capstone project apa format

AP Capstone Project: APA Format & Paper Organization

• APA Format & Paper Organization
• Quantitative Research
• How to Avoid Scientific Misconduct

Your Capstone Paper

Your capstone paper will fall into one of the following categories:

L iterature review :   A literature review is a critical summary of what the scientific literature says about your specific topic or question. This kind of paper demonstrates your familiarity with work in the field. If you chose to research a certain topic or concept in depth, you will most likely write a literature review.

Experimental Report:   If you conducted original research for your capstone or collected data based on observations , your paper will be an experimental report. You will still need to include a summary of the past and current research about your topic, but unlike a literature review, you will also include some analysis as well as your own data gathered from an experiment or observations. 

Everyone's capstone paper should contain the following elements: a title page, abstract, introduction, body, conclusion, and reference list.   Click on the link below to open and make a copy of the capstone paper template. If you have any questions, please come see Ms. Forfa (earlier is always better!)

Capstone Paper Editable Template

Other Helpful Resources:

• Help with In-Text Citations in APA Format
• APA Sample Paper This is useful, especially if you need help formatting your reference list!
• Citing & Referencing in APA Format
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Citation Help for APA, 7th Edition: Master's Thesis, Dissertation, or Capstone Project

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• Encyclopedia
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• Movies & Streaming Video
• Newspaper Article
• Personal Communication (email, interviews, lectures, course materials, etc.)
• Webpages & Websites
• Formatting Your Paper
• In-text Citations
• Ethically Use Sources

Introduction

When creating references for dissertations, theses, and projects, you will need to determine the correct reference type to follow. Dissertations, theses, and projects are generally divided into two separate groups; those that are published and those that are unpublished.

In most cases, unpublished projects are those that are in print and available only from the degree-granting institution. On the other hand, published projects are those that are available in a database, a university archive, or a personal website. 

Variations - URLs?

Some URLs may be long and complicated. APA 7th edition allows the use of shorter URLs. Shortened URLs can be created using any URL shortener service; however, if you choose to shorten the URL, you must double-check that the URL is functioning and brings the reader to the correct website. 

Common URL Shortner websites include:

More Information

For more information about URLs, see Section 9.36 on page 300 of APA Manual, 7th edition. 

NOTE:  Check your instructor's preference about using short URLs. Some instructors may want the full URL. 

Variations - DOIs?

Some DOIs may be long and complicated. APA 7th edition allows the use of shorter DOI numbers. Shortened DOIs can be located at the International DOI Foundations, shortDOI Service . 

More Information:

For more information about DOIs, see Section 9.36 on page 300 of APA Manual, 7th edition. 

NOTE: Check your instructor's preference for using short DOIs. Some instructors may want the full DOI. 

Variations - Live Hyperlinks?

Should my urls be live.

It depends. When adding URLs to a paper or other work, first, be sure to include the full hyperlink. This includes the http:// or the https://. Additionally, consider where and how the paper or work will be published or read. If the work will only be read in print or as a Word doc or Google Doc, then the URLs should not be live (i.e., they are not blue or underlined). However, if the work will be published or read online, then APA advises to include live URLs. This would allow the reader to click on a link and go to the source.   

For more information, see Section 9.35 on pages 299-300 of the APA Manual, 7th edition. 

NOTE: Check your instructor's preference about using live URLs. Some instructors may not want you to use live URLs. 

Print Master's Thesis, Dissertation, or Project

When creating references for dissertations, theses, and projects, you will need to determine the correct reference type to follow. Dissertations, theses, and projects are generally divided into two separate groups; those that are published and those that are unpublished. In most cases, unpublished projects are those that are in print and available only from the degree-granting institution. 

Panasuk, K. N. (2008). What variables appear to work in stress management programs in the workplace and how effective are

these  programs  [Unpublished master’s final project]? The College of St. Scholastica.

Author: Panasuk, K. N.

Begin the reference with the author's last name first. then, add the initials for the first and middle names (if the middle name or middle initial is provided). add a period after each initial, and if there is a middle initial, add a space between the initials., year of publication: (2008)..

Next, in parentheses, list the year of publication, which appears on the title page or the title verso page (back side of title page). Follow the parentheses with a period.   

Title & Subtitle of the Book: What variables appear to work in stress management programs in the workplace and how effective are these programs [Unpublished master's final project]?

Next, add the title and subtitle of the master's thesis, dissertation, final applied project, or capstone. The title and subtitle are separated by a colon. Capitalize only the first word of the title and subtitle and all proper nouns.  Italicize the title and subtitle. Do not add a period immediately after the title. Instead, add brackets with the type of project (Master's project, doctoral dissertation, etc.) you are referencing. Before the type of project add "Unpublished". When choosing wording to describe the project, use the language the degree-granting institution uses to describe the project (e.g., Master's thesis, Doctoral dissertation, Final Applied Project, Capstone Project, Clinical Project, etc.). Add a period after the brackets. If the title has a question mark or exclamation mark, replace the period after the brackets with the proper punctuation mark used in the title.   

Source Information: The College of St. Scholastica.

Complete the reference with the source information, which is the full name of the college or university awarding the degree. add a period after the institution's name.  more information:.

For more information about master's theses, dissertations, or capstone projects, Section 10.6 on pages 333-334 in the APA Manual, 7th edition.

Parenthetical Citation Example:

 (Panasuk, 2008)

Narrative Citation Example:

Panasuk (2008) identified ...

For more information about author format within parenthetical and narrative citations, see Section 8.17 and Table 8.1 on page 266 of the APA Manual, 7th edition. 

Master's Thesis Published in a Commercial Database (like ProQuest Dissertations & Theses)

When creating references for dissertations, theses, and projects, you will need to determine the correct reference type to follow. Dissertations, theses, and projects are generally divided into two separate groups; those that are published and those that are unpublished. In most cases, published projects are those that are available in a database, a university archive, or a personal website. 

Skallet, S. (2016). Environmental approval duration estimating model for improved linear energy construction project schedules  (Publication No.

10125148)  [Master's capstone project, The College of St. Scholastica]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses. 

Author: Skallet, S.

Begin the reference with the author's last name first. then, add the initials for the author's first and middle names (if a middle name or middle initial is provided). add a period after each initial, and if there is a middle initial, add a space between the initials.     year of publication: (2016)..

Next, in parentheses, add the year of publication, which appears on the title page or the title page verso (back side of title page). Follow the parentheses with a period.   

Title & Subtitle of the Book:  Environmental approval duration estimating model for improved linear energy construction project schedules  (Publication No. 10125148) [Master's capstone project, The College of St. Scholastica].

Next, add the title and subtitle (if there is a subtitle) of the capstone, final applied project, thesis, or dissertation. Separate the title and subtitle with a colon. Capitalize only the first word of the title and subtitle and all proper nouns. Italicize the title. Do NOT add a period after the title.

After the title, in parentheses, add the publication number (normally found in the record of the project within ProQuest). Before the publication number put "Publication No." Do NOT add a period after the parentheses. 

After the publication number, add brackets with the type of project (Master's thesis, Master's capstone project, doctoral dissertation, etc.) you are referencing. Use the language described by the degree-granting institution to describe the project. Then, add a comma and the name of the institution. Add a period after the brackets.      

Source Information: ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. 

Complete the reference with the commercial database where you found the masters thesis/project. end with a period.    more information:  .

For more information on Master's Theses/Projects, see Section 10.6 on pages 333-334 in the APA Manual, 7th edition.

 (Skallet, 2016)

Skallet (2016) argued ...

Dissertation Published Online

Adame, A. (2019). Fully immersed, fully present: Examining the user experience through the multimodal presence scale and virtual reality gaming

variables [Master's thesis, California State University San Bernardino]. CSUSB ScholarWorks Electronic Theses, Projects, &

Dissertations.  https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd/918/

Author: Adame, A. 

Begin the reference with the author's last name first. Then, add the initials of the author's first and middle names (if a middle name or middle initial is provided). Add a period after each initial, and if there is a middle initial, add a space between the initials. 

Year of Publication: (2019). 

Next, in parentheses, add the year of publication, which appears on the title page or the title verso page (back side of the title page). Follow the parentheses with a period. 

Title & Subtitle of the Book: Fully immersed, fully present: Examining the user experience through the multimodal presence scale and virtual reality gaming variables [Master's thesis, California State University San Bernardino]. 

Next, add the title and subtitle (if there a subtitle present) of the thesis or project. Separate the title and subtitle with a colon. Capitalize only the first word of the title and subtitle as well as proper nouns. Italicize the title and subtitle. Do NOT add a period after the title. Instead, after the title, add brackets with the type of project (Master's thesis, doctoral dissertation, etc.) you are referencing. Use the language described by the degree-granting institution to describe the project. Then, add a comma and the name of the institution. Add a period after the brackets.   

Source Information: CSUSB ScholarWorks Electronic Theses, Projects, & Dissertations.  https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd/918/

Complete the reference with the name of the website or archive where you found the project. After the name of the website or archive, add a period. Then, add the URL to the project. 

For more information about Master's Theses or Projects, see Section 10.6 on page 333 and example 66 on page 334 in the APA Manual, 7th edition. 

(Adame, 2019)

Adame (2019) distinguished between ...

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GME 6990: Capstone Project: APA 7th Ed.

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Citation tools are often available in many databases.  Databases will create the citation for an article in the style you want.  However, formatting does not always copy correctly and you may need to adjust indentations and confirm that the information requested by your instructor is included in the citation generated.  It can be a real time saver.  See the tutorials below:

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Below are APA resources (from the APA!) that you can download or print for guidance: 

• APA 7th Edition: Student Paper Setup Guide
• Major Changes from 6th to 7th APA Edition
• APA In-Text Citations
• APA Referencing Various Electronic Resources
• APA Heading Levels Template: Student Paper
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Learning APA from Dr. Staci Garvin

Utilize these PowerPoints to help you learn proper scholarly citation techniques. Understanding this process is essential in higher education.

• Dr. Garvin's Direct Quotations for APA
• Dr. Garvin's In-Text Citations, Paraphrase & Quotations for APA
• Dr. Garvin's In-Text Citations APA
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APA Formatting and Style Guide (7th Edition)

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Resources on using in-text citations in APA style

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How to Use this Site

This site is designed for Cleary University undergraduate students as a guide to APA 7th, the style used to format papers and capstones. 

Graduate student working on their program capstones should consult the APA 7 Professional guide . For regular course capstones and assignments, use the student version.

APA Annotated Bibliography Directions

• Below this main information box, you will find two columns of information, beginning with the REFERENCE FORMAT box and the IN-TEXT CITATIONS box.  Both boxes use an accordion menu.  You can check and compare how the most common information formats are referenced and cited within APA 7th. Beneath that, you will find additional links to resources that go into more detail and cover other topics beyond the basics.

REFERENCE FORMAT

Below are examples of how to format References:

• Author(s). Note: List each author's last name and initials as Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. If there is no author, spell out the name of the organization or site.
• (Year, Month Date). Note: Provide as specific a date as is available, but may be only the year. If there is no date use (n.d.).
• Title of page or section . Note: Italicize the title of the page.
• Source. Note: Usually the official name of the website. If the source would be the same as the author, you can omit the source to avoid repetition.

YouTube Video

• Author Note: List each author's last name and initials as Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. If there is no author, spell out the name of the organization or site.
• (Year, Month #).

Article from ProQuest

• Author's last name, First initial, Second initial. Note: Second initial may not be available. For articles with no author, begin the citation with the title of the article - see "How Stan Lee transformed..." example above.
• (Year). or (Year, Month Date). Note: Months should be spelled out, not abbreviated.
• Article title with only first word and proper nouns capitalized.
• Journal title,
• volume# (issue#), Note: Not all sources will have a volume and issue number.
• beginning page number-ending page number.
• Author's last name, First initial. Second initial. Note: Second initial may not be available.
• Book title,

Infographic or Picture

• (Year). or (Year, Month #).
• [Infograph]. or [Photograph] .

Report or Grey Literature

• Title of report.
• Publisher Name.

Dissertation or Thesis

• Author Note: List each author's last name and initials as Author, A. A.
• Title of dissertation or thesis.
• [Doctoral dissertation, Name of University]. or [Master thesis, Name of University].
• Source. (This could be the name of the database or repository.)

Interview, Personal Communication, Email

• Published interviews may appear in magazines, recorded on the radio, from a TV show or YouTube video (among other places). Follow the format for the reference type (i.e., magazine article, YouTube video, etc.) if the interview has been published or officially recorded.
• Personal communications such as personal interviews, emails, text messages, online chats, telephone conversations, and unrecorded lectures do not appear in the references list in an APA manuscript. Check under "In-Text Citations" on this page for examples of how to represent personal interviews and other personal communications in the text of your paper.
• Research participant interviews are those conducted by you as part of your research methodology. They do not require APA Style. APA has more instructions in section 8.36. Contact [email protected] for more information.

Book or Book Chapter

• Book chapter title . (If you are citing a specific chapter, otherwise leave it out.)
• Title of book. (Book title should be italicized.)
• (#th ed., pp. ##-##). The ordinal number (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.) edition of the book is indicated when possible, followed by the page numbers indicated by "pp." and followed by the specific page or page range of the material cited.

ADDITIONAL REFERENCE EXAMPLES

Facebook posts

PowerPoint presentation

Speech transcript

Twitter references

APA 7 Handouts

• What are In-Text Citations?
• What is APA 7th?
• APA 7 Cheat Sheet

IN-TEXT CITATIONS

Below are examples of how to format in-text citations.

• According to the experts (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2018), people can take steps to reduce their chances for getting cancer.
• Situation more than personality may predict procrastination (Price, 2018).
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2018) suggests there are steps people can take to reduce their chances for getting cancer.
• Price (2018) asserts that, "Situational constraints typically predict behavior far better than personality..." (p. 5).
• It is difficult to study jellyfish because they are so fragile, being 95% water (Harvard University, 2019).
• Cats can be taught to turn on a light switch (Norton, 2006).
• A recent Harvard University (2019) video explains why jellyfish are so difficult to study.
• According to Norton (2006), cats can be taught how to operate a light switch.
• China's Pearl River Delta is experiencing an explosion of development and innovation due to expanding trade initiatives (Bedir & Hilgefort, 2019).
• Stan Lee transformed comic books from a lowly art form to a cultural phenomenon ("How Stan Lee transformed the comics business...", 2018).
• Portland State University offers a course on the philosophy and comic books (Schelzi, 2010).
• Bedir and Hilgefort (2019) outline how trade and innovation is changing China's Pearl River Delta.
• NA . [Note: Narrative citations are difficult to construct when your source's author is unknown, as is the case with the article "How Stan Lee transformed the comics business...".]
• Student reporter Schelzi (2010) quotes Portland State University professor, Mike Fischetti, who states, "Comic books can go just as deep as any piece of literature, and they can be just as visual stunning as any film..." (para. 13).
• Dylan's Wedding Song portrays the idea that love can be a weapon to exact justice (Brown, 2014).
• According to Brown (2014), " Highway 61 Revisited contained the most adventurous lyrics of any rock songs to date..." (p.41).
• Data shows that interest in powdered milk purchasing increased during the spring of 2020 (Statista, 2020).
• The U.S. military advertises the possibility of soldiers participating in scientific professions (United States Army, 2020).
• Statista (2020) recorded a significantly increased rate of interest in powdered milk by consumers in the spring.
• The United States Army (2020) promotes the possibility that enlistees participate in science careers.

Report and Grey Literature

• Research has shown that tropical deforestation is a significant contributing factor to global warming (Baral et al., 2019).
• People diagnosed with cancer must deal with a myriad of emotions (National Cancer Institute, 2019).
• Baral et al. (2019) analyze the state of deforestation in southeast Asia.
• The National Cancer Institute (2019) maintains the importance for cancer patients to express their feelings in coping with the disease.
• There have been few studies of how churches align their IT and business plans (Heist, 2011).
• Anxiety can serve a useful role in one's life by contributing to success on the job, however, it can also become maladaptive and contribute to poor health (Zambrano-Vazquez, 2016).
• Heist (2011) observed, "...many church organizations place an emphasis on IT, but not on the processes and planning" (p. 158).
• In her recent dissertation, Zambrano-Vazquez (2016) examined how anxiety and certain neurological conditions are related.
• As librarian, I emailed faculty regarding the importance of the ProQuest database for student research (J. Scales, personal communication, February 4, 2020).
• J. Scales (personal communication, February 4, 2020) stressed that ProQuest is an important resource for student research.
• Cats have their own distinct painting styles, though most of them prefer modern techniques (Busch & Silver, 1994).
• Companies that use only three or four sigma have increased operating costs that waste money (Pyzdek & Keller, 2018).
• Busch and Silver (1994) promoted the idea that cats create "art installations" when they scratch old furniture such as worn couches.
• Pyzdek and Keller (2018) state that, "Companies operating at three or four signma typically spend between 24 and 40% of their revenues fixing problems (p. 5).

MORE APA RESOURCES...

APA 7 Style and Grammar Guidelines Main Page

Selected Resources from the APA 7 Guide:

Bias-free language

Sexual Orientation

DOIs and URLs  (If the URL is too long...)

Grammar details

Missing Reference Information

Paper formatting details

Paraphrasing

Quotations (Short quotations, block quotations, w/narrative or parenthetical citations)

Formatting APA 7th Student Paper

Title Page & Page Numbers -- 2:05 Spacing & Font -- 5:02 Body Paragraphs, Indents -- 8:09 Abbreviations -- 9:05 References vs. In-text Citations -- 9:28 The References Page -- 10:01 Dates -- 10:40 Hanging Indents (References) -- 11:35 Block (Long) Quotations -- 12:39 Second-Level Titles (Headings) -- 13:18

Writing and Plagiarism

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APA 7th Professional Version for Graduate Student Capstones

Graduate students working on MBA or MS program capstones should consult resources on the " APA 7th (Professional)" page . For regular course capstones and assignments, use the student version.

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CAPSTONE PROJECT: Parts of a Capstone Project

• Parts of a Capstone Project
• Voice in the Capstone Project
• Analysis of Qualitative Data

What a Table of Contents Could Contain

I      Introduction        A     Statement Of Problem/Opportunity (Research Question)        B     Background, Context, And Significance Of Study        C     Project Researcher Identification II     Literature Review        A     Subheadings (Themes Discovered In Review)        B     Notice Of Gaps In Knowledge III    Methods        A     Subjects/Participants        B     Data Collection Approaches/Strategies              1     Advantage Of Strategy              2     Limitation Of Strategy              3     Potential Risk              4     Ethical Issues About Collection Upon The Subjects/Participants        C     Data Analysis Approaches And/Or Software (NOT The Results Themselves, Just How You Are Going To Analyze The Data – Coding Method, Analysis Of Interviews/Recordings, Mathematics And Stats Analysis) IV     Results, Findings, Interpretation, And Discussion V      Recommendations, Application, And Conclusion VI     Reference Pages

What Goes Into Each Section

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How to Write a Capstone Project Outline Guide with Examples

Updated 02 Sep 2024

Embarking on a capstone project is a thrilling and pivotal moment in your academic journey. It culminates years of hard work, knowledge acquisition, and intellectual growth. 

The capstone project outline serves as your project's roadmap, guiding you through the research, analysis, and presentation of your findings. It brings clarity to your objectives, ensuring that you stay focused on the core purpose of your project. Moreover, it acts as a communication tool, enabling effective collaboration with your project advisor and providing a framework for valuable feedback and guidance.

Throughout this blog post, we will delve into the key components of a capstone project outline, offering insights into each section's purpose and the content they should contain. We will also discuss common mistakes to avoid, ensuring that your outline remains focused, comprehensive, and aligned with your project's objectives.

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Why is creating a capstone project outline a good idea?

What is a capstone project in general? It is a final academic endeavor where students apply their knowledge and skills to tackle real-world issues or delve into specific areas of interest. To get the most out of it, you need to take some time and create an outline, as it holds significant importance. Here is why a capstone project outline is so important:

Organization and Structure.  It acts as a guide, helping you navigate the vast amount of information, research, and ideas you have gathered. By outlining the structure and flow of your project, you can ensure that your work remains focused and organized. It lets you break down your project into manageable sections, making the entire process more approachable.

Clarity of Objectives.  By clearly stating your research question or problem statement, you can maintain a clear focus and direction throughout your project. This clarity ensures that you stay on track and that every aspect of your work aligns with your intended purpose.

Communication and Feedback.  Think of the capstone project outline as a communication tool. It allows you to collaborate with your project advisor or supervisor effectively. Sharing your outline early on enables them to provide valuable feedback, ensuring that your project meets the academic requirements and aligns with the expected standards. Their guidance can help refine your ideas, suggest additional sources or methodologies, and prevent pitfalls.

Time Management.  You can effectively plan and prioritize your work by breaking down your project into smaller sections within allocated time frames. This approach helps you avoid the stress of last-minute rushing and ensures a more balanced and systematic project progression.

Evaluation and Assessment.  It acts as a reference point for both yourself and your evaluator to gauge the progress and development of your work. It allows you to cover all the aspects of your project and meet the required standards.

Capstone project outline in a nutshell

While writing a capstone paper outline, there are several key components to include:

• Introduction: Begin your outline with an introduction that provides an overview of the project. State the problem statement or research question you aim to address and explain why the topic is so important. 
• Objectives: Clearly define the objectives of your capstone project. What specific outcomes or goals do you intend to achieve? List them concisely and ensure they align with the project's overall purpose.
• Literature Review: Include a section dedicated to the literature review in your outline. Outline the main theories, concepts, and prior research relevant to your topic. This section should demonstrate your understanding of the existing knowledge in the field.
• Methodology: Describe the methodology you will employ to answer your research question or solve the problem. Outline the data collection methods, analysis techniques, and any other relevant procedures you will use.
• Results and Analysis: Outline how you will present and analyze the data or information you have collected. Specify the techniques, tools, or models you will utilize to interpret the results and draw meaningful conclusions.
• Discussion: Dedicate a section to discussing your findings about your research objectives. Analyze the implications, limitations, and potential applications of your results. Engage in critical thinking and consider alternative perspectives.
• Conclusion: Summarize the main findings and conclusions of your capstone project. Highlight the significance of your work and its contribution to the field. Emphasize any recommendations or future research directions that emerge from your study.
• References: Include a list of the sources you have cited throughout your outline. Follow a consistent citation style (e.g., APA, MLA) and ensure the accuracy and completeness of the references.

Remember, this outline is a flexible framework that will guide you as you write your capstone project. It provides a structure to help you stay focused and organized throughout the process. Adapt it based on your specific project's requirements and your advisor's guidance.

Creating a capstone project outline 

Many students have questions about how to write a capstone project outline. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Understand what you’re asked to write 

Start by thoroughly understanding the requirements and guidelines provided by your institution or capstone project supervisor. Familiarize yourself with the expectations, formatting guidelines, and any specific elements they want you to include in the outline. 

💡 Extra tip: Pay close attention to any sections or subsections that must be included. Understanding the requirements from the outset will help you structure your outline effectively.

Step 2: Determine the Key Sections

Identify the main sections that must be included in your capstone project outline. Common sections typically involve an introduction, literature review, methodology, results and analysis, discussion, and conclusion. However, this may vary depending on your field and project requirements.

💡 Extra tip: You can start by researching examples of capstone project outlines within your field to understand the typical sections included. Adapt and customize them to fit the specific needs of your project. 

Step 3: Craft precise section headings

Create clear and concise headings for each section of your outline. These headings should accurately reflect the content and purpose of each section.

💡 Extra tip:  Use clear and descriptive language in your headings to provide a snapshot of each section's cover. It will make it easier for you and others to navigate through the outline.

Step 4: Break down each section

Break down each section into subsections or bullet points to further detail the content you plan to include. This step helps you organize your thoughts and ensures comprehensive project coverage.

💡 Extra tip: Prioritize logical flow and coherence when breaking down each section. Arrange the subsections to enhance the understanding of your project's progression and argument.

Step 5: Provide brief descriptions or key points

Under each sub-section, include brief descriptions or key points that outline the main ideas or arguments you intend to present. These descriptions serve as a roadmap for your writing process.

💡 Extra tip:  Be concise and specific when outlining key points. Aim for clarity and avoid being overly general or vague. These descriptions will guide your writing and ensure that you address all necessary aspects of your project.

Step 6: Consider the Order and Hierarchy

Consider the order and hierarchy of your sub-sections to create a logical and coherent structure. Ensure that the sections flow smoothly and build upon one another.

💡 Extra tip: Consider the most logical progression of ideas and arguments. Arrange your sub-sections to strengthen the overall coherence and readability of your project.

Step 7: Go over your paper one more time 

Review and make necessary revisions to your paper. Check for clarity, completeness, and coherence. Ensure that your outline reflects the scope and depth of your project.

💡 Extra tip:  Seek feedback from your capstone project supervisor, peers, or mentors. Their perspectives can provide valuable insights and help you refine your outline. Be open to making adjustments based on their suggestions.

Step 8: Finalize and follow the outline

Once you are satisfied with your work, finalize it and use it as a guide throughout your project. Follow the structure and content outlined in your outline while conducting research, collecting data, and writing.

💡 Extra tip: Regularly refer to your outline as your project progresses. It will help you stay focused and cover all the necessary aspects outlined in your plan.

Writing a capstone project outline may initially seem overwhelming, but following these steps and incorporating the insights provided can create a well-structured and comprehensive paper. Remember, the outline serves as the foundation for your project, guiding your research and writing process. Take your time, seek guidance when needed, and approach each step with intention and focus. If you just start working on your project, you can gather education сapstone project ideas , which will help you in kicking off an outline. 

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Capstone project outline example & formatting tips 

Your job is to maintain consistency, clarity, and readability. Here are some guidelines on how to format your capstone project outline:

Use a consistent heading hierarchy.  Start with the main title of your capstone project at the top of the page, followed by section headings in a hierarchical format. Use different levels of headings (e.g., Heading 1, Heading 2, Heading 3) to indicate your outline's main sections and subsections.

Do not neglect bullet points or numbering.  Use bullet points or numbering to list the key points or ideas you plan to include within each section and subsection. 

Indentation and spacing.  Use indentation to distinguish between different levels of headings and subheadings visually. It helps to create a clear hierarchy and improves readability. Maintain consistent spacing between sections and subsections for clarity and visual separation.

Formatting style

Use a consistent formatting style throughout your outline. It includes font type, font size, and alignment. Times New Roman or Arial, font size 12, are commonly used for academic documents. Align your text to the left for a professional and clean look.

Here's a general sample of a formatted capstone project outline:

• Introduction
• Background and context
• Problem statement
• Research objectives
• Literature Review
• Key theories and concepts
• Previous research findings
• Gaps in existing knowledge

III. Methodology

• Research design
• Data collection methods
• Data analysis techniques
• Results and Analysis
• Presentation of data
• Data analysis and interpretation
• Discussion of findings
• Implications of findings
• Limitations of the study
• Recommendations for further research
• Summary of main findings
• Contribution to the field
• Final remarks

VII. References

(Include a list of cited sources in the chosen citation style)

Common pitfalls to avoid 

• Avoid using vague or ambiguous language that might lead to confusion regarding the content or objectives of your project.
• Don't overlook the importance of a comprehensive literature review. Avoid a shallow or limited exploration of existing research and theories. Strive to include relevant and up-to-date sources that support your project's objectives.
• Ensure that your outline demonstrates a logical flow of ideas and information and has a connection between different sections. Maintain a coherent narrative throughout your outline.
• While your outline should be concise, it should also provide enough detail to understand the content you plan to include clearly. Avoid being overly vague or omitting important supporting points.
• If you receive feedback or suggestions from your advisor or peers, take the time to consider and incorporate constructive input into your outline. It will help strengthen your project and address any potential issues early on.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you feel like dealing with the project too much, you can buy capstone project and benefit from the expert assistance. 
• Regularly refer back to your project's objectives and ensure that every section of your outline is aligned with these goals. Avoid including irrelevant or tangential information that does not contribute to the overall purpose of your project.
• Don't delay creating your outline until the last minute. Starting early allows you ample time to refine and revise your outline, seek feedback, and make necessary adjustments before diving into the actual project.

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Written by Jamie Wallace

Jamie Wallace, editor and freelance writer, specializes in Philosophy, Literature, and Art. His interdisciplinary background and passion for critical analysis enable him to assist students in crafting compelling and well-researched papers.

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How to Write a Capstone Project like an Expert

This guide describes all the steps needed to create a capstone project, including choosing a topic, structuring the paper, and writing in a scholarly manner.

A capstone project is a research assignment that many students must complete as part of their undergraduate or master’s degree. It differs from other types of final papers such as a thesis or dissertation because it has a practical nature. Capstone projects call for a student to review a certain problem, often specific to the writer’s interests or experience, and conduct research to evaluate or resolve the detected issues. The goal of such assignments is to involve students in their future professional sphere (Weaver 2). Moreover, capstone projects assess how students use critical thinking skills and the knowledge they have acquired during a course.

Choosing a Topic

It is clear that your selection must be connected to your sphere of education. For example, if you are a medical student, your capstone project will likely be focused on health-care interventions. For future biologists and chemists, chosen topics will reflect their field of expertise. Nevertheless, these assignments can be made more personal as follows:

• Search for a topic that interests you. Selecting a theme that does not spark your interest can negatively affect your attention and the quality of your writing. You may neither be able to concentrate on your paper nor conduct in-depth research. Think about your experience, both educational and professional. Has there been a problem or issue that you noticed and wanted to solve? This capstone project may be your chance to do that.
• Consider the format of the assignment. What does your instructor ask you to include in the project? Anticipate the composition of the future paper and the various components it should contain. Do you have to conduct research, and do the results have to be measurable? Adjust your topic to reflect the instructions. Since in most cases students have to confirm the topic with their advisors before writing, you will be able to get some help if you are struggling to find suitable subject matter.
• Take into account the project’s length. Depending on the number of requested pages, you may need to broaden or narrow your topic. Try to estimate how much space each part of the project will take up, and choose a research area that has enough information.
• Research existing literature on the topic. If your topic is too narrow or too recent, you may not find enough academic literature to support your research. In contrast, if the topic is too broad, you may be overwhelmed by the amount of available information.

Capstone projects usually follow a specific structure:

• Abstract. Although it is located at the beginning of the written project, the abstract should be written last. It is a summary of the entire study; you can approach it as soon as you are sure that every other part is complete. Do not confuse the abstract with the introduction of the paper—abstracts contain enough information to interest the reader in the entire project. Thus, they must capture the essence and relay main concepts, hypotheses, research methods, and findings.
• Introduction. In this section, you will acquaint your readers with the topic you have selected. Sometimes, an introduction is split into multiple smaller categories such as “Purpose of the Paper” or “Research Questions,” but they can be located in this part since they present the topic. Here, you should introduce the issue and connect it to your sphere of academic knowledge or course. In addition, you may discuss why this research problem is significant. Next, list the formulated research questions or hypotheses that will guide the investigation. State the objectives that you wish to achieve with the help of this project. Finally, if it is required, include a thesis that succinctly describes the aims and beliefs of the capstone project.
• Literature Review. A review of the existing literature is a vital component of any research endeavor. Here, you will search for academic and other reliable sources that are connected to your topic. These articles, books, trials, and studies will be used as a foundation for the research. Sources can contain pertinent findings, discuss well-examined methodologies, present new ideas, and confirm or refute earlier findings. Document the results of your search and analyze them; look for gaps in knowledge. What themes are not explored well or missing altogether? What should or can be researched in more detail? You can attempt to fill in these gaps with your findings.
• Methodology. In this section of the project, you will talk about how your research is to be conducted.
• First, describe your research design; it can be qualitative, quantitative, or mixed (a combination of the two). Each type also has many subcategories. Choose one, and explain why it works the best for your topic.
• Next, state your independent and dependent variables if needed for your selected design. Independent variables are what you choose to investigate (for example, different training programs for employees). Dependent variables are affected by independent ones (for example, employee performance after training).
• Describe the sample for your project. Who are the participants, and how many of them are involved? What are the inclusion and exclusion criteria for research?
• List the materials and tools you used in conducting research. Here, you can introduce questionnaires, online tests, and other media created for this project.
• Write about the process of conducting research, discussing all the major elements of the procedure. What were the participants asked to perform? How were the results collected?
• Discuss how you analyzed the results, listing measurements, tests, and calculations. Explain why you chose each method, and support your selections with previous research.
• Results. This is a significant part of the project, where you show the results of the conducted research. Refrain from making any assumptions or conclusions here—state the results without interpretation. You can use graphs, tables, and images to illustrate findings. Remember to present data that will answer all the research questions and hypotheses you introduced earlier. Check the findings’ validity and significance if required by the chosen research style.
• Discussion. Here, you should analyze the revealed results—be critical and attentive. Try to find patterns or show correlations in the findings. Talk about the context. What does previous academic literature tell you about this study? Does it contradict or align with your findings? Think about the importance and implications of your results. Does this study add something new to the sphere of knowledge? Do not forget to consider the limitations of your project—what could make the research more reliable? Finally, introduce some questions for future research and encourage additional investigation.
• Conclusion. Some papers include a conclusion in addition to the discussion. Restate all major information from the study here, presenting it concisely. Do not propose any new ideas or data in this part. The function of a conclusion is to wrap up the project and talk about all important judgments.

Writing Process

In addition to adhering to the structure described above, you should also remember to pay attention to your writing process. Do not be afraid of making drafts before writing the final version; they will help you structure your arguments and findings. After completing the paper, be sure to proofread it as mistakes and inconsistencies can make the written project difficult to read, confusing, or even incorrect. If you think you need someone else’s opinion, ask for it—turn to your instructor, writing center, or other knowledgeable persons that will help you revise the text if necessary. Check all tables and graphs, and make sure that a reader can understand them as well as you do.

Capstone projects give students an opportunity to apply their knowledge in practice. They are designed around a narrow topic that investigates a real problem, using a specific structure that is followed in the majority of cases: an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, and discussion are essential elements of every capstone project. These assignments use a scholarly voice and require in-depth knowledge of previous scholarly literature. Like all academic papers, they need to be substantiated with evidence and be clear and unbiased. Lastly, proofreading is an important part of scholarly writing as well. This paper shows the writer’s level of preparedness after completing a course. Follow the provided guidelines and remember to be attentive—these rules should help you complete a high-quality capstone project.

Weaver, K. F., et al. “The Benefits of Peer Review and a Multisemester Capstone Writing Series on Inquiry and Analysis Skills in an Undergraduate Thesis.” CBE—Life Sciences Education, vol. 15, no. ar51, 2016, 1-9.

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Sample Papers

This page contains sample papers formatted in seventh edition APA Style. The sample papers show the format that authors should use to submit a manuscript for publication in a professional journal and that students should use to submit a paper to an instructor for a course assignment. You can download the Word files to use as templates and edit them as needed for the purposes of your own papers.

Most guidelines in the Publication Manual apply to both professional manuscripts and student papers. However, there are specific guidelines for professional papers versus student papers, including professional and student title page formats. All authors should check with the person or entity to whom they are submitting their paper (e.g., publisher or instructor) for guidelines that are different from or in addition to those specified by APA Style.

Sample papers from the Publication Manual

The following two sample papers were published in annotated form in the Publication Manual and are reproduced here as PDFs for your ease of use. The annotations draw attention to content and formatting and provide the relevant sections of the Publication Manual (7th ed.) to consult for more information.

• Student sample paper with annotations (PDF, 5MB)
• Professional sample paper with annotations (PDF, 2.7MB)

We also offer these sample papers in Microsoft Word (.docx) format with the annotations as comments to the text.

• Student sample paper with annotations as comments (DOCX, 42KB)
• Professional sample paper with annotations as comments (DOCX, 103KB)

Finally, we offer these sample papers in Microsoft Word (.docx) format without the annotations.

• Student sample paper without annotations (DOCX, 36KB)
• Professional sample paper without annotations (DOCX, 96KB)

Sample professional paper templates by paper type

These sample papers demonstrate APA Style formatting standards for different professional paper types. Professional papers can contain many different elements depending on the nature of the work. Authors seeking publication should refer to the journal’s instructions for authors or manuscript submission guidelines for specific requirements and/or sections to include.

• Literature review professional paper template (DOCX, 47KB)
• Mixed methods professional paper template (DOCX, 68KB)
• Qualitative professional paper template (DOCX, 72KB)
• Quantitative professional paper template (DOCX, 77KB)
• Review professional paper template (DOCX, 112KB)

Sample papers are covered in the seventh edition APA Style manuals in the Publication Manual Chapter 2 and the Concise Guide Chapter 1

Related handouts

• Heading Levels Template: Student Paper (PDF, 257KB)
• Heading Levels Template: Professional Paper (PDF, 213KB)

Other instructional aids

• Journal Article Reporting Standards (JARS)
• APA Style Tutorials and Webinars
• Handouts and Guides
• Paper Format

View all instructional aids

Sample student paper templates by paper type

These sample papers demonstrate APA Style formatting standards for different student paper types. Students may write the same types of papers as professional authors (e.g., quantitative studies, literature reviews) or other types of papers for course assignments (e.g., reaction or response papers, discussion posts), dissertations, and theses.

APA does not set formal requirements for the nature or contents of an APA Style student paper. Students should follow the guidelines and requirements of their instructor, department, and/or institution when writing papers. For instance, an abstract and keywords are not required for APA Style student papers, although an instructor may request them in student papers that are longer or more complex. Specific questions about a paper being written for a course assignment should be directed to the instructor or institution assigning the paper.

• Discussion post student paper template (DOCX, 31KB)
• Literature review student paper template (DOCX, 37KB)
• Quantitative study student paper template (DOCX, 53KB)

Sample papers in real life

Although published articles differ in format from manuscripts submitted for publication or student papers (e.g., different line spacing, font, margins, and column format), articles published in APA journals provide excellent demonstrations of APA Style in action.

APA journals began publishing papers in seventh edition APA Style in 2020. Professional authors should check the author submission guidelines for the journal to which they want to submit their paper for any journal-specific style requirements.

Credits for sample professional paper templates

Quantitative professional paper template: Adapted from “Fake News, Fast and Slow: Deliberation Reduces Belief in False (but Not True) News Headlines,” by B. Bago, D. G. Rand, and G. Pennycook, 2020, Journal of Experimental Psychology: General , 149 (8), pp. 1608–1613 ( https://doi.org/10.1037/xge0000729 ). Copyright 2020 by the American Psychological Association.

Qualitative professional paper template: Adapted from “‘My Smartphone Is an Extension of Myself’: A Holistic Qualitative Exploration of the Impact of Using a Smartphone,” by L. J. Harkin and D. Kuss, 2020, Psychology of Popular Media , 10 (1), pp. 28–38 ( https://doi.org/10.1037/ppm0000278 ). Copyright 2020 by the American Psychological Association.

Mixed methods professional paper template: Adapted from “‘I Am a Change Agent’: A Mixed Methods Analysis of Students’ Social Justice Value Orientation in an Undergraduate Community Psychology Course,” by D. X. Henderson, A. T. Majors, and M. Wright, 2019,  Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Psychology , 7 (1), 68–80. ( https://doi.org/10.1037/stl0000171 ). Copyright 2019 by the American Psychological Association.

Literature review professional paper template: Adapted from “Rethinking Emotions in the Context of Infants’ Prosocial Behavior: The Role of Interest and Positive Emotions,” by S. I. Hammond and J. K. Drummond, 2019, Developmental Psychology , 55 (9), pp. 1882–1888 ( https://doi.org/10.1037/dev0000685 ). Copyright 2019 by the American Psychological Association.

Review professional paper template: Adapted from “Joining the Conversation: Teaching Students to Think and Communicate Like Scholars,” by E. L. Parks, 2022, Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Psychology , 8 (1), pp. 70–78 ( https://doi.org/10.1037/stl0000193 ). Copyright 2020 by the American Psychological Association.

Credits for sample student paper templates

These papers came from real students who gave their permission to have them edited and posted by APA.

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Thesis and Capstone Formatting Guidelines

The paper for the two official copies of the manuscript is 8 x 11, at least 20% cotton content. Text should only be printed on one side.

The margins for the text, including page numbers, must be 1 inch at the top, bottom, and right side of the page, and 1 inches on the left side to allow for binding. Page numbers should be included within these margins.

The body of the document must be double-spaced. Tables may be single-spaced. Consult the style manual of your discipline for spacing after title, headings, quotations, references, etc.

The typeface for the text must be 12-point, serif typeface, e.g., Courier, Times Roman. Black ink should be used unless color is approved by the thesis/capstone director.

Page Numbering

Number all preliminary pages with lower case Roman numerals. Place numbers one inch from bottom of page, three spaces to the right of center. Count but do not number the title page. Number the thesis main body with Arabic numbers in the upper right-hand corner of the page one inch from the top with a double space before the first line of text, and 1 inch from the right-hand side of paper edge. Count but do not number the first page of the main body of the text. Also, do not place a running head on this first page.

Preliminary Pages

Title Page. On the title page, the following information is vertically and horizontally centered: the title of the master's thesis; the full name of the author (this must be the name of the student record); "A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of (Master of Arts, Master of Business Administration, Master of Science, etc.)"; "Northeastern State University"; and the month and year in which the degree sought is to be awarded (contact the Graduate College for the correct month and year). There should be an equal number of spaces between title/author text and the degree text and the date.

Signature/Approval Page

The signature/approval page begins with the thesis title keyed two inches down from top of page. Use inverted pyramid for longer titles and center within margins. Double-space typed lines. Include signature lines for all of your committee members and the Graduate College Dean. Instructions on inserting signatures in the final document are available on the web or see your adviser for assistance.

The abstract is a one-paragraph, double-spaced, self-contained summary of the most important elements of the paper. The abstract begins on a new page.

Acknowledgments (departmental designation)

The format of the acknowledgments page is determined by the discipline style manual. An acknowledgments page is included immediately before the table of contents. Acknowledgments should be made of any grants that supported the research. The thesis/capstone advisor, readers and any others who contributed significantly to the project is typically also noted here.

Table of Contents (departmental designation)

The format of the table of contents is determined by the discipline style manual. The table of contents will list the page numbers of the chapters and specific pages that follow. Double space each entry, beginning with the list of tables, if applicable, chapters of the main body, references, and appendices.

List of Tables and Figures (if applicable)

The format of the list of tables and figures is determined by the discipline style manual. Tables are data presented in tabular form (rows and columns) and should not include any artwork or graphics. Tables should be formatted with clear labels for the rows and columns. Figures are any illustrations that are not in table format. Both tables and figures should be designed to communicate information quickly and clearly. Refer to the style manual for your discipline for documenting tables and figures.

Body of Thesis/Capstone

The format of the body of the thesis is determined by the discipline style manual. The text is to be double spaced with paragraph indentions. Margins are one-inch at top, bottom and right. A one and one-half inch margin on left side of the paper will allow for binding. All main body pages are to be numbered consecutively with Arabic numerals in the upper right-hand corner of each page (except for the first page which is counted but not numbered), one inch from the top and one inch from the right-hand edge of the paper. Double-space between the page number and the top line of text. Do not use the abbreviation p. or any other mark before the page number.

The number of chapters, chapter titles, headings, and subheadings within chapters should be chosen to present the material in a logical and comprehensible manner and formatted according to the discipline style manual. Thesis/capstone content and form should be discussed with your thesis/capstone committee or thesis/capstone advisor/first reader before you complete the thesis/capstone. Formatting will be according to the style manual used by the discipline.

Bibliography/References/Works Cited

The thesis/capstone must contain documentation for all sources cited in the text. This documentation takes the form of the Bibliography, References, or Works Cited page(s), depending on the style manual used in your discipline. Each source that is mentioned in the text of the thesis/capstone must be documented. Formatting will be according to the style manual used by the discipline.

One or more appendix may be included for material which would detract from the flow of the manuscript, but which is relevant to the thesis/capstone. Examples include large data sets, computer programs, and stimulus materials. Formatting will be according to the style manual used by the discipline.

Order of Pages

The following indicates the correct order of pages. Some pages are required for all theses while other pages are optional and should be included as needed.

Graduate Capstone Style Guide: Occupational Therapy

• Introduction
• Formatting Your Manuscript
• Formatting for Accessibility This link opens in a new window
• Copyright and Use of Images
• Intellectual Property
• Using Human Research Subjects
• Depositing Your Manuscript
• Go to Dominican Scholar
• Upcoming Webinars This link opens in a new window

Word Processing Applications

Microsoft word.

All students and faculty have access to Microsoft Word (along with the complete Office suite) through Office 365 in the Okta dashboard. Download and install Office onto your computer, you will need to use the desktop version.

Google Docs

If you opt to use Google Docs to write the bulk of your manuscript, you will at some point need to download it as a MS Word document and finish the formatting in Word. It’s recommended that you wait until you are finished with writing your manuscript.

Introduction to Formatting

Master’s theses, capstone projects, and culminating projects.

Because a manuscript or project is usually an objective, unbiased investigation based upon the author's scholarly work, it should be written in a formal scholarly manner appropriate to academic publications.  It is important to be consistent in matters of style, punctuation, headings, the use of capitalization, and the placement of figures and tables and their corresponding captions. The presentation of data should be clear and clutter-free, utilizing a legible font and size.

IMPORTANT! The Guidelines take precedence over other style guides or department handbooks and example theses provided to you by your instructor. If there seems to be a serious conflict, check with the Library and have your manuscript advisors do the same.

Manuscript front matter, margin, pagination, and document structure requirements are specified throughout this guide, and must be observed as stated, no matter what other guidelines dictate. Remaining format issues are governed by standard publication manuals and/or standards of publication in your discipline.

Required Order of Manuscript Pages

• Theses with Multiple Sections

Some theses have multiple related, yet separate, sections. Examples of this may include:

• A thesis with a proposal and an article for publication based on that proposal
• A thesis with multiple articles on a related topic

In these cases, the thesis will have:

• one Abstract; Table of Contents, List of Tables, and List of Figures; set of References, set of Appendices for the entire thesis
• a section title page for each separate section (e.g. Section One: Section One Title , Section Two: Section Two Title , and so on)
• continuous numbering for Tables and Figures

It's suggested that theses like this have a Preface before the abstract explaining to the reader why there are separate sections and what to expect when reading the thesis.

Formatting of Your Manuscript

• General Formatting
• Copyright Statement
• Abstract and Acknowledgements
• Table of Contents
• List of Tables
• List of Figures
• Body of your Paper
• Bibliography

Page Size and Margins

• The entire document is letter sized (8.5" x 11")
• Portrait orientation
• 1-inch margin on all sides (top, bottom, right, and left)
• Choose a font that is clear and business-like; avoid unusual or difficult to read fonts.  We recommend using standard fonts like Times New Roman, Calibri, or Arial.
• Use 12 point font size. 

Line Spacing

• Use double-spacing throughout your manuscript.
• Blockquotes and bibliographies may be single-spaced

Page Numbers

• Page numbers appear at the  top right corner  of each page
• Step by Step: Basic Set up of your paper in Google Docs
• Step by Step: Basic set up of your paper in MS Word Learn how to set up the basics for your manuscript including, paper size, margins, font style, font size, line spacing, and paragraph indentations.
• Step by Step: Page Number Basics in MS Word In this tutorial you'll learn how to:(1) insert page numbers and (2) start your page numbering on page 2.
• Step by Step: Advanced Page Numbers in MS Word

Running Heads

• Do not use running heads in the final version of your manuscript
• Left aligned
• Indent the first line of each paragraph 0.5”
• When dividing paragraphs across pages, at least two lines of text should appear at the bottom of the page and at least two lines of text on the next page.

Block quotes

• For quotations longer than 40 words in length (block quotes)
• inset 0.5” from the left and right margin
• The In-text citation follows the last punctuation mark of the paragraph
• Step by Step: Formatting blockquotes in Google Docs

Major Headings

• Sections starting with a Major heading (Heading 1) should begin on a new page. Do not place a major heading in the middle of the page.

Subheadings

• Subheadings within a chapter do not begin on a new page unless the preceding page is filled. 
• Subheadings at the bottom of a page require at least two lines of text following the heading, otherwise the heading should be pushed to the next page.
• Step by Step: Heading Styles in Google Docs
• Step by Step: Heading Styles in MS Word

Tables and Figures

• Table and Figures should be referred to in the text of the document (e.g See Figure 1). If there is no reference or discussion of the table or figure don't include it.
• Tables and figures should follow their first reference in the text within a page or two. If more clarity is provided by placing tables and figures in an appendix, this style is also acceptable.
• All tables and figures in your paper must include a caption located either above or below the table or figure. Be consistent in placement.
• Table and figure captions should appear in consecutive numerical order (e.g. Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3...) and in the order in which the tables and figures appear in the text
• Tables and figures must fit within the margins of your paper.
• All tables and figures, even if there is only one, must be listed in a List of Tables and/or a List of Figures located on separate pages following the Table of Contents. The List of Tables and the List of Figures should include a Table/Figure number along with descriptive text (usually a portion of the caption) and the page number on which it occurs.
• Diagrams, drawings, graphs, charts, maps, photographs, or any other type of illustrations should be referred to in the manuscript as a Figure .
• Figures may not appear on the title page or other introductory pages.
• Figures should use word wrapping that is inline with the text.
• Figures should include Alt Text
• Tables are used for presenting sets of data. Tables should not be used to format text or images.
• The first row of a table should be a header row that describes the information presented in each column
• Each element of data in your table should be in it's own cell. One piece of data per table cell
• Do not use screenshots of tables from other sources in your work. If you have an image of a table from another source, recreate the table natively in your document using your word processor

Large Tables and Figures

• Large tables or figures can be placed on the page in landscape orientation
• The top and bottom margins should be the same as on a regular page
• Step by Step: Flipping a page into landscape orientation in Google Docs

Special Formatting

• Title is bold-faced
• Text is centered on the page

Additional Information

The title page has 3 sections:

• appears at the top of the page and has 3 lines (1 st  line) Title (2 nd  line) by (3 rd  line) author name(s)
• centered vertically and horizontally on the page 
• Use the following statement: A culminating [thesis or capstone project] submitted to the faculty of Dominican University of California in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of [degree name] in [major]
• has 3 lines (NOTE: do not include the numbers):
• Dominican University of California
• San Rafael, CA
• Your graduation year (e.g. 2022)
• Step by Step: Formatting Your Title Page in Google Docs
• Step by Step: Formatting your Title Page in MS Word

You automatically own the copyright to your work and no one may legally copy any part of it without your permission.   You also may choose to use a Creative Commons copyright to give readers more flexibility with what they can do with your manuscript or sections of your manuscript.  If you have questions about copyright options please contact The Scholarly Communications Librarian

• The copyright statement appears centered and at the top of the page
• Use the following statement, replacing the brackets with the appropriate information Copyright © [author's name] [year of publication]. All rights reserved.

The Abstract states the purpose, design, and results of the research or a description of your project;

Acknowledgements

An acknowledgments page includes a short paragraph acknowledging those people who helped and supported you through the manuscript process. People have included instructors, advisors, parents, siblings, significant others, pets, etc.

Length of Abstract and Acknowledgements Pages

Both the Abstract and Acknowledgments are double-spacedd and should be short and concise and not to exceed 1 page.

Your manuscript must include a Table of Contents listing all major headings that appear including the Abstract, Acknowledgements, List of Tables, and List of Figures.

Page numbers listed in the table of contents correspond with the material presented in your manuscript. If you are asked to make revisions within your manuscript, make sure to check that the page numbers listed in the Table of Contents, List of Tables, and List of Figures are still correct.  Any headings, subheadings, or captions listed in the front matter must match exactly with those that appear within the manuscript.

• Step by Step: Table of Contents in Google Docs
• If you have any tables in your manuscript you must include a List of Tables on it's own page after the Table of Contents
• The List of Tables includes each table (even if there is only one) listed sequentially as they appear in your paper
• Each item in the List includes the table number and a short description (usually the whole or a portion of the table caption) and the page number on which the table appears.
• Step by Step: Creating a List of Tables or List of Figures in Google Docs
• Step by Step: Creating Captions for Tables and Figures in MS Word
• Step by Step: Creating a List of Tables or List of Figures in MS Word
• The List of Figures includes each figure (even if there is only one) listed sequentially as they appear in your paper.
• Each item in the List of Figures includes the figure number and a short description (usually the whole or a portion of the table caption) and the page number on which it appears.

The body of your thesis is the main portion of your manuscript. Follow the general formatting as described under the General Formatting tab

IMPORTANT!  The Guidelines take precedence over other style guides or department handbooks and example theses provided to you by your instructor. If there seems to be a serious conflict, check with the Library and have your manuscript advisors do the same.

• The References, Works Cited, or Bibliography heading is a major heading and the formatting should be the same as other major headings in the manuscript
• Use most appropriate citation style for your discipline (APA, Chicago, or MLA). Include hanging indents if that is indicated for your style
• If you are using a citation tool, such as RefWorks, it is the author's responsibility to make sure that citations are correct including fixing typos and capitalization when needed.

Online Tools

An online citation manager to organize your research and create bibliographies to help you avoid plagiarism. RefWorks can format in 900+ styles including APA, MLA, Chicago, AMA. Learn more about using RefWorks and what it can do for you .

To use RefWorks you will need to first create an account

• Follow the link to the RefWorks landing page
•   Look for and select the link at the bottom of the login box titled Create Account
• Use your Dominican email
• Create a password and follow any other instructions

Once you've created an account you can log in and start using RefWorks

• An appendix should be introduced with a cover page bearing only the title of the appendix centered and 1" from the top of the page. 
• The content of the appendix begins on the next page with the standard margins.
• Table and figures in appendices should be captioned and continue the numbering sequence used in the text
• If you applied for an IRB number include your IRB acceptance letter as your last appendix

Some theses, particularly in Biology and Occupational Therapy, consist of one or two articles or perhaps a project proposal and an article; although the paper is divided up you are still writing a single thesis. In these cases:

• There should only be one abstract that discusses the thesis as a single piece.
• Separate sections should be clearly labeled with their own section titles (e.g. Section 1: Title and Section 2: Title)
• There should only be one Table of Contents, List of Tables, List of Figures, and Bibliography for the entire paper.
• Numbering of figures and tables are continuous thoughout the manuscript
• << Previous: Introduction
• Next: Formatting for Accessibility >>
• Last Updated: Aug 22, 2024 2:44 PM
• URL: https://libguides.dominican.edu/occupational-therapy-capstone-style-guide

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What Is a Capstone Project?

A capstone project is a multifaceted academic experience typically required for students during the final year of an academic program. It is a comprehensive and interdisciplinary project that often requires students to apply the knowledge and skills acquired throughout their academic careers to solve real-world problems or issues. 

Capstone projects come in all shapes and sizes, including research papers, case studies, creative works, internships, and field placement projects. They are designed to challenge students to think critically, solve complex problems, and demonstrate their readiness for work in their field. Capstone projects are often a highlight of a student’s academic career and can provide valuable experience and skills for their future endeavors.

Types of Capstone Projects

Capstone projects are an essential part of many academic programs. They can vary from program to program and take shape depending on the specific discipline and project goals. 

Research Paper/Major Project Course

A research paper or major project course is a comprehensive capstone that aims to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct research and produce a high-quality research paper or major project. These typically include various topics such as research methodology, literature review, data collection, and analysis, as well as writing and presentation skills.

The course typically begins with an introduction to research methodology, including the different research types, research design, and ethical considerations. Students are taught how to conduct a literature review, which involves identifying and analyzing relevant literature on the topic of their research. Data collection and analysis are also a focus in this type of capstone project, with students demonstrating mastery in learning how to collect and analyze data and showcasing various methods such as surveys, interviews, and even experiments. They are also taught how to use statistical software, such as Tableau and Power BI , to analyze data and draw conclusions. 

It’s also standard for these courses to focus on writing and presentation skills, with students learning how to write a clear, concise, and well-structured research paper or project relating to their major or focus. They are taught how to use proper citation and referencing techniques, as well as how to present their findings in a professional and engaging manner.

Completing a capstone research paper or major project course is crucial for students to acquire the skills and expertise needed to conduct research and present their findings in a comprehensive manner. It serves as a culminating showcase of their academic achievements.

Internship or Field Program

An internship or field placement program is an opportunity for students to gain practical experience in their field of study. It typically involves working for a company or organization for a set period of time. 

The benefits of an internship or field program include gaining hands-on experience, building professional networks, and developing skills that can be applied in future careers within the field of study. It also provides an opportunity to explore different career paths and industries and to learn from experienced professionals.

To find an internship or field program, students can search online job boards, attend career fairs, or reach out to companies directly. Researching the company and the position is vital to ensure it aligns with career goals and interests. In addition, some programs offer professional partnerships that connect students and businesses in established internship programs. 

During the internship or field placement program, it’s essential to ask questions, be proactive and take on responsibilities. This can eventually lead to a positive reference or even a job offer. Maintaining a professional attitude and work ethic is also important, as the experience can impact future career opportunities.

Portfolio-Building Course

A portfolio-building course is designed to help individuals create a professional portfolio that showcases their skills and accomplishments. The course covers key points such as identifying your target audience, selecting a suitable format for your portfolio, creating a solid visual design, and selecting the best pieces to include. 

These courses are designed to showcase the creativity and ingenuity of the student. Additionally, a portfolio-building course provides guidance on writing compelling descriptions and captions for each focus piece included. It also offers tips for presenting your portfolio to the necessary stakeholders, like professors, advisors, and even prospective employers.

By the end of the course, participants should have a polished portfolio that can be used to showcase their work to potential employers or clients. 

Group Project Course

A group project course is designed to allow students to work collaboratively on a project that requires them to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired in their respective fields of study. The course covers key points such as project planning, team building, communication, problem-solving, and project management. Students are expected to work in teams to identify a problem, develop and execute a project plan, and clearly present their findings. 

A group project course also emphasizes the importance of effective communication within the team and with external stakeholders. Through this course, students develop critical thinking, leadership, and teamwork skills essential for success in their future careers.

What Is the Goal of a Capstone Project?

A capstone project aims to demonstrate a student’s mastery of a particular subject or field of study. It is typically a culminating project that integrates and applies the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the course of a degree program. The project may involve research, analysis, problem-solving, and creative work, and it should demonstrate the student’s ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and work independently. The ultimate aim of a capstone project is to produce high-quality, original work that contributes to the student’s academic and professional development.

What Programs Usually Require Capstones?

Capstones are usually required in programs that involve hands-on learning and the practical application of skills. These programs typically include engineering, computer science, business, healthcare, education, and social sciences. Capstones require students to demonstrate their mastery of the subject matter through a comprehensive project or presentation. Capstones are often required in graduate programs as a way to exhibit a student’s research and analytical skills.

How to Choose a Capstone Topic

After dedicating time and effort to your academic program, the following requirement is to select a unique interest topic that will embody all the knowledge and academic growth attained throughout your studies. How do you choose a capstone topic? What determines what kind of topic is most suitable?

• Identify your interests and passions : Choose a topic that you are passionate about and interested in. This will make the research process more enjoyable and engaging, not only for the student but also for the audience.
• Consider your career goals : Examine your future career goals and choose a topic that aligns with them. This will help you gain relevant skills and knowledge that will be useful in your future career.
• Research current trends and issues : Look for current trends and issues in your field of study and choose a topic that addresses them. This will make your capstone project more relevant and impactful.
• Consult with your advisor : Consult with your capstone advisor to get their input and guidance on choosing a topic. They can provide valuable insights and help you narrow down your options.
• Consider the scope and feasibility : Choose a topic that is manageable in terms of scope and feasibility. Make sure you have access to the necessary resources, equipment, and data to complete your project successfully.
• Brainstorm and refine your ideas : Brainstorm a list of potential topics and then refine them based on your interests, career goals, and feasibility. Choose a topic that you are excited about and can confidently expound upon.

The Six Components of a Capstone Paper

A comprehensive capstone paper typically consists of six key components that are essential for its success. These components include an introduction , literature review , methodology , discussion , conclusion , and recommendations . 

1. Introduction

The introduction section of a capstone paper is a crucial part of the document that sets the tone for the entire project. It should cover the key points of the paper, including the purpose, scope, and significance of the research. The introduction should also provide a clear and concise thesis statement that outlines the central argument or focus of the paper. 

2. Literature Review

The literature review section of a capstone paper provides an overview of the existing research and knowledge on the topic. It covers key points related to the research question or problem statement and helps establish the study’s overall context. The literature review should be comprehensive, well-organized, and focused on the most relevant and recent sources. It should also identify gaps in the literature and highlight the need for further research. 

3. Methodology

The methodology section should provide a clear and detailed description of the research methods used in the capstone project and should demonstrate that the research was conducted in a rigorous and ethical manner. 

• Research design : This section should describe the overall approach to the research, including the type of study (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods), the research questions or hypotheses, and the sampling strategy.
• Data collection : This section should describe the methods used to collect data, such as surveys, interviews, or observational data sources. It should also consider any instruments or tools used to collect data, such as questionnaires or interview guides.
• Ethical considerations : This section should examine any ethical considerations related to the research, such as confidentiality and privacy.
• Limitations : This section should review any research limitations. This involves acknowledging any weaknesses or shortcomings in the research and discussing how they may have affected the results, such as sample size, data quality, or financial resources.

4. Discussion

The discussion section of a capstone paper summarizes the findings of the research and provides an analysis of the results. Key points include:

• Summary of findings : The discussion section should begin with a brief summary of the main findings of the research. This should include a concise critique of the results and their significance.
• Interpretation of the results : This portion of the discussion section should offer an analysis of the data and clarify what it means in the context of the original research question.
• Comparison with previous research : The discussion section should also compare the research results to prior studies in the field. This helps to contextualize original findings and identify any similarities or differences.
• Implications of the findings : Another critical component of the discussion section should also discuss the impact of the findings on the field of study. This involves classifying any practical applications of the research and examining how the results can be used to inform future research.

5. Conclusion

The conclusion of a capstone research paper strives to objectively present the data or information that you gathered throughout the entire capstone project. The story you tell will point readers to any figures and tables that illustrate relevant data and tie it back to the general purpose of the research. The overall goal is to bring it all back to the initial hypothesis.

6. Recommendations

Capstone research papers typically include a recommendations section, which provides recommendations for future research related to the topic. This involves identifying areas where further research is needed and suggesting potential avenues for future study.

Additionally, this section can be derived directly from the research findings, providing readers with concrete examples and recommendations based on the data and its implications.

Capstone Project vs. Thesis Paper

Capstone projects and thesis papers are both important academic assignments that students may be required to complete in order to graduate from their degree programs. While they share some similarities, there are also some key differences between the two.

A capstone project is typically a final project that allows students to showcase the knowledge and skills they have gained throughout their academic program and apply them to real-world problems and issues. They take many forms, including research papers, case studies, presentations, or even creative projects like portfolios. These projects often involve collaboration with other students or professionals in the field and may require the use of primary research methods.

By contrast, a thesis paper is a more traditional academic research paper focusing on a specific research question or hypothesis. It typically involves a thorough literature review, data collection, and analysis, as well as a detailed discussion of the findings. Thesis papers are often written by students pursuing graduate degrees and are intended to contribute new knowledge to the field.

While both capstone projects and thesis papers require a significant amount of research and critical thinking, capstone projects tend to be more practical and applied, while thesis papers are more theoretical and research-focused. Additionally, capstone projects often involve more collaboration and may require students to work with external stakeholders, while thesis papers are typically completed independently. 

Both assignments can be valuable learning experiences and can help students develop important skills that will be useful in their future careers.

Dissertation

At its core, a dissertation is a lengthy and detailed research paper that is typically written by students pursuing a doctoral degree. It is a formal document that presents original research and findings on a specific topic or issue. Much like a thesis paper or capstone project, a dissertation requires extensive research, critical analysis, and a thorough understanding of the subject matter. 

By comparison, a dissertation is a research project that is typically required for a doctoral degree, while a capstone project is a culminating project that is required for a master’s degree . In a similar regard, a thesis paper is similar to a dissertation in that it is a research project, but it is typically required for a master’s degree. 

The main distinction between a dissertation and a capstone project or thesis paper lies in the academic level they are intended for and the breadth of the research involved. Dissertations usually involve more comprehensive research and require original findings, whereas capstone projects and thesis papers may concentrate on utilizing existing knowledge to address a particular problem or concern.

A “capstone” project is the crowning achievement of an academic program, as it combines all the skills and knowledge gained into a culminating conclusion. Typically the capstone is the final piece of work or project that wraps up the entire academic program and represents a significant milestone in academic and professional development.

Although they are similar, capstone projects and thesis papers differ at their core. The level of difficulty depends on various factors, such as the project’s topic, scope, and requirements. However, a capstone project may generally be considered less intensive than a thesis paper, as it typically involves the practical application of knowledge and skills, while a thesis paper requires extensive research and analysis of a specific topic.

The length of time it takes to complete a capstone project can vary depending on the specific requirements of the project and the program. Capstone projects can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to complete. Therefore, project planning and time management are required to ensure that you are able to complete the project within the given timeframe.

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Your APA Capstone Document Formatting Support Resource

"Receiving a doctoral degree means you have demonstrated your ability to do independent, original scholarly work at the doctoral level. At Walden, this means completing a doctoral capstone document—dissertation, doctoral study, project study, or doctoral project—to be published in the ProQuest database." -Walden University

• Front Matter
• Document Formatting

Table of Contents

The capstone template contains a table of contents. To learn more about the capstone templates, visit the Writing Skills: Capstone Document Templates . 

Also, to learn more about correcting common bookmark errors in the template Table of Contents view this resource:

• Correcting Bookmark Errors in the Table of Contents for ProQuest Upload (PDF)

Changing Page Number Styles in Certain Sections 

As a Capstone student, you will need to know how to change page numbers in one section without affecting the pagination in other, separate sections.

Allows you to add page numbers to your document

In this tutorial, you will learn how to change page numbers in a specific section of your paper without changing the pagination of the other sections. Capstone students: In your Capstone document, you will need to know how to change page numbers in one section without affecting the pagination in other, separate sections.

• Add different page numbers or number formats to different sections (PDF)  

Dot Leaders

Dot leaders are used between tab stops in tables of contents to help make this portion of your paper easier for the reader to follow. Essentially, dot leaders are the ellipses placed between the title of a section and the page number where the section begins. When auto-generating a table of contents, MS Word will insert these for you. 

• Insert or add tab stops (to insert dot leaders)

Page Breaks 

Page breaks and section breaks are used to separate sections of a paper automatically. You can then adjust the content of a paper without ruining the formatting of the sections.

• Insert or remove a page break  

Hanging Indents

APA asks that writers use hanging indents in reference list entries to make this information easier to read. 

• Hanging Indents (PDF)

Header/Footer

APA formatting requires students to use page numbers and headers in their papers, including what is called running heads. 

A Running Head is a short title that is printed in uppercase letters at the top of the page in a document. As indicated by Walden’s Chief Academic Officer in April 2016, a running head is not required for Walden papers. Page numbers in the upper right corner are the only material needed in the header.

Paragraph Indentations

APA asks that writers indent each paragraph .5 inches. Writers should let Word adjust this formatting automatically. 

Use indent buttons or the ruler to adjust paragraph formatting from the left or right side

Paper Margins

Part of correctly formatting a paper is ensuring that writers use proper margins throughout the paper. 

• Change margins  

Using Spell Check 

Learn how to use the spell check feature in MS Word to find and correct spelling errors in your document.

• Check spelling and grammar in Office  

Paper Spacing

In APA, the entire paper (including the reference page) is double spaced. Automatically letting Word apply this formatting allows writers to format papers easily without having to readjust the spacing.

Changing Numbering in Landscape Orientation

To publish your manuscript, you must insert page numbers correctly on all pages. Sometimes, a table is too wide to fit on one page formatted in the portrait orientation typical in doctoral manuscripts, but it could fit on one page formatted in landscape orientation. Changing the orientation of your paper might affect your page numbers, so you need to use a different method to format your page numbers.

• Double-space the lines in a document  

Tables and Figures

Using the Insert Caption Method for Creating Tables and Figures (PDF)

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Doctoral Template Help

Course template help, apa capstone formatting faqs, where can i find walden-specific templates, where can i find apa style information for my capstone, what is walden university's form and style review, proquest formatting checklist.

Items below represent the most frequent errors seen by the Office of Student Research and Administration when ProQuest returns a document to a student for correction.

Note : These errors are related to formatting in the document.  Please ensure that the pilcrow ¶ (found in the paragraph area on the Home tab) is turned on so that all formatting in the document is visible, which will simplify correcting many of the items below to ensure proper formatting in the document and successful submission to ProQuest.

Download ProQuest Checklist PDF

1. Add University Endorsement Page

• Turn on the pilcrow ¶.
• Place the cursor in front of the word Abstract on the Abstract Title page.
• Add a return (hit Enter) twice.
• Place the cursor next to the second pilcrow (blank line you just created).
• This will move the abstract title page to the next page.
• For additional information, see the Microsoft Word Page Breaks  page.
• Place the cursor next to the first pilcrow created above which is now on the first page.
• Copy/paste all the text on the University Endorsement page above this page break.
• Check to make sure that there is not an extra page below this page.
• If there is an extra page, delete it by highlighting the page break and hitting the backspace button (to delete) or use the cut button on the Home tab.

2. Ensure Table of Contents (TOC) is Updated

• Right click on the TOC and choose Update Field ; choose Update entire field when prompted.
• See the Microsoft Word Insert a Table of Contents page for additional help.
• Be sure to choose Update entire table when updating the TOC.
• Also check to make sure that a heading was not accidentally deleted in the document or that the correct heading style was not applied.
• The space between a heading and page number in the TOC is filled by a dot leader, not a series of periods.
• For headings that are short words where the dot leader is missing, place the cursor between the word and page number, then click the TAB key once to insert all your dot leaders.
• See the Academic Skills Center YouTube Channel for a Word Quick Tip: Inserting Dot Leaders video  on how to set or insert dot leaders in the TOC. The Walden doctoral capstone templates have dot leaders preformatted in the TOC.

3. Confirm All Page Numbers Appear

• Visit the Form and Style Document Expectations page for information regarding what the margins and pagination should be set to in the capstone.
• Review Microsoft Word Section Breaks page that covers section breaks and page breaks and how to use them.
• See the Microsoft Word Changing Page Numbers and Formats page for help with how to set the pagination.

4. Delete Extra Blank Pages

• Review the Microsoft Word Page Breaks  page.
• Delete any extra page breaks that may be adding a blank page.
• Delete any extra paragraph returns (indicated by a pilcrow ¶) that are adding an additional page.

5. Review Abstract One Page Formatting

• This is a Walden requirement.
• If the abstract is longer than a page, revise for clarity and concision to ensure that all information fits on one page and within the specified margins.
• For additional assistance with the abstract, see the Doctoral Capstone Resources on Abstracts page.
• Review the Microsoft Word Page Breaks page
• Ensure that there are page breaks above and below the abstract that place it on its own page.
• Verify that the word Abstract appears at the top of the page.

6. Confirm the Two Title Pages are Correct

• The first title page is the second page in the document (after inserting the University Endorsement page); it should have the word Abstract at the top
• The second title page appears after the abstract and has the same information, but does not contain the word Abstract at the top

7. Ensure Document is Free of Track Changes and Comments

• Make sure to accept or reject all changes from committee members, the Form and Style Editors, and the CAO final review, and delete any in-text comments or comment balloons.
• See the Academic Skills Center's YouTube Channel Playlist on Incorporating and Viewing Instructor Feedback in the Doctoral Study or Dissertation Template page for help with how to use Track Changes.

8. Confirm the Pages are in Correct Order

• Confirm all pages are in correct order. Review the Form and Style Margin and Pagination Requirements page for the order of the pages in the document to ensure that all front matter elements (University Endorsement page, title pages, abstract, dedication, TOC, List of Tables/List of figured [if necessary]) are included and in the correct order.

9. Save Document as a PDF

• Complete the steps below to save the capstone document as a PDF
• Open the capstone MS Word document.
• Click on File tab then select Save As to save a new file type (note the file destination of where it is going to be saved on the computer).
• Save the capstone document as a PDF by changing the file type selection on the drop-down menu that appears underneath the dialog box for the file name.
• Upload the PDF file version to ProQuest.

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