The course requires students to apply and synthesize the methods, data analysis and theories they have learned across course curricula, and develop a signature research project on a topic of their choosing. Each unique project will build on a literature review, community needs analysis, or equivalent assessment of existing knowledge on the topic. Students share their final projects in class before submitting their work to the college library repository.

Requirements

Although each course section may vary in layout and form (depending on the instructor), the basic requirements of a capstone course will typically include:

  • Defining a research problem.
  • Developing a research proposal, including a methods section that specifies how research will be carried out.
  • Producing a literature review.
  • Conducting research (library or empirical) and writing up findings.

Prerequisites

Students must receive a C- or higher in college writing in order to enroll in the capstone in their senior year.

Please note: If you are double-majoring in another degree program in which a senior project is available, you must complete that senior project rather than enroll in a senior capstone course.