M.A. in Professional Communication
What is a Capstone Project ?
A capstone project is a multilayered project that allows students to work hands-on in a specific topic or career field. They are flexible projects that can be created in many different forms and directions based on a student's interest.
Capstone project vs Thesis
Capstone
Capstone projects are multilayered projects that are much more than a thesis. Capstone projects are a way to wrap up a student's academic experience.
Students at any level can be assigned capstone projects. They aren't assigned to just undergraduate or graduate students. Capstones can be assigned in any area of study.
Unlike a thesis, capstones can be presented in any form, not just a paper. It can be a website, short film, PowerPoint presentation, etc.
Capstones target real-world situations while getting hands-on experience in a specific topic. Students can work hands-on in the field of their interest and help them start their career in that field if they choose.
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Capstone projects take much less time to complete than a thesis paper. Capstone projects target individuals looking to complete a project in a shorter time frame. They are typically completed in one semester depending on the institution
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Overall capstone projects analyze a student's ability to create an academic project that tests a student's research skills, critical thinking skills, ability to solve real-world problems and give solutions, and gives students a hands-on experience with their topic you would not typically gain from a thesis paper.
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Thesis
Thesis papers are meant to be a starting point for a dissertation when a student is looking to pursue a PH.D. after earning a master's degree. Thesis papers are targeted towards undergraduate and graduate students.
Thesis papers are turned in a single format a formal paper and students later present an oral presentation as their defense for the paper.
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Students who are required to complete a thesis paper for their degree are required to complete them individually and only collaborate with a faculty advisor. They do not have the option of working in groups.
Thesis papers require students to investigate a problem and utilize the scientific method to address specific solutions to that problem or topic. Thesis projects are targeted toward creating new knowledge on a specific topic.
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Thesis papers are can be completed over several semesters as opposed to a capstone which is typically assigned over the course of one semester at most universities.
Different ideas for a Capstone
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Strategic Communication Plan
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Autoethnography
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Handbook or Training Manual
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Social Media Campaign
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Thesis
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Performance or Art piece