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Bitirme Projesi - Capstone

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Neden Bitirme Projesi (Capstone)?

Mühendislik eğitiminin sonucu olarak, öğrencilerin lisans eğitimi sırasında edindikleri temel mühendislik ilkelerini, bilgi ve becerilerini yaratıcı bir şekilde kullanarak disiplinlerarası bir ortamda karmaşık bir mühendislik problemini çözebilmeli ve iletebilmelidir. Bitirme projesi, mühendislik prensipleri, topluma değer katma ve yenilik odaklı olmak ve eğitimi pratiğe dökebilmek için ön uygulamadır.

Bitirme Projesi Süreci

• Bitirme projesi- Capstone, öğrencilerin son yıllarında aldığı iki dönemlik bir derstir.
• Birinci dönemde, Capstone I (ENM 4991), öğrenciler teorik dersler alırlar (Takım ve Proje Yönetimi, Mühendislik Tasarımı, Mühendislik Kısıtlamaları, İnovasyon ve Girişimcilik, vb. konularında).
• Derste bir ara sınav yapılır.
• Derslere ek olarak, öğrenciler mevcut projeler listesinden bir proje seçer ve bir proje takımı oluştururlar.
• Dönem sonunda proje ekibi tarafından ayrıntılı bir proje önerisi sunulur.
• İkinci dönemde, Capstone II (ENM4992) proje takımı, bir önceki dönemde hazırlanan proje önerisine bağlı kalarak  teorik bilgiyi pratik alanlarda uygularlar.

Bitirme projesi hakkında daha fazla bilgi almak için: https://capstone.eng.bau.edu.tr/

A Comprehensive Guide on High School Senior Capstone Projects (With Examples)

Reviewed by:

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 4/26/24

As you near the end of your high school journey, it's time to explore the world of senior capstone projects.

If you're a high school student, especially in your senior year, you're likely gearing up for the culmination of your academic journey: the senior capstone project. 

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about capstone projects, complete with examples to spark your inspiration and help you succeed. Whether you're just starting to explore project ideas or fine-tuning your plans, you've come to the right place!

What Is a Capstone Project?

A capstone project is like the grand finale of your academic or personal journey. It's a focused effort that you tackle within a set timeframe, bringing together everything you've learned or accomplished. Unlike a passion project , which you can work on whenever you feel like it, a capstone project has a clear deadline.

For instance, let’s say you're a culinary arts student nearing graduation. Your passion lies in sustainable cooking practices, and for your capstone project, you decide to create a cookbook featuring locally sourced, eco-friendly recipes. 

Your cookbook project demands months of research, recipe development, testing, and layout design. It's a big commitment that demonstrates your expertise in culinary arts and your dedication to sustainable food practices.

Similarly, in school, a capstone project could take various forms, such as conducting research on a scientific topic, developing a business plan, or creating a multimedia presentation. These projects all reflect your broader interests and passions, demonstrating your skills and knowledge in a specific area.

Overall, your capstone project in high school is a major milestone, allowing you to demonstrate your expertise, creativity, and dedication. It's a chance to bring everything you've learned together and show what you're capable of achieving.

Different Between Capstone and Passion Project

Capstone projects are typically a mandatory part of a school or college program. They're serious business involving thorough research, problem-solving, and often collaboration with teachers or experts. The goal is to demonstrate your mastery of the subject matter and readiness to tackle real-world challenges.

On the other hand, passion projects are all about following your interests and doing something you love. You could focus on writing a novel, starting a community project, or diving into a hobby—passion projects are driven by personal motivation rather than academic requirements. They're more flexible and allow you to explore your passions on your own terms.

So, while both capstone and passion projects are valuable ways to dive deep into a topic you're passionate about, capstone projects are more structured and tied to academic goals, while passion projects offer more freedom and personal expression.

How to Find Ideas for Capstone Project

Looking for capstone project ideas? Let's take a look at some effective strategies to spark inspiration and find the perfect project for you.

Follow Your Interests

Think about what excites you the most. Do you love helping the environment or dreaming up better ways to teach? Pick a topic that really speaks to you. When you're passionate about what you're working on, you'll stay motivated and focused from start to finish.

Use What You've Learned

Consider the subjects you've learned in school. Think about how you can use that knowledge to solve real-life issues. For example, if you've studied marketing, you could create a marketing plan for a nearby business. Or, if you're good at finance, you could analyze a company's finances and propose ways to make them better.

Don't hesitate to reach out to your professors, advisors, or mentors for guidance. They've been through similar experiences and can offer valuable insights and suggestions. They might even be able to connect you with industry contacts or organizations that could provide support or resources for your project. Their feedback can help you refine your ideas and ensure you're on the right track.

Check Feasibility

As you narrow down your options, it's crucial to assess the feasibility of each potential project idea. Consider factors such as the availability of resources, the complexity of the task, and your own time constraints. 

While you want to choose a project that's challenging and meaningful, it's also essential to be realistic about what you can accomplish within the given timeframe. Setting achievable goals will increase your chances of success and prevent unnecessary stress along the way.

Identify Current Issues

Keep up to date with the latest news and trends in your field of study or topics that interest you. Identify important issues or new challenges that you could focus on for your capstone project. By addressing relevant and current topics, you can actively contribute to important discussions and possibly have a bigger impact with your project.

Consider Community Needs

Consider the issues that matter most to your local community or a specific group of people. Is there a problem or something missing that you could help with through your project? By talking to people in your community through volunteer work or doing surveys, you can find project ideas that match real needs and make a positive impact.

Broaden Your Horizons

Think outside the box! Don't stick to just one subject for your capstone project. Instead, think about how you can mix ideas from different areas. By combining different perspectives, you can come up with creative and innovative solutions that you might not have thought of otherwise. This can make your project stand out and bring new insights to your work.

Look for Inspiration from Previous Projects

When searching for ideas for your capstone project, take a look at projects completed by students who came before you. Looking at successful past projects can give you helpful ideas about topics, methods, and how big your project should be. 

Remember, it's important not to copy someone else's work exactly, but you can use it to inspire your own unique ideas and ways of doing things.

Think About Long-Term Goals

Think about how your capstone project can help you achieve your long-term goals, both in school and beyond. Are there particular skills you want to improve or experiences you want to have during the project? By making sure your project connects to your bigger plans, you can make it even more meaningful and helpful for your future journey.

Stay Flexible and Open-Minded

Stay open to exploring new directions and adjusting your project as you learn and receive feedback. Sometimes, the best projects come from unexpected changes or improvements along the way. Stay flexible and welcome the chance to learn and develop throughout your capstone project. 

By blending your interests, what you've learned in school, and advice from mentors, you can create a capstone project that shows off your abilities and makes a difference in your field or community.

Tips on How to Execute Capstone Project

Ready to tackle your capstone project head-on? Here are some practical tips to guide you through the execution process smoothly.

Junior Fall

Brainstorm Ideas : This is your chance to explore a wide range of topics and ideas that pique your interest. Consider what issues or subjects you're passionate about, what challenges you want to address, or what questions you want to explore further. Keep an open mind and jot down any potential project ideas that come to mind, even if they seem unconventional at first.

Set Goals : Once you've generated some project ideas, it's time to clarify your objectives. Think about what you want to accomplish with your capstone project and break it down into smaller, actionable goals. Consider both short-term goals, such as completing research or gathering resources, and long-term goals, such as presenting your findings or implementing a solution.

Junior Spring

Recruit and Fundraise : Depending on the scope of your project, you may need additional support from teammates or financial resources. Reach out to classmates, friends, or faculty members who share your interests and might be interested in collaborating on the project. Additionally, explore fundraising opportunities to secure funding for project-related expenses, such as materials, equipment, or travel.

Hit Milestones : As you begin working on your project, set specific milestones to track your progress and stay on schedule. These milestones could include completing research, conducting experiments or surveys, drafting project proposals or reports, or presenting preliminary findings to peers or advisors. Regularly assess your progress and adjust your approach as needed to ensure you're meeting your goals.

Rising Senior Summer

Stay Busy : Although summer break is a time for relaxation, don't let your momentum wane. Dedicate consistent time each week to work on your capstone project, whether it's conducting research, analyzing data, drafting project documents, or refining your presentation skills. Establish a schedule and stick to it to maintain progress and prevent last-minute rushes.

Stay Connected : While you may be physically distanced from campus during the summer months, stay connected with your advisors, mentors, or project collaborators through email, phone calls, or virtual meetings. Keep them updated on your progress, seek their input or feedback when needed, and leverage their expertise to overcome any challenges you encounter.

Senior Fall

Keep Pushing : As the new school year begins, ramp up your efforts and focus on achieving your project goals. Set new objectives for the upcoming semester and prioritize tasks that will bring you closer to project completion. If your project involves organizing events, conducting experiments, or presenting findings, plan and execute these activities with diligence and attention to detail.

Senior Spring

Plan Ahead : As you approach the final months of your capstone project, take time to reflect on your accomplishments and consider the next steps. Evaluate the impact of your project, gather feedback from stakeholders or participants, and identify any areas for improvement or follow-up activities. Prepare for project completion by documenting your findings, finalizing project deliverables, and communicating your results to relevant audiences.

By following these guidelines and staying committed to your goals, you'll be well-equipped to execute your capstone project successfully and make meaningful contributions to your field of study or community.

Common Mistakes

Let's take a look at nine common mistakes students make in their capstone projects, along with tips on how to sidestep them.

Choosing a Topic That’s Too Broad

Your topic should be relevant to your field of study, but many students make the mistake of selecting broad topics that lack focus. To avoid this, consult with professors or career advisors to narrow down your focus and ensure your topic is both relevant and manageable.

Choosing a Topic You Don’t Really Care About

Passion is key to success. If you're not genuinely interested in your topic, your motivation and enthusiasm will dwindle over time. Select a topic that excites you and aligns with your interests to stay engaged throughout the project.

Not Doing Your Research Properly

Research is the backbone of your project. Skipping this step or relying on inaccurate information can derail your project. Take the time to conduct thorough research, cite credible sources, and ensure the accuracy of your findings.

Not Writing Your Paper in the Correct Format

A well-structured paper is essential for clarity and coherence. Follow a standard format, including sections such as introduction, literature review, methods, results, and conclusion, to ensure your paper is organized and easy to follow.

Not Taking Advantage of All the Resources Available

Don't overlook the resources at your disposal, whether it's the library, the internet, peers, professors , or academic advisors. Utilize these resources for research, guidance, feedback, and support throughout your project.

Not Proofreading Thoroughly Enough

Typos, grammatical errors, and formatting inconsistencies can undermine the credibility of your project. Take the time to proofread your work multiple times, or enlist the help of a peer or professional proofreader to ensure your paper is error-free.

Forgetting to Reference Your Sources

Proper citation is essential to avoid plagiarism and give credit to the original sources of information. Ensure you cite all sources accurately and consistently throughout your paper, following the required citation style guidelines.

Poor Presentation

Your presentation is the final show of your hard work. Neglecting to prepare adequately or rushing through your presentation can detract from the quality of your project. Practice your presentation, create engaging visuals, and rehearse your delivery to captivate your audience.

Waiting Until the Last Minute to Start Writing Your Paper

Procrastination is a common pitfall that can lead to rushed and subpar work. Start early, create a timeline, and break down your project into manageable tasks to avoid last-minute stress and ensure a polished final product.

By steering clear of these common mistakes and approaching your capstone project with diligence and dedication, you'll set yourself up for success and leave a lasting impression with your academic masterpiece.

Ideas and Examples of Capstone Projects

Need some capstone project ideas for high school? Let’s take a look at some high school capstone project examples. 

• Study green marketing strategies that promote sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Engineering

• Develop a system to detect red traffic lights using image processing for safer roads.
• Create a solar panel system with adjustable angles to maximize energy capture.
• Analyze how social media can be used to effectively engage and retain customers through content marketing strategies.
• Design educational programs for nurses on asthma care and point-of-care testing protocols for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Computer Science

• Develop a smartphone interface for managing medical records to improve accessibility and patient engagement.
• Design a web-based survey system for collecting feedback and analysis in academic or business settings.
• Evaluate the impact of project management practices on the success of political campaigns.
• Assess how technology influences accounting practices and the effectiveness of accounting software in improving financial reporting.
• Explore the benefits of virtual classrooms and digital engagement strategies for remote learning.

Information Technology

• Investigate cybersecurity issues and propose solutions to protect against threats like intrusion and data breaches.
• Create object recognition systems using machine learning for security surveillance and image analysis.

Looking to gain clarity on your senior capstone project? Here are some frequently asked questions to guide you through the process.

1. How Does a Capstone Project Differ from Other High School Projects?

A high school capstone project typically involves more in-depth research and interdisciplinary exploration compared to other projects.

2. How Do I Choose a Topic for My High School Capstone Project?

To choose a topic for your high school capstone project, consider your interests, skills, and academic goals, and seek advice from teachers or mentors.

3. Are High School Capstone Projects Required for Graduation?

High school capstone projects are not always required for graduation and can vary depending on the school or program.

4. Can High School Capstone Projects Be Related to Extracurricular Activities?

Yes, high school capstone projects can be related to extracurricular activities and allow students to integrate their interests and experiences into their academic projects.

Final Thoughts

In short, high school senior capstone projects are your chance to shine. By picking the right topic, steering clear of common pitfalls, and tapping into available resources, you can leave a lasting mark. Whether it's in marketing, engineering, education, or any other field, capstone projects let you show off your skills and get ready for what's next.

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How to Write a Winning Capstone Proposal

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If you're a graduate student, chances are you'll be required to write a capstone proposal as part of your program. This can be a daunting task for many students. The proposal can make the difference between a successful and unsuccessful capstone project, and it should be approached with care and attention to detail. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of writing a winning capstone proposal.

Understanding the Capstone Proposal Process

Before we delve into the specifics of writing a capstone proposal, it's essential to understand what a capstone proposal is and the importance of crafting a strong one. A capstone proposal is a document that outlines a research project or paper that demonstrates mastery of a specific field or subject area. It is usually written towards the end of a graduate program and provides students with the opportunity to showcase their research and writing skills.

What is a Capstone Proposal?

A capstone proposal is a comprehensive document that outlines a research project or paper that demonstrates mastery of a specific field or subject area. It is usually written towards the end of a graduate program and provides students with the opportunity to showcase their research and writing skills. A capstone proposal is an important step towards completing your capstone project, and it provides a roadmap for your research.

When writing a capstone proposal, it's important to keep in mind that it should be a well-structured and organized document. You should clearly state the research problem, objectives, and methodology. A good capstone proposal should also demonstrate that you have a clear understanding of your research problem and the research process.

Importance of a Strong Capstone Proposal

A strong capstone proposal is essential because it sets the stage for your capstone project. It outlines the research problem, objectives, and methodology. A well-written proposal helps you to demonstrate that you have a clear understanding of your research problem and the research process. It helps you gain the approval of your advisor and committee members, and it prepares you to undertake the project.

Moreover, a strong capstone proposal can help you to identify any potential problems or challenges that you may face during your research. It can also help you to identify the resources that you will need to complete your project successfully.

Key Components of a Capstone Proposal

A strong capstone proposal should have the following key components:

• An Introduction: The introduction should provide an overview of your research problem and the significance of your research. It should also provide a brief summary of the key components of your proposal.
• The Research Problem and Objectives: This section should clearly state the research problem and objectives. It should also explain why the research problem is important and how it relates to the field of study.
• Theoretical Framework: The theoretical framework should provide a conceptual framework for your research. It should explain the theoretical concepts and models that you will use to analyze your data.
• The Methodology: The methodology should describe the research design, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques that you will use to answer your research questions.
• Expected Outcomes and Significance: This section should describe the expected outcomes of your research and the significance of your findings. It should also explain how your research will contribute to the field of study.

Overall, a strong capstone proposal is an essential component of your capstone project. It provides a roadmap for your research and helps you to demonstrate that you have a clear understanding of your research problem and the research process. By following the key components outlined in this article, you will be well on your way to crafting a successful capstone proposal.

Choosing the Right Topic

Choosing the right topic is crucial in writing a winning capstone proposal. Your topic should align with your academic goals, research interests, and program requirements. Here are some tips for choosing the right topic:

Brainstorming Ideas

Brainstorming is an effective way of generating capstone proposal ideas. To brainstorm, consider the research topics you've studied, your interests, and what you want to achieve with your capstone project. Write down as many ideas as possible, and select the one that is interesting, aligns with your goals, and is feasible.

Evaluating the Scope and Feasibility

After generating ideas, it's essential to evaluate their scope and feasibility. Make sure that your topic is not too broad or too narrow. A broad topic will lead to a lack of focus, while a narrow topic will limit your research scope. Ensure that there's enough literature available on your research topic and that you have the resources and time to conduct the research.

Aligning with Your Academic Goals

Your capstone proposal should align with your academic goals. Ensure that it complements your program requirements and strengthens your knowledge in your field of study. Consider the research skills you want to acquire or the research gaps you want to fill in your field of study.

Conducting Preliminary Research

Once you've chosen your topic, the next step is to conduct preliminary research. The preliminary research helps to identify gaps in the literature that your research project aims to fill. Here are some tips for conducting preliminary research:

Identifying Relevant Literature

Identify relevant literature that relates to your research topic. Start with academic journals, books, and government publications in your field of study. The literature review helps to establish a research gap and identify the research problem.

Analyzing Existing Research

Analyze existing research to determine areas that require further research. Look for gaps in the literature, inconsistencies, and contradictions in research findings. This will help you refine your research problem and objectives.

Establishing a Research Gap

Establishing a research gap is crucial in writing a strong capstone proposal. The gap refers to the lack of research in a particular area of study. Identify a research gap in your field of study and the significance of filling this gap.

Crafting a Compelling Proposal

Crafting a compelling proposal is the last stage before you commence your research project. It should be well-written, clear, and concise. Here are some tips for crafting a compelling proposal:

Writing a Clear and Concise Introduction

The introduction should capture the reader's attention and provide background information on the research problem. State the research objectives and the significance of your research project.

Developing a Strong Literature Review

The literature review should outline the gaps in the literature that your research aims to fill. It should be written in a logical sequence and include studies from reputable sources.

Presenting a Well-Defined Research Methodology

The research methodology outlines how you intend to conduct your research. It should include details on data collection, data analysis, and the research design. Ensure that your research design aligns with your research objectives and problem.

Outlining Expected Outcomes and Significance

Lastly, outline the expected outcomes of your research project and its significance. State the contribution that your research project makes to your field of study and its implications for practice and policy.

ChatGPT Prompt for Writing a Capstone Proposal

Use the following prompt in an AI chatbot . Below each prompt, be sure to provide additional details about your situation. These could be scratch notes, what you'd like to say or anything else that guides the AI model to write a certain way.

Please compose a detailed and comprehensive proposal for your capstone project, outlining your intended research topic, methodology, and objectives. Your proposal should clearly articulate the significance and relevance of your chosen topic, as well as the potential impact of your research on the field of study. Additionally, please provide a timeline for your project, including key milestones and deliverables. Your proposal should be well-organized, concise, and written in a professional tone.

[ADD ADDITIONAL CONTEXT. CAN USE BULLET POINTS.]

In conclusion, writing a winning capstone proposal requires careful planning, research, and attention to detail. It's essential to choose the right topic, conduct preliminary research, and craft a compelling proposal. A strong proposal sets the stage for your research project and helps you gain the approval of your advisor and committee members. Follow the tips outlined in this article to write a winning capstone proposal and set the foundation for a successful research project.

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What is a Capstone Project in College?

The capstone project in college is the apogee, or completion marker, of a student's coursework leading to the culmination of their program with a degree in their chosen field of study. The original definition of a capstone focuses on the actual stone placed at the top of a wall or building, marking the successful completion of the structure. It's a significant and celebrated piece of architecture, considered to be the most important of an entire construction project.

"(Capstone projects are) the apex of all a student's work done throughout their college career," said Dr. Jeff Czarnec , a social sciences adjunct online and on-campus at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). Retired after 23 years in law enforcement, Czarnec served as an associate dean of criminal justice and social sciences at SNHU for nearly a decade. He now leverages his extensive background to teach social sciences, enriching the academic experience with his practical insights. 

When entering a capstone course, there's an expectation that you have all the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful. 

You have the opportunity to pick a research topic that is of interest to you and run with it. "After having to write research papers in all of their courses prior to (the capstone), the task is not one to dread, but to enjoy. It is their time to shine as students and to enjoy the journey," MacCarty said.

A capstone course is more than a potential degree requirement. It can serve as an opportunity to demonstrate knowledge mastery and creative thinking, which may help you stand out to potential employers.

What is Involved in a Capstone Project?

Each university, program and instructor may have different requirements — or models — for a capstone project. According to Czarnec, a general design might first include selecting a topic of interest that the instructor will approve. 

Czarnec said that, depending on the program, a capstone may include anything from a video presentation or an architectural model to an art exhibit or short film; however, it almost always includes a paper demonstrating an introduction, theory, evaluation, research and individual issues relevant to the proposal.

"Students are expected to be ready to enter the world as professionals in their field upon completion of the capstone course," said MacCarty.

The time it takes to complete a capstone project usually depends on the course's length. If you're in an undergraduate online program at SNHU, for instance, your capstone course would take eight weeks to complete, Czarnec said. 

Capstone courses are research-based, and you can choose your topic early on, allowing you more freedom to conduct research  independently. Capstone topics usually align with a program's specific disciplines, too.

For example, in the social sciences realm, "our focus is on human behavior and cognition, which may be different from a capstone course in business or STEM," MacCarty said.

Find Your Program

Types of capstones.

There are many types of capstone projects that you could consider, and they vary from learner to learner, Czarnec said. "Some will investigate issues or phenomenon that they are familiar with either professionally, personally or courtesy of a discipline-related source, such (as) a police or human services agency," he said. 

In a nutshell, a rough outline of a capstone, according to Czarnec, may look something like this:

• Select a topic and have it approved by the instructor
• Evaluate relevance to the proposal
• Perform necessary research
• Present results in the agreed-upon fashion

Czarnec said that if you're looking for a capstone topic, you may consider focusing on an area you're passionate about or you could also try to ask you instructor for some assistance. For example, Czarnec said that he can act as a guide, mentor, editor and research resource for his students to help them focus and narrow their search for a capstone topic.

Are Capstone Projects Difficult?

"Not necessarily," said Czarnec. "It does force you to be efficient and very specific to topic. No fluff. Straight forward. Razor sharp." 

The capstone is more of an opportunity to catch your breath, he said, and to retrace and pull up what you have learned in a more stress-free environment .

"It helps validate students as learners," Czarnec said.

Depending on the major and course requirements, there may be opportunities to connect with outside contacts, not only to assist with the capstone project research and problem statement but also to provide a networking community .

"Not every research project is, nor should they be, the same," Czarnec said. "Everyone has a different approach."

What is the Difference Between a Thesis and a Capstone Project?

A capstone is similar to a thesis in that the starting point involves the strengths needed for a thesis or dissertation work. For example, you may need to consider the skeletal structure of research and form your theory, hypothesis and problem statement.

"While a capstone is certainly a scholarly piece of work and does share some aspects of a thesis, the time and detail that is required of a master's thesis is greater," MacCarty said. 

A capstone paper may be 25 pages, whereas a thesis could be 100 or more. If you choose to further your education beyond a bachelor's degree, the capstone project could be an invaluable tool in preparing for a graduate thesis.

Capstone Projects are About Your Success

Capstones of all programs are leading you to the end game, Czarnec said. The goal is to develop you into a well-rounded thinker who can pull their work together in a coherent, articulate, well-organized fashion while considering the demands of the profession or vocation you're interested in.

The focus and intent of a capstone should be to create an effective device to assess and measure all that you've learned throughout your program in an aggregate fashion so you can demonstrate your life-long vocational skills in a nice, neat package. 

"My goal is for students to leave the program confident about their skills and abilities," said Czarnec.

MacCarty said that capstone courses should be structured to support your success in fulfilling program requirements and allow you the opportunity to showcase your academic abilities and skills gained throughout your degree program.

A degree can change your life. Choose your program  from 200+ SNHU degrees that can take you where you want to go.

Laurie Smith '14 is a writer, editor and communications specialist. Connect with her on LinkedIn .

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How to Write a Capstone Project: The Complete Guide

by  Antony W

March 8, 2024

The truth about capstone projects is that they require the best from you. Unlike other small and large projects you may have already done, the capstone project matters a lot because it is the crowning achievement of the school. But, it's frustrating to not have a clue about how to do a capstone project the right way.

In response, Help for Assessment is here to help you in every way, including a step-by-step guide on how to do a capstone project. In this brief introductory article we will cover:

• The importance and relevance of the project.
• Steps to take in doing your capstone project.
• Expert tips and tricks of making sure you remain at the top of your game as you do the project.

A more detailed guide including a capstone project outline and sample is available here on our blog . Take time to go through it if you have any lingering questions. Of course, you don’t have to do all that if you simply let us do your capstone project for you.

At Help for Assessment, we are highly skilled and experienced in all forms of academic projects and assignments including capstone projects.

You can trust us to get you that top-grade you have been wishing for. Instead of playing roulette with your grades and possibly your future, request the capstone project writing service here and bag an amazing discount, just for you.

In the meantime, let us get back to the purpose of this article which is helping you carry out your capstone project successfully.

The Truth About Capstone Projects

By now, you already know what a capstone project is. Your instructor has told you, your classmates have discussed it in length, and you have read about it. What you may not know is why you have to do a capstone project. Can you graduate if you don’t do a capstone project?

From its definition, a capstone project is meant to assess your cumulative knowledge and skills gained up until that point of school. It usually takes an interdisciplinary approach, requiring you to solve a problem or give a contribution to your field or profession in some way. That makes it effective at getting the measure of a student, and your future employer will probably want to know about it too.

And yes, to answer your question, you need to do the capstone project if you want to graduate with honors. Some schools state outright that the project contributes towards your graduation credits. Others give you an option to do or not do it. Our advice is simple: take the capstone project and give it your best shot.

The project will usually last for your final two semesters in school. Sometimes, it is even separated as a unit in itself. The project itself may consist of either an extensive paper similar to a thesis, which will usually be about 40 pages, or it can be a project deliverable to a real-life workplace supported by a rationale report.

After submitting the project write-up, you will also have to give a presentation of the project to an audience.

Reasons Why You Should Take the Capstone Project

The importance of the capstone project cannot be overestimated. Here are some convincing reasons.

• It will get you career-ready. Since you will be preparing a complete project deliverable tackling a real and relevant problem, you get a feel of the market and how you can apply what you have learned in the real world.
• It is an important platform to showcase your talents and abilities. A capstone project helps you consolidate your knowledge, develop an interest, and showcase it to the world. Apart from the chance to display it to the world, such a project can map your way to a brilliant career.
• It brings you up to standard - a student is like a rough diamond who needs polishing to be useful, and that's what the project does. It teaches you critical thinking skills, research skills, pushes you to collaborate with others, and exposes you to how things work.
• You become a mini-expert in a particular area.

Now that we have set the record straight about capstone projects, let us show you how to make it work.

How to Do a Capstone Project, Step By Step

In preparation for your capstone project, you will need to take a few prior courses before you can register.

Some schools will have you take a research class, others require you to have a specific number of credits. 

If your instructor does not talk things over with you, be sure to ask. Once you’re set: 

Choose a topic for your capstone project

If your instructor doesn’t assign you a specific topic, select one by following these simple steps.

• Brainstorm to collect some capstone project ideas .
• Narrow the choices down to end up with one or two that are academically relevant, have enough latitude (existing published data), relevant to your discipline and future career, and interesting enough that you want to explore them.
• With one topic in mind, look for an angle or approach based on a problem you want to solve or a product you would like to evaluate or launch. Formulate a research question to guide you along the way.

Do your preliminary research

Conduct a general information-gathering research process to orient yourself and give you an idea of what you're looking at. Keep evaluating your topic based on its feasibility and relevance.

Create a capstone project proposal

Armed with this general and background information, formulate a project proposal. You will present this to your instructor and wait for it to be approved before you can proceed. We have a guide to capstone project proposal here .

Create a schedule

Once approved, you will need to create an accurate timetable to pace yourself during the project. You will only succeed if you start early and give it the effort it needs.

Last-minute rushing hardly ever works unless you turn it over to our experts at Help for Assessment.

Conduct in-depth research

Collect all the material you need for the project and research intensively.

As you do it, keep a notebook and pen handy to keep a record of your sources, write down important quotes or data you might need, and generally keep track of the information gathered. Use only very credible sources to add validity to your project.

If your project is a deliverable, this is the stage where you work on it. Make sure to keep accurate and thorough documentation as you proceed.

Create an outline for your write-up

Come up with an outline for the actual write-up. The same goes for a project report, where you will need to provide a good logical structure to organize all the information.

Do the write-up

Start the write-in good time, as this part often takes the most effort and time. Be thorough, concise, and cite all sources accurately.

Revise, refine, then submit

Proofread, edit, and otherwise revise your project and write-up several times before submission. If possible, you can have a third-party go through it to pick out any mistakes. 

Prepare the presentation

You will also need to present your project to a panel and in front of an audience.

Prepare for it early. For a creative project, the presentation will essentially be an exhibition of sorts. For a research project, you will be defending your paper from a review panel.

Expert Tips and Tricks About Carrying Out Your Capstone Project

These are some ideas fronted by our capstone project writing veterans that you should take into serious consideration if you want to pass.

• When picking the topic, select one that is easy but not too common that it has been picked dry. A complex project will frustrate you in the long run.
• Follow the instructions given and liaise closely with the instructor. Even though the project is meant to be independent, it takes place under the close supervision of an appointed mentor or teacher. Give them regular progress reports, ask them for advice, and follow any instructions they provide.
• Follow your schedule faithfully. Time is one of the biggest resources during the project. If you have to rush towards the end, you will make costly mistakes. Start early and stick to your plans.
• Create a thesis statement early on to help guide your project. A thesis statement is highly specific and will provide direction and keep you focused on the main idea, preventing you from wasting time on distractions.
• Create and stick to a structure for the project and write-up. Presentation and flow of ideas play a bit part in the impression you make and the points you will get.
• Use only reliable, academically relevant sources. Make use of primary sources wherever possible, because this gives your project credibility.
• Stay away from plagiarism at all costs. Cite all your sources properly.
• Be simple, concise, and straightforward. Stick to simple and clear language. Your instructor and audience will appreciate it.
• No matter how much you hate it, dedicated significant time and effort in the revising and proofreading part. Refining it is part of the success.

Let Help for Assessment Handle Your Project

It is customary for the master builder or chief engineer to lay the capstone of an arch or cornerstone of a building.

In the same way, you should let the experts handle such an important part of your academics to ensure your success.

Help for Assessment gives you incredible student prices and discounts to make it as cost-effective for you as possible. Check out our amazing deals for you today as you leave us your order on our homepage.

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.

Table of Contents

What is a capstone project, importance of capstone project, purpose of capstone project, types of capstone projects, components of a capstone paper, capstone project vs thesis paper, capstone project: your gateway to professionalism.

A Capstone Project is where academia meets real-world impact. Crucial to any certification course or college degree educational program, it can take multiple structures but offers the same purpose. According to the International Journal of Higher Education, over 85% of universities and colleges worldwide now incorporate capstone projects into their curriculum, recognizing their unparalleled ability to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application.

This project gives students a unique chance to perform independent research to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems. The scale and degree of this project can be tested, and it is also exceptionally fulfilling. The capstone project was last year's activity and is an essential part of helping students prepare for the world of professionalism.

For those wondering what is capstone, it is the final assignment that is to be completed by the students in the final year of their academic program. This project needs multiple scholarly exercises. 

This project includes multiple varieties of structures, which means that it can be submitted in multiple forms, including a paper, execution, film, or multimedia presentation. This project is similar to any college thesis.

These projects are crafted to boost the students' critical thinking, oral communication, teamwork abilities, research, and problem-solving skills. In addition, this project helps students understand the process of connecting with local areas and identifying significant problems, issues, and ideas. Some tasks even include experiences outside of school, such as scientific observations and interviews.

Along with various other significant factors, a capstone project expands the austerity of academic studies during the final year.

• Capstone projects serve as a culmination of a student's academic journey. It requires them to draw upon knowledge and skills acquired throughout their studies. This integration of various disciplines provides a deeper understanding and appreciation of the interconnectedness of different subjects.
• A capstone project also increases students' individual inspiration. Its activities require creative work on fascinating themes, boosting students' inspiration.
• Through research, experimentation, and analysis, students develop essential problem-solving skills that employers across various industries highly seek.
• Capstone projects are an amazing approach to display learning capability. These kinds of projects help youngsters decide their preparation and capability to represent what they have learned from the project.

The major purposes behind incorporating capstone projects for the students include the following:

Overall Students Development

The meaning of capstone is a stone placed on the highest point of a structure to complete its construction. Hence, a capstone project refers to the advancement of students through their course. This project helps students improve their public speaking, teamwork, relational abilities, planning, and handling challenging problems. Students explore multiple ideas and implement their abilities while performing this project. It also helps students encounter learning techniques, such as intentions, research, etc.

Hones Skills that are Highly in Demand by Employers

The capstone project includes a disciplined, working society, planning to implement certain skills that are highly valued by employers and align well with the students' careers. While entering your career field or proceeding with how you study, how you implement and boost your skills is important. With each task, you polish your skills eventually. Moreover, you also develop better skills with the length and complexity of the assigned capstone project. Working on a capstone project includes selecting valid, relevant, and correct information, and these activities make it essential to boost your critical thinking skills. For instance, a capstone project helps you enhance your communication skills, which will be essential when you appear for an interview.

Provides Valuable Practical Experience

Grabbing your dream job as soon as possible can be challenging because several jobs need practical experience. This is why all capstone projects offer the students practical and theoretical experience. As employers are constantly searching for candidates who are well-versed in the practical application of the learned information, the capstone project proves extremely beneficial for the students' careers. 

Prepare Yourself For the Outside World

The capstone project is structured to consolidate the student's previous years of learning with appropriate practical experience to help them build themselves into well-learned graduates. Students combine into small groups to develop creative answers for reasonable issues, all while learning the crucial experiences required in the responsibilities and demands of the real world.

Stand Competitive in the Job Market and Build an Attractive CV

When you undertake a capstone project, you represent to employers that you’re passionate about building essential skills and fundamental academic qualifications. Your dedication level is displayed when you invest effort and time in boosting your skills, gaining practical work experience, and working hard for the project. Moreover, by completing a capstone project, you stand out from other candidates when applying for a job. 

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There are multiple capstone project examples. Each student is assigned a capstone project that best suits their skills and degree. Each project requires the students to implement the best process of doing things and to be creative. Every capstone project is highly research-intensive and requires students to present their skills and implement strategies that help them understand things better, along with developing critical and analytical skills.

Applied Research Capstone Project

In the applied research capstone projects, the students collaborate with international partners to conduct research that connects borders. This idea is to research subjects about the global context to explore things happening around the world. This project aims to bring solutions that can bring improvement to the world.

Creative Capstone Research Project

A creative capstone project is a project where students come up with excellent ideas to explore. The main motive behind this project is that students must be forced to think creatively and out of the box by making the best use of their critical thinking abilities. This project results in receiving useful insights from students in different fields, which improves the situation in regard to practical implications.

Action Research Capstone Project

In an action research capstone project, students promote continuous improvement and learning in a particular field. These projects are usually performed in education, psychology, medicine, and other fields. The main motive is to promote research and invent new methods through continuous research about new topics that may have crucial implications for the world.

Traditional Capstone Project

A traditional capstone project is like a regular capstone project in which students perform in-depth research in the field in which they are studying. The main goal is to conduct research that allows you to explore the things you are studying. Hence, selecting the right research question is important. You must select something that you have an interest in, and that will provide you with in-depth insights.

A capstone project is like any other project, with the primary goal of providing you with practice and experience in your particular field. It allows for a broader range of methodologies, potentially incorporating experiential learning, case studies, or simulations.

The main components of a capstone paper are as follows:

• Introduction
• Literature review
• Methodology
• Recommendations

Many people believe that a thesis paper and a capstone project are similar; however, they are not. The thesis focuses more on an exploration-based approach to evaluate the students' capacities. On the other hand, a capstone project evaluates the type and status of the student. One similarity between a thesis and a capstone project is that both need project execution, data collection, and outcome. In a thesis, students are required to add new learnings and thoughts. However, in a capstone project, students must collect data and provide outcomes regarding their benefit or as per their formal education.

Undertaking a capstone project requires students to gather information, conduct interviews, and examine subjects. Moreover, the whole procedure, from starting to work on your paper to completing it, raises the value of your resume and demonstrates that you hold the inspiration and diligence to complete all capstone projects.

Moreover, it helps the students boost their project management, oral communication, examination, and critical thinking abilities when working on their capstone project. If you want to upscale new-age technologies and essential industry skills, enrolling in these programs would be a better start:

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1. What are the objectives of a Capstone Project?

The major objective of a capstone project is to produce original, high-quality work that contributes to the students' professional and academic development.

2. Who typically completes a Capstone Project?

A capstone project, which is a multi-faceted academic experience, is basically required for final-year students of an academic program to complete this project.

3. What disciplines require Capstone Projects?

Usually, Capstones are needed in programs, including practical learning and application of skills. These programs include business, computer, science, engineering, education, healthcare, and social sciences.

4. How long does a Capstone Project take to complete?

Completing a Capstone project might include a few beats or several months. Therefore, time management and project planning are essential to ensure that students can complete the project within the provided time frame.

5. How are Capstone Projects assessed?

The capstone project is assessed based on the capstone grading algorithm. An individual's grade is based on their team product development project performance (80%) and professional development (20%).

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1. Pre-Planning for Your Capstone Project

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:  

• Explain the capstone experience.
• Identify soft skills that can be developed/refined throughout the capstone experience.
• Describe the importance of capstone projects for academic and professional career development.
• Identify at least two steps you can take to pre-plan/prepare for your capstone project.

This chapter will guide you through the pre-planning phase of your capstone experience. Examples of capstone formats utilized by various schools and universities are included in this chapter.  General educational goals of capstone projects are reviewed and the importance of a capstone experience for academic and professional career advancement is discussed.  Strategies that can help you prepare for your capstone experience are explained.

Introduction

The amount of stress that accumulates over the course of one’s college experience can be overwhelming.  Understanding what a capstone project entails and using strategies and skills that have been acquired throughout your academic career, will help you pre-plan for relevant and meaningful capstone experiences, while reducing stress.

What Exactly Is a Capstone Project?

A capstone project is a multifaceted assignment for professional students that serves as a culminating academic and intellectual experience.  Therefore, capstone projects can also be referred to as capstone

experiences, culminating projects, or senior exhibitions.   Capstone projects usually occur in the final year of professional academic programs and they may or may not be research based.  Constructed by your school, your professional program within your school or university, and learning experience, capstone projects can take a variety of forms (Refer to Table 1-1:  Examples of Capstone Project Formats).  While capstone projects are in some ways like a college thesis, capstone projects are typically long-term investigative projects that culminate into a final product, presentation, and/or performance (Sabbot, 2016).

Table 1-1:  Examples of Capstone Project Formats

Source:  Moore, J. L. (2021, December 2). Capstone experiences . Center for Engaged Learning. Retrieved July 15, 2022, from https://www.centerforengagedlearning.org/resources/capstone-experiences/ 

Within health professions, the clinical doctorate has been traditionally driven by innovation in practice and the advancement and evolution of the health profession’s field.  Furthermore, clinical doctorate degrees are meant to provide graduates with the skills necessary to engage in direct clinical practice and leadership endeavors, which may influence healthcare program development and policy changes.  Simply, doctoral capstones provide accomplished students with an opportunity for in-depth professional practice within an area of focus (Kemp, Domina, Delbert, Rivera & Navarro-Walker, 2020).

Capstone projects have long been a hallmark of professional education. Capstone projects aim to help you recognize your own growth and development during your scholarly pursuits.  Capstone projects are also an effective method of showcasing attained and refined skills and competencies (Moore, 2021).  Furthermore, capstone projects are designed to encourage you to think critically, solve challenging problems, and showcase  hard and unique soft skills. (Refer to Table 1-2:  Examples of Hard Skills and Soft Skills for Clinical Professionals and Professional Students)

Table 1-2 :  Examples of Hard Skills and Soft Skills for Clinical Professionals and Professional Students  

Sources:  Benz, C., Johns, S., & Team, the R. G. (2022, February 18). What are hard skills? definition & 51 hard skills examples. Resume Genius. Retrieved July 16, 2022, from https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/hard-skills; Coombe, T. (2021, February 25). Soft & Hard Skills for occupational therapy students: How to get them. EduMed. Retrieved July 16, 2022, from https://www.edumed.org/online-schools/occupational-therapy programs/studentskills/; and Kohler, C. (2021, December 17). What are soft skills? here’s how to showcase them on your resume . TopResume. Retrieved July 16, 2022, from https://www.topresume.com/career-advice/soft-skills-and-how-to-showcase-them-on-resume. 

Educational Goals for Capstone Projects

Capstone experiences within some schools and universities are designed to provide students with opportunities to become engaged in some aspect of clinical practice. Consequently, educational institutions will typically have their own capstone-specific goals. Even within a single school or university, the range of capstone-related goals and expectations can differ from program to program. For these reasons, it is important to review your specific program’s capstone project requirements and  capstone syllabi.  By recognizing the general educational goals of capstone projects, you will acquire a better understanding of the capstone process and how it can be used for professional development not only  throughout but beyond your academic career (Sabbot, 2016). (Refer to Table 1-3:  General Educational Goals of Capstone Projects). 

Table 1-3:  General Educational Goals of Capstone Projects

Source:  Moore, J. L. (2021, December 2). Capstone experiences . Center for Engaged Learning. Retrieved July 15, 2022, from https://www.centerforengagedlearning.org/resources/capstone-experiences/.

Importance of Capstone Projects

Clinical doctoral programs are rigorous and demanding practice-focused programs that are designed to prepare students to become experts in clinical practice settings.  In this vein, capstone projects are heavily focused on innovative and evidence-based practices that not only reflect your ability to transfer didactic knowledge and research findings into a practice setting but to also evaluate and disseminate new knowledge to advance evidence-based care (Anderson, Knestrick & Barroso, 2015).  For example, in a school or university students are continually working on theoretical assignments, which allows them to acquire basic knowledge that supports their career path.  However, the capstone project extends beyond textbooks and classrooms as you begin to become immersed in real-world cases in real-life environments. Capstone projects can help you to become familiar with some of the issues professionals in your chosen area of study and/or interest may commonly face in the field.  Consequently, the experiential learning you will gain from your capstone experience is invaluable in relation to your entry into, and advancement in, your respective profession (Russel, 2022).

Capstone projects are considered scholarly pieces of work.  The intent of capstone projects is to create an effective and comprehensive product that will provide you with an opportunity to showcase your academic abilities, skills, and competencies.  In this fashion, capstone projects can be viewed as a springboard for career advancement or an entrepreneurial venture.  By taking a few steps to understand and prepare for your capstone experience, you will be able to effectively integrate learned knowledge into a real-world issue in a manner that is purposeful, meaningful, and marketable (Refer to Table 1.4:  Preplanning Strategies Students Can Use for Meaningful Capstone Experiences).

Table 1.4:  Preplanning Strategies Students Can Use for Meaningful Capstone Experiences

Understanding what a capstone project is and why it is an important component of academic and professional development will help you appreciate your capstone experience and maybe even enjoy it.  This chapter provided you with tips and strategies that will help you preplan for your capstone project.  The development of a meaningful and robust capstone experience requires a demonstration of need coupled with a professional area of interest (Bednarski, Bell & DeAngelis, 2020).  Preplanning can help ensure that your capstone project is relevant and impactful.

Case Study:  Examples

Glynn is an occupational therapist, who currently works in a physical disability rehabilitation setting.   Glynn is currently participating in a post-professional occupational therapy doctorate (OTD) program in an urban university setting.  According to Glynn’s OTD program, she will begin her capstone courses next semester.  In order for Glynn to prepare for their upcoming capstone experience, they will do the following:

• Review their resume and update it, as necessary
• Update their biographical information
• Review the educational goals of capstone projects within their program of study (OTD)
• Review the format of capstone projects within their program of study (OTD)
• Self-reflect on their professional career and consider topics of interest that could be potential capstone projects
• Glynn is taking an OTD course, which addresses health literacy initiatives for low-health literate patients. Glynn is very intrigued with this topic and is considering this topic for their capstone project.

Optimizing Your Capstone Experience: A Guidebook for Allied Health Professionals Copyright © 2023 by Virginia E. Koenig is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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What is the Capstone Project and how do I complete it?

The Capstone Project is your final course completion requirement and is where you present a practical plan for change: how can you apply what you’ve learned from the course to the real world? The Capstone Project is an opportunity to apply your new skills and knowledge to a practical solution.

Through this project, you will demonstrate your new skills by creating an environmental improvement plan for a digital solution in your own communities and/or contexts, e.g. a digital product ( a website, an app), digital service (online shopping, social media), digital process (virtual meetings, sharing files), or elaborating on ways you plan to raise awareness of green digital skills.

Throughout the course, you can share your ideas with other learners through online forums, whilst reaching out for support and feedback from your facilitator through Weekly Workshops, one-to-one check-ins, and direct messaging.

Join us by adding your own idea or project to thousands of other Capstone projects being created, shared, and executed around the world!

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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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Eğitim Platosu

Capstone projesi nedir.

(CAPSTONE PROJECT)

Capstone deneyimi, son sınıf sergisi ve diğer bir çok isimle de anılan  capstone projesi öğrencilerin lise veya ortaokul son sınıfta veya akademik bir programın sonunda hazırladıkları çok yönlü bir ödevdir. Üniversite tezine benzer yanları olan capstone projesinin ayrıştığı özellik çok farklı şekillerde olabilmesidir. Çoğu nihai bir ürün, sunum veya performansla zirveye ulaşan uzun sureli, sorgulayıcı projelerdir.  Örneğin, öğrenciler ilgilerini çeken bir konu, meslek veya sosyal sorun seçer, bununla ilgili araştırma yürütür, bulgu veya sonuçlar hakkında portfolio hazırlar ve öğrenme edinimlerini ve sonuçlarını gösteren yazı, kısa film, multimedia sunumu gibi nihai bir ürün oluşturur ve bu projenin kalitesini birlikte değerlendirecek öğretmenler ve uzmanlardan oluşan bir grubun  huzurunda sözlü olarak sunarlar.

Capstone projeleri, öğrencilerin eleştirel düşünmelerini, zorlayıcı problemleri çözmelerini sözlü iletişim, topluluk önünde konuşma, araştırma becerileri, medya okuryazarlığı, takım çalışması, planlama, bireysel yeterlilik, hedef belirleme gibi onları üniversiteye, kariyere, yetişkin hayatına hazırlamaya yardımcı olacak becerileri edinmelerini teşvik eder. Çoğu durumda projeler öğrencilerin bir çok farklı branşta beceri sergileyecekleri, sorgulama yapacakları disiplinler arası projelerdir. Capstone projeleri öğrencilerin, projeyi toplumsal konu ve sorunlarla ilişkilendirmelerini, okul dışında röportaj, bilimsel gözlem, staj gibi etkinliklerle edinilen öğrenme deneyimlerini birleştirmelerini de teşvik etme eğilimindedir.

Capstone projeleri şekil açısından okuldan okula değişiklik arz etse de bir kaç örnek, kavramı ve genel eğitim amaçlarını görmemize yardımcı olacaktır.

• Halka açık bir televizyonda yayınlanacak bir toplum hizmeti duyurusunu yazmak, yönetmek, filmini yapmak
• Engellilere yardım gibi bir ihtiyaca yönelik bir ürün, bilgisayar programı, app veya robot tasarlamak ve yapmak
• Yoksulluk, Açlık, Evsizlik gibi sosyal sorunların giderilmesine yönelik strateji ve politikalar hakkında bilgilenmek için kar amacı gütmeyen organizasyonlarda staj yapmak
• Bölgesel habitat üzerinde değişikliğe neden olan ekolojik ve çevresel etkileri belirleyici bir bilimsel çalışmayı birkaç ay veya bir yıl sürdürmek
• Bir endüstri veya pazarı araştırmak, önerilen bir şirkete hayata geçirilebilir bir iş planı oluşturmak ve bu planı iş dünyasının liderlerine sunmak

Karşıt Görüş:

Capstone Projeleri ile ilgili çoğu eleştiri ya da karşıt duruş stratejinin kendisine  veya eğitsel değerine odaklı değildir. Eleştiriler projelerin düşük kalitede tasarlanması veya öğrencilerin düşük akademik standart yansıtan zayıf projeler hazırlamaları ile ilgilidir. Bunun yanı sıra öğretmenlerin ve öğrencilerin bu projeleri bir formalite olarak görmeleri durumunda projelerin düşük kalitede ürünlerle sonuçlanması kaçınılmazdır. Projelerin her geçen sene tutarlı bir şekilde düşük standart, kalite ve eğitsel değer yansıtması durumunda eğitimciler, öğrenciler, veliler ve toplum capstone projelerinin zaman ve kaynak kaybı olduğu görüşünü benimseyebilirler.

http://edglossary.org/capstone-project/

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Six seniors recognized with Dean’s Awards for outstanding capstone projects

Topics include a method to detect earthquake victims and an image-to-text application for the visually impaired.

Six SEAS students have been recognized with Dean’s Award for Outstanding Engineering Projects (Eliza Grinnell/SEAS)

Six students from the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) were recognized with the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Engineering Projects at the recent SEAS Design and Project Fair at the Science and Engineering Complex. Recipients participated in ES100, a year-long capstone course for seniors in the SB engineering program, where each student develops a project to address a real-world engineering problem. The award comes with a prize of $500.

“SEAS students make things that may be really cool, quirky, or fun,” said SEAS Dean David Parkes. “And just as often, their work will help solve a real-world problem and have a significant impact on people’s lives. During ES100, a year-long capstone course for seniors in the SB engineering program, students tackle specific problems. They develop technical specs, design solutions, test their ideas using quantitative analysis and simulations, prototype, and build.”

For the 2023-24 academic year, 42 students completed ES100 projects. Five projects, including one two-student team project, were selected for the award. The award-winning projects covered a broad range of topics, including a remote sensor network for detecting earthquake victims trapped under rubble, an image-to-text application for the visually impaired, a quadcopter drone with enhanced maneuverability, and tool for determining potential water contaminants and suggested filtration solutions in wells.

Serena Zhao’s bioengineering capstone, “Developing Uniform, Photon-Emitting Nanoprobes for Multi-Color Electron Microscopy,” designed nanoprobes that emit colored light when hit by protons from an electron microscope, allowing for much more detailed imaging at the nanoscale level.

“Electron microscopy (EM) images are black and white,” Zhao said. “There’s no specificity, no color labeling. When it comes to studying complex biological processes, that’s a huge disadvantage. My project was trying to build these nanoprobes that emit color under EM, so we can get an electron image, a colored probe image, and then we can overlay them into a colored, labeled image that still has specificity and high resolution.”

The other four award winners were:

• Arba Shkreli and Molly Bosworth , electrical engineering, for their project, “SeASAR: Sensor Application for Search & Rescue in Urban Settings”
• Yasmine Omri, electrical engineering, for her project, “Towards a Real-Time Image-to-Speech Tool for the Visually Impaired: Efficient Hardware for On-device Image Classification”
• Lachlan McGranahan , mechanical engineering, for his project, “Modeling, Simulation, and Control for a Tilt-Rotor Quadcopter”
• Layla Seaver, environmental science and engineering, for her project, “Addressing Forever Chemicals: An Algorithm for PFAS Prediction Modeling and Filter Selection for Private Well-Users”

“I’m interested in using my engineering background to serve actual human needs,” Omri said. “My project falls into a field that we call ‘tiny machine learning.’ I wanted to find a way to run a very complex system locally, with energy efficiency and performance speed. I tried to consolidate it into a practical, application-based system focused specifically on the visually impaired.”

Four SEAS students received Honorable Mention for their senior capstone projects (Eliza Grinnell/SEAS)

Four additional SEAS students received Honorable Mentions for their capstone projects. They are:

• Cherish Jongwe, bioengineering, for his project, “Biofilm-Enhanced Household Water Filtration System for Heavy Metals Removal”
• Nicholas Laws , mechanical engineering, for his project, “Visualization Tool for Chemical Kinetic Pathways in Plasma-Assisted Combustion”
• Anna Ramos, electrical engineering, for her project, “Eye Controls for Quadriplegic Gamers”
• Emma Zuckerman , mechanical engineering, for her project, “Low Reynolds Number Anemometer for Earth’s Stratosphere and the Martian Atmosphere”

Seaver also received a $500 award from the Society of American Military Engineers. A former project lead and co-president of the Harvard chapter of Engineers Without Borders, Seaver has devoted most of her Harvard career to water research and infrastructure development.

“I took Elsie Sunderland’s class on toxicology, which introduced the idea of forever chemicals and contaminants like PFAS,” Seaver said. “When it came time to choose a thesis topic, I thought about the importance of these emerging contaminants for water quality and public health, and how I had the opportunity to work with one of the leading experts in this field through Elsie’s lab. If I could create a tool to make that information from the lab more readily available to users, that’d be the best way I could have an impact with my thesis.”

After she graduates, she’ll be working on water projects at the Boston office of Kleinfelder, an engineering firm.

“One of their most recent developments is looking at PFAS removal technology at the municipal level, which I’m really excited about,” she said.

Topics: Academics , Dean , Awards , Bioengineering , Electrical Engineering , Environmental Science & Engineering , Materials Science & Mechanical Engineering

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MSU Extension AgrAbility

Agrability mechanical engineering capstone project designs portable swarm trap lifter for veteran beekeeper.

Samantha Wolfe <[email protected]> , Michigan State University Extension - May 08, 2024

During the Spring 2024 Design Day, mechanical engineering seniors presented their portable swarm trap hive lifter, which they referred to as the Bee Environment Elevation System (BEES).

On April 19, 2024, members of the Mechanical Engineering Design capstone course at Michigan State University presented their design for a portable swarm trap lifter. The equipment was created for AgrAbility client and Heroes to Hives program instructor, Gary Brown, who has a back injury that limits his ability to climb a ladder or move heavy equipment.

“We chose this project because we knew that it would have a community impact,” Bennett Guensche of Grand Rapids said. “Our team wanted to do something that would benefit the user well beyond the end of the semester.” The team was comprised of Guensche, along with Bradley Haskin, Amanda Jeffers, Brandon Roux, and Daniel Staal. None of the students had any prior experience with beekeeping or AgrAbility.

Working directly with AgrAbility staff, MSU Extension staff, and the client, the student team learned about swarms and the unique context for swarm traps. From there, they designed the swarm trap lifter, which is portable and operates with the help of a battery-powered winch system that raises the trap from three to seven feet. From there, the user can slide the swarm trap off the shelf and onto a nail already in place on the tree or take down the swarm trap to relocate a honey bee swarm into a hive. The students also created a document with detailed step-by-step instructions on how to build the swarm trap lifter and where to procure supplies, simplifying the process for anyone who may be interested in recreating their design for their own operation.

The team also ensured that the design was financially accessible; Guensche commented that building the device out of wood was challenging for their team but because the average beekeeper would not have access to the machining equipment in their class, they had to work within that parameter to keep the design simple and inexpensive. Materials for the portable swarm trap lifter cost between $300 and $400, depending on whether the beekeeper decides to utilize an electric winch or a hand crank system to raise and lower the platform. Overall, the design costs about 10x less than typical electric lifters found online. Soon after the event, the design team delivered the finished product to the AgrAbility client.

“He was very pleased to see that all it required was the press of a button to lift and lower the box,” Guensche said. “We fulfilled all his wants and needs with the device. We showed it to him at his local VFW post where he has a few bee hives in the back. This is also where he does his bee classes and teaches others how to bee keep. He brought out his box with him so we could test it with the real thing. That was the first time we ever tested it on dirt, and we were pleased to see that it still functioned as intended and the lifter was stable.”

“It was a great project for them, and I feel that they had some great head scratches during the development of the Swarm Trap Lifter,” Brown said.

AgrAbility has sponsored 22 mechanical engineering capstone projects since 2015. Past projects include an automatic gate opener, a folding tractor step, an outdoor wood furnace loader, and other beekeeping equipment that alleviate lifting constraints. These assistive technologies have helped improve quality of life for numerous AgrAbility clients. In 2023, the program assisted 215 clients across the state. The mission of AgrAbility is to improve the quality of life for farmers with a disability, injury, or illness through direct technical assistance and implementation of assistive technology on the farm to simplify tasks and keep people farming.

AgrAbility is a U.S. Department of Agriculture -funded program that assists farmers with a disability, illness, or injury, and in Michigan it’s operated as a partnership between Michigan State University and EastersealsMORC . Design Day is the culmination of a semester-long capstone course for all engineering students and provides an opportunity for students to “use the technical expertise, communication skills, and teaming methodologies… to solve real world problems,” according to the 2024 Design Day booklet . (See page 142 for the AgrAbility project.)      

This project was supported by the AgrAbility Competitive Program of the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), grant number 2014-41590-22327. It was also supported by the Enhancing Agricultural Opportunities for Military Veterans grant, award no. 2021-77028-35274 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension . For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu . To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters . To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts , or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

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Live Streamed: A History of the Live Streaming Medium - Blake Harrison

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My capstone project is a documentary film about the history of the live streaming medium, focusing on the growth and development of the medium by discussing topics such as Twitch, Creator Contracts, and COVID-19.

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Blake Harrison

Blake Harrison is a Media Production major with a minor in Sports Media. Growing up in Connecticut, Blake found a passion for anything creative. From building Legos as a child to creating documentary films in college, he has left no stone unturned while pursuing his passion. His interests lie in sports specifically, where he hopes to eventually pursue a career in sports broadcasting, working as a producer. He dreams of one day producing his own 30 for 30 style documentary.

Live Streamed: A History of the Live Streaming Medium

This project looks at the history of live streaming, a medium that hasn’t really been explored too much. Starting with its conception by the company XEROX, live streaming eventually blew up, turning into a massive social media industry where viewers could create their own content live. Through the use of interviews and found footage, this documentary aims to tell the story of the medium of live streaming, looking at its inception, booms, busts, and all the interesting decisions companies have made over the years to lead us to the live streaming landscape there is today.

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College of Engineering

Mechanical Engineering Seniors Design Equipment for B-52s at Barksdale AFB

BATON ROUGE, LA – As part of their senior capstone project, six LSU Mechanical Engineering seniors have been working with Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City, La., to design an apparatus that will enable airmen to more easily work on or change out the engines on their B-52 bombers. Considering Barksdale AFB houses 26 B-52s, and each B-52 has eight engines, the students’ design should definitely come in handy.

Hannah Beene of Cyber Innovation Center, an innovation arm of the Air Force Global Strike Command Office of the Chief Scientist headquartered at Barksdale AFB, has been the point of contact between the LSU students and Barksdale AFB.

“Our role is to further AFGSC’s mission by fostering innovation and collaboration between industry, academia, business, and government to meet technology challenges,” Beene said.

When ME seniors Vaughn Bell of Ponchatoula, La.; Seth Chiasson of Denham Springs, La.; Matthew Day of Slaughter, La.; Sydney Gambino of Madisonville, La.; Stephen Freemen of Katy, Texas; and Ryan Purvis of Mandeville, La.; saw they had an opportunity to work on a project involving a B-52, they jumped at the chance.

“When it came time to choose my capstone project, I was excited as soon as I saw B-52 on the project list and immediately knew that was my top choice,” Bell said.

In October 2023, the students traveled to Barksdale AFB to see the B-52 engine in person and take measurements and photos to help them design their engine stand. The Air Force’s request was that they design something lighter and more compact than their current stand, which resembles a boat trailer and takes up much-needed room on the C-17 plane that flies alongside the B-52, carrying necessary cargo such as two spare engines.

The students’ design consists of four 3-ft.-high jack-stands that form a 4.5-ft. by 10.5-ft. rectangle supporting four aluminum I-beams on each corner and two long steel tubes that will hold two 80-lb. adapters a little more than 10 ft. apart that ultimately touch and support the engine. The whole stand holds up to 6,000 lbs., the estimated weight of a single B-52 engine.

The students tested their stand at Reeb Rigging in Baton Rouge, where they were able to load 6,000 lbs. on their stand. The students also worked with Brock Group in Port Allen, which did some welding on the stand while the students themselves cut the materials to size in the LSU Advanced Manufacturing and Machining Facility (AAMF) across from Patrick F. Taylor Hall.

The team also performed a timed test to make sure its stand could be assembled in 15 minutes or less. When disassembled, the entire stand fits into a 24x60x24-inch D box that goes on the C-17 plane to hold a damaged engine if it needs to be replaced. While the C-17 carries a spare engine for the left and right side of the B-52, the B-52 itself carries eight engines at a time (up to 48,000 lbs.) in pods supported by four pylons beneath the wings’ leading edge. Their placement allows them to work as wing fences and delay the onset of a stall.

What makes the B-52 so unique is its size and function. The 185-ft. wide plane weighs 185,000 lbs. and was designed and built by Boeing for the U.S. Air Force in the 1950s. Its purpose was to carry nuclear weapons during the Cold War era, though NASA used it for 40 years as an air-launch and testbed aircraft. The B-52’s ability to stay in the air for more than 72 hours at a time, along with its excellent performance at high subsonic speeds, are why the USAF still uses the B-52 today.

“What I’ve enjoyed most about this project is getting the chance to say I’ve designed and worked on something for the B-52 engine,” Freeman said. “I don’t know who wouldn’t find that interesting.”

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81-year-old veteran earns master’s degree in aviation from Liberty

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May 10, 2024 : By Ted Allen - Office of Communications & Public Engagement

At 81, Nicholas Schillen, a U.S. Air Force veteran who completed his M.S. in Aeronautics through Liberty University Online Programs in December, is the oldest graduate among the 29,000-plus students in the Class of 2024.

He and his wife drove from their home near Miami to Lynchburg, Va., so he could see the university for the first time, attend Liberty’s Military Graduate Recognition Ceremony on Thursday morning, and walk the stage at Thursday afternoon’s School of Aeronautics degree presentation ceremony.

In the early 1960s, Schillen studied marine biology at colleges in Texas and Indiana before following an alternate flight plan.

“I had to make a career decision,” he said. “Do I go into the air or into the water? My dad said, ‘No more school for you. Get a job.’ So I went into the Air Force.”

Schillen, who was born in Venezuela, and his wife, Maria, who was born in Chile, both grew up in Havana, Cuba. They met while serving in the U.S. Air Force on the same base at the Panama Canal.

Schillen’s military career stretched from 1963-87, and he rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Starting as a radar navigator and bombardier in B-52s during the Cold War, he received his pilot’s wings and flew special operations missions aboard C-47 Skytrains in Vietnam in the late 1960s before working with the Defense Intelligence Agency and being assigned as an aviation military advisor to several posts in Central America.

“That was kind of interesting and pretty rewarding, working on operations in Panama, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Guatemala,” Schillen said. “Invariably, I was involved in assignments with other U.S. service members in special forces and Navy SEALS, as well as host country military units. I was in the Air Force side of those activities.”

In civilian life, he started as an instructor at Eastern Air Lines and subsequently taught in the Air Force Junior ROTC program for 10 years before starting his own flight school and serving as a chief pilot for NS Aviation Training, Inc., from 2000-18. A year later, he became the chief instructor for Atlantis Aviation Flight Academy, an FAA-approved Part 141 flight school that trained international students in Pembroke Pines, Fla., from 2019-21.

Schillen’s specialties include commercial certification and instrument-rated single and multiengine flight instruction. He also specializes in preparing commercial pilots to become flight instructors. To promote his instructional expertise, Schillen launched MN Aviation Consultants, Inc ., in 2018. As its owner and CEO, he provides one-on-one flight instruction to recreational pilots and those seeking professional certification. Additionally, he has provided consulting services in quality control and standardization of training procedures to several South Florida flight schools.

Schillen said he heard about Liberty through associations in his flight school and felt an immediate connection due to Liberty’s nationally recognized military friendliness.

“I felt welcome, you know?” he said.

Pursuing his master’s degree gave Schillen a whole new perspective on general aviation and the flight training industry in particular.

“If you do something in your skill and your area of expertise after a while, you think you know it all, at least I did, but that’s not true,” he said. “I broadened my view of aviation. I’ve been a very hands-on, operational type of pilot, and I wasn’t familiar with many of the topics covered, aviation law, for example. Of course, I’m a history buff, so that aspect of the courses was of great interest to me.”

It had been more than 50 years since he had enrolled in college coursework, and Schillen quickly discovered that the road to a master’s degree wasn’t going to be easy.

“Well, if anybody thinks it’s going to be a cakewalk, I tell them, ‘Don’t even try it,’” Schillen said. “It’s work, and you’ve got to put in the time and effort. If you follow the process, the way Liberty does it, and you dedicate your mind to it, it will pay off.”

He said the process was extremely rewarding.

“People ask me, ‘Why would you get a master’s at this point in your career?’” Schillen said. “Completing it was a big measure of honor in and of itself. I graduated with distinction, which I never thought I could or would. But I just did my best. If I made a mistake, the instructor let me know. Their feedback was always excellent, and so were their words of encouragement.”

For his capstone project, he designed a course to teach pilots who want to become FAA-certified flight instructors. Schillen’s professor was Jim Molloy, a former dean of the School of Aeronautics, and a fellow Air Force veteran now serving with Samaritan’s Air in North Africa.

“He had also served in the Defense Intelligence Agency and had done a lot of the same work that I used to do when I was in the military, so we had something in common,” Schillen said. “I felt that there was a degree of familiarity. I struggled with the research, and he kept pushing me.”

Schillen, who said he has always lived by the Golden Rule, especially with regards to the way he has operated his flight school, said the main benefit he received from his online studies through Liberty was the strengthening of his faith.

“I’ve always been spiritual,” said Schillen, who was baptized into the Catholic faith but has been influenced by friends who were Protestant believers throughout his military and civilian career. “I believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God, but I never took my faith too seriously until I started taking master’s level courses. The concept of writing a paper about aviation leaders in military history or flight safety through a biblical lens was new to me. So that approach was very significant to me. It made me more knowledgeable and gave me the confidence to speak and to train from a spiritual perspective.”

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