Graduate Program Capstones

• Community Planning and Development Capstone
• Public Health Capstone
• Public Policy and Management Capstone

The capstone project at the conclusion of studies gives students an opportunity to integrate knowledge with real world problems and emerging issues. Capstones may be extended projects for state, local, profit, or nonprofit agencies in which the student prepares a major piece of research or policy analysis, conducts a management audit, prepares a strategic plan or analyzes the financial condition of a municipality or organization, or an independent project undertaken by students under faculty supervision. The form of the capstone will be determined by the student's program of study and interests. It is designed in consultation with a capstone advisor, chosen by the student.

The Process:

1. The student prepares a brief (two to five page) proposal of his or her project that must be reviewed and approved by the faculty capstone advisor. This review process takes place in an informal meeting that is open to other students interested in familiarizing themselves with the capstone process, or who have an interest in the particular project's subject area.
2. When the capstone is complete, the written report must be reviewed and approved by the capstone advisor prior to the oral presentation. For the presentation, the student post notices within the school and through the student listserv, at least a week in advance, stating the topic, the place and time.
3. The faculty capstone advisor evaluates and assigns a grade to the final project based on both the written product and oral presentation.