership and academic excellence award winners and Best in Program capstone projects.

The student teams were on hand to answer questions from curious atrium visitors, backed up by a cardboard display on the project and the working system for people to watch in action.

“It was gratifying to see ideas turn into viable prototypes,” said Hamood-Ur Rehman, faculty member in the Electronics Engineering Technology program.

Best in Program Capstone Project Awards went to Electronics Engineering Technology students Besart Kalezic and Eric Enns for their phone status indicator and Computer Engineering Technology students Mat Regentov and Joel Thibert for ZephyrCore, an electronic system for wireless musical performance.

The awards were presented at Tech Showcase on April 23 where students demonstrated best-of-program projects from the School of Engineering & Technology and the School of Applied Computer Science & Information Technology.

The phone status indicator came out of a pitch by Clarion Medical Technologies in Cambridge for the students to design a system that indicates if the company’s technicians are available to help a customer.

“It was an actual industry problem that we got to solve,” Kalezic said.

The team designed a system that communicates at a glance if a technician is away, on a call or free to speak to a customer. That includes a simple column of indicator lights at each workstation and a computer display for the customer service representatives who forward calls for customer support.

The company provided feedback through the process and will put the system to use in their office. Enns said the project was about much more than just putting together some code and components.

“The design process, research and testing pulled from nearly all my courses at Conestoga. Going from having nothing but an idea to a functional project has been a difficult but amazing experience.”

The team that made the other top project also found the experience invaluable.

“The capstone project was a great chance to apply what I've learned the last three years, as well as to show my ability to succeed in the face of new and unexpected challenges,” Thibert said.

Regentov said it was an opportunity to put to the test all the skills learned in the three-year program. "I have gained a lot of knowledge and improved a lot of skills working on the capstone project.”

Other projects on display included a system to modernize vintage vehicles, equipping them with features found on current automobiles like a back-up camera, remote starter and blind-spot detection.

Julian Maltez, Jeff Chabot and Ben Martens bundled the most common features in an affordable, easy-to-install kit that starts with a key fob.

“This adds everything you could get in a newer car,” Maltez said. “Three wires total and you’re up and running.”

Adam Riddell and Aeryn Stegne designed a system that detects when traffic lights stop working and alerts the maintenance department when replacements are needed.Currently, the lights are often changed early as a preventive measure, but that focus on safety ignores the cost of waste from the lights and time changing them.

Recipients of five leadership and academic awards included:

• Electronics Engineering Technology Leadership Award - Besart Kalezic • Computer Engineering Technology Leadership Award - Mat Regentov

• Electronics Engineering Technology Academic Excellence Award - Owen Morrison

• Computer Engineering Technology Academic Excellence Award - Eric Enns

• Electronics Engineering Technician Academic Excellence Award - Zach Robinson

The Electronics Engineering Technology program teaches students to work with electronic, computer and communications equipment and systems. Graduates are able to design, build, test and repair communications systems. The program is about half lab work and half theory, giving students an advantage in the practical implementation of systems, software and circuits.

The Computer Engineering Technology program starts with the same foundation in first year. Students in this program graduate with the ability to design, build, test and repair a computer-based system or any part of one. Their strong electronics knowledge and skills enable them to take on many roles in industry.

Both programs are in Conestoga’s School of Engineering & Technology .

Posted on May 10, 2024 9:41 AM in Campus News | Permalink

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JUST COLLEGE is a pilot episode to a mocumentary about college life in Boulder Colorado.

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I'm Cutter Mitchell, a multimedia practitioner from the California Bay Area and a Media Production Major at the University of Colorado Boulder. I love making art that reflects aspects of my life or those close to me and that often involves humor. The creative freedom of working in multiple mediums helps me, as an artist, stay interested in what I'm doing because I always feel like I'm having a nice change of pace. My main interests are making comedies, VR development, and photography, but who knows how long the list could be five years from now.

JUST COLLEGE - BOULDER

The JUST COLLEGE Pilot features four unlikely roommates in Boulder, Colorado, Navigating an afternoon before the bar and the aftermath of a long night. The guys are being filmed for a "documentary" and are getting the audience familiar with each other's dynamics. The amateur documentarian is trying to ride the coattails of similar shows such as Workaholics and It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia but constantly has technical difficulties.

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1993 how the construction company remstroy was created   the year 1993 was a period when a lot of construction companies, which had been working successfully during the soviet times and had rich staff capacity, were forced to cease their activity for various reasons. a lot of capable specialists either had to look for another job or change their field. but there were also those who were willing to realise their potential in the field of construction in accordance with the received degree and the experience they had accumulated. thus, in 1993 in elektrostal (moscow oblast) a group of specialists and people sharing each other’s ideas, who had enormous educational background and the highest degree in architecture, organized and registered ooo firm erg which began its rapid development and successful work, offering its service both on the construction market and other areas. 2000 industrial construction is the main area   seven years of successful work have shown that combining different types of activities in the same company is not always convenient. and in the year 2000 the founders of ooo firm erg decided to create and register a monoprofile construction company ooo remstroy construction company. industrial construction was chosen as the priority area. it was in this area that the directors of ooo sk remstroy began their working life and grew as specialists. in order to achieve the set goal, they selected a mobile team of professionals in the field of industrial construction, which allows us to cope with the tasks assigned to ooo sk remstroy throughout russia and the near abroad. 2010 manufacturing of metal structures   we possess modern equipment that allows us to carry out the entire cycle of works on the manufacture of metal structures of any complexity without assistance. designing – production – installation of metal structures. a staff of professionals and well-coordinated interaction of the departments let us carry out the work as soon as possible and in accordance with all customer’s requirements.” extract from the list of members of self-regulatory organizations, construction.

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Out of the Centre

Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

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