Understanding the Capstone Project

Key takeaways

Colleges and universities often culminate undergraduate and graduate programs with a capstone project that demonstrates your knowledge. 

• Developing a capstone project requires selecting a topic, conducting research, and presenting your findings. 

• Some programs that may require a capstone project include accounting, business administration, education, engineering, information technology, and public health.

• You can complete a successful capstone project by outlining your ideas, conducting thorough research, relying on high-quality sources, and seeking continual feedback.

Learn more about capstone projects, including why some programs use them and how you can successfully develop your project and present your findings.

What is a capstone project? 

A capstone project allows you to demonstrate your knowledge of course material in a bachelor's or master's program. This project usually lasts for a semester or longer and can be student-directed or faculty-directed, depending on your specific program. 

Named for the capstone that completes an architectural structure, a capstone project marks your final achievement before graduation. It represents the culmination of your learning experience. 

Common components of a capstone project

All degree programs have different requirements for capstone projects. However, most follow a similar structure. Common components of a capstone project include:

Topic selection: You choose a capstone project topic and get the instructor's approval. 

Capstone research: You conduct the required research for the topic within the designated time frame.

Presentation of findings: You present the research results in a paper or other approved format. 

Completion of an extra element: Some capstone projects require the completion of an additional element, and other programs make this step optional. Examples of additional elements include:

• An architectural model

• An art exhibit

• An exam

• A film

• An internship

• A performance

• A portfolio

• A group project

• An oral presentation

Benefits of a capstone project

Designed to prepare students for entering the workforce, a capstone project can help you develop various skills and abilities, including:

• Critical thinking and analysis

• Oral and written communication

• Problem-solving skills

• Research skills

• Self-direction

• Goal-setting

• Planning and organization

Additional benefits of capstone projects include:

• Practical experience

• Increased confidence

• Addition to your resume

What is a capstone project vs. thesis?

A capstone project explores a practical problem, while a thesis is more research-based. Capstone projects answer an important question in the field and demonstrate your knowledge, and a thesis contributes new knowledge to the field. At some colleges and universities, a thesis may have to meet more stringent requirements, including formatting, structure, and publication requirements.

Programs that typically require a capstone project

Whether you have to complete a capstone project depends on your school. Some colleges and universities don't require capstone projects. Some make them optional, and others require them for select majors. Degree programs that may require a capstone project include:

• Accounting

• Business administration

• Communications

• Education degrees like early education and special education

• Engineering

• Humanities

• Human resource management

• Information technology

• Liberal arts

• Project management

• Public administration

• Public health

Read more: Your Guide to Business Administration Degrees

Why do some degree programs require capstone projects? 

Completing a capstone project shows your understanding of the subject material you've been learning. This helps your school, department, and professors know you have the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in your chosen field. 

How to do a capstone project: Tips for success

Because your capstone project embodies all you've learned in your program major, you want it to reflect your best work. To ensure success when completing your capstone project, take advantage of the following tips:

Choosing a topic

If you're having trouble choosing your capstone topic, brainstorm several ideas. To narrow them down, consider whether the topic is academically relevant and interesting. Determine if you have the resources available to complete the project, and think about the impact the topic could have in the real world or your future career. 

Creating an outline 

Begin creating an outline for your capstone project. An outline keeps you organized and helps track your progress. If necessary, break goals into smaller, more achievable chunks.

Conducting research 

Start conducting your research by collecting general information about your topic and evaluating whether your project is relevant and doable. If so, continue to research more extensively.

Using quality resources 

Quality resources add validity to your capstone project. To find high-quality resources, consider using:

• Reliable books written about your topic

• Peer-reviewed articles or essays

• Published studies relevant to your topic

• Statements from experts relating to your topic

Scheduling your time

For effective time management when working on your capstone project, try creating a weekly schedule. Mapping out specific blocks of time for capstone work helps ensure continual progress.

Writing and editing your capstone paper

When writing your capstone paper, use a structure similar to that of a research paper. Your instructor should give you guidelines on the required components, which may include the following elements:

• Title: A succinct title describing your paper's contents

• Abstract: A brief synopsis of your capstone project

• Introduction: The purpose of your project

• Literature review: A review of any articles, books, or studies you used to complete your project

• Methods: The processes involved in conducting your capstone research

• Results: The relevant data you've uncovered while conducting your research

• Discussion: Your interpretation of the data you've uncovered

To ensure quality, proofread your capstone paper several times for readability and errors in spelling and grammar. For extra quality assurance, ask an instructor or someone at your school's writing center to review your paper.

Getting continual feedback

A high-quality capstone project calls for continual feedback. Make sure to meet with your capstone instructor regularly. Instructors help provide feedback on your progress and can answer any questions you have along the way. 

Capstone project ideas

To generate an idea for your capstone project, it can help to explore a few examples. Consider several examples of capstone projects from different academic departments.

• Education: Development of a method for improving the quality of virtual learning

• Engineering: Design of a solar-powered bicycle for use in a community bike program

• IT: Creation of software that enhances smartphone security

• Marketing: Implementation of a customer loyalty program for a local business

• Nursing: Exploration of a new method for transferring non-ambulatory patients

• Psychology: Setup of an experiment showing how mindfulness affects midterm scores

• Social work: Completion of an internship at a local social service agency

Find resources for college and your career 

Subscribe to Career Chat, our LinkedIn newsletter featuring career trends and tips. Then, explore the following resources for additional guidance:

• Build your skills: A Skill You’ll Use Your Entire Career: Writing 

• Watch on YouTube: Education Pays: 7 Degrees for Higher Salaries 

• Find your path: Career Test: What Career Is Right for Me? Quiz

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