Capstone Project Guidelines
SoHE Applied MS Program
PURPOSE: The Capstone Project is the culminating learning experience of the SoHE Masters program. It is intended to provide an opportunity for students to focus on their area of specialization while integrating and applying the professional skills, methods and knowledge they have learned over the course of the program. The project is also intended to provide an opportunity to make a real-world contribution to their intended area of professional practice. Prior to their final semester of study, students plan their capstone project. Reflecting on their learning within the Masters program, drawing from coursework, and professional experience, and considering future goals, the student proposes and implements a capstone project. Through coursework and program events students will have the opportunity to learn about and develop relationships with community and organizational partners. This will provide opportunities to connect with organizations, learn about their needs, and identify potential capstone projects.
NATURE OF PROJECTS: Capstones typically involve students working with a community, regional or state organization or agency to develop a project on an issue of relevance and mutual interest. The focus and form of capstone projects are flexible and are intended to encourage creativity. Students have the option of collaborating on the capstone project with other students. Some examples of capstone projects include: developing a program evaluation, designing a professional training module, conducting a needs assessment, designing a community space, developing a website, creating a community program or curriculum, conducting an applied research project, developing an organizational fundraising plan, creating a multi-pronged media campaign, and writing a translational research review or policy brief.
TIMING AND COURSE CREDIT: Students usually undertake their capstone project during the final semester of the Masters program. While working on their capstone project students are concurrently enrolled in a 1 semester Capstone course where they receive guidance and feedback from the instructor and other students. They can also take up to 3 credits of independent study during the time they are working on the capstone project.
CAPSTONE PROPOSAL: Before undertaking the capstone project, the student will work with her/his advisory committee to complete a capstone proposal. The proposal should be no more than 5 pages (double-spaced) and address the following:
1. Purpose. What are the aims of the project in terms of its potential contribution to the organization, community, clientele or other stakeholders? What does the project hope to achieve and why is it important?
2. Activities. What are the activities that will be conducted to meet the project’s aims? What is the final product that will be created and how will it be delivered?
3. Benefits. How will the project enhance the professional development and career aspirations of the student? How will the capstone integrate the student’s prior learning?
LETTER OF SUPPORT: In addition, a letter of support from the organization, agency, partner or stakeholder with whom the student will work should accompany the proposal. The completed proposal and letter of support are then submitted to the advisory committee for their approval. A copy of the approval and the approved proposals should be filed with the SoHE MS Administrator, Eric MacKay.
FINAL CAPSTONE PRESENTATION: The student is required to present their final capstone project at a public forum along with other SoHE Applied MS students. This forum is typically scheduled at the end of the semester. Fellow students, faculty, staff, community partners and advisory committee members will be invited to the presentation.
FINAL PROJECT APPROVAL: The student’s advisory committee reviews the final capstone project and determines if the project has been completed in a satisfactory manner. If the project is not in a format that can be easily reviewed by the committee, the student is expected to write a short report describing the project and summarizing what was accomplished.
Version: 4/20/17