How Do Capstone Projects Differ Between Majors and Degrees?
Since capstones demonstrate a student’s mastery of their field of study, it makes sense that different majors and degrees have unique requirements and standards. A music major’s senior project won’t look anything like a pre-med student’s project because they have entirely different skill sets and interests.
Capstone projects also differ between degrees. Expectations for an undergraduate student could look starkly different from those for a graduate student.
Prerequisites
Most capstones have prerequisites to complete before enrolling in the courses or finding an advisor. You may need to complete a full series of classes or a handful of preparatory coursework. Some majors may require external experiences, like participation in a research study or internship.
The Final Project
Depending on the school and major, students may have the option to choose a special arrangement for their capstone. Though students can share their work in unique ways, most capstones still involve a primary academic paper documenting the entire process.
Types of Capstone Projects
| Senior Thesis |
| Live Performance |
| Portfolio or Exhibit |
| Physical Product |
Senior Thesis
Perhaps the most traditional route is a senior thesis paper. Again, some schools use the terms interchangeably, but as noted above, a thesis can be one component of a capstone, but a capstone involves more than an academic paper.
Live Performances
Performers, like musicians, dancers, and actors, may prefer to demonstrate their skills through a live performance. A pianist may write a piece of music, or a dancer may choreograph a dance to perform for an audience. It could be a solo performance or part of an exhibition with peers also completing capstones.
Portfolio or Exhibit
Like performers, other creative artists may choose to display their skills with a portfolio. Writers, sculptors, and painters may devote time and research to their craft to find their voice and then prepare a portfolio showcasing their best pieces.
Physical Products
There is something to be said for a physical representation of a student’s academic skills. Building a custom website or creating a prototype could be the best way to showcase their ability and solve a problem.
