Your capstone paper will fall into one of the following categories:
Literature 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.
OR
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:
FAQs
However, most capstone projects are generally around 20-50 pages long when written as a research paper. For the undergraduate level, a capstone project is usually around 20-30 pages long, while graduate-level capstone projects tend to be longer, around 30-50 pages.
How do you organize a capstone paper? ›
These components include an introduction, literature review, methodology, discussion, conclusion, and recommendations.
- Introduction. The introduction section of a capstone paper is a crucial part of the document that sets the tone for the entire project. ...
- Literature Review. ...
- Methodology. ...
- Discussion. ...
- Conclusion. ...
- Recommendations.
Recommended Capstone Project Proposal Format
- Cover page with: Title. ...
- Project Summary. A brief summary of the overall goal of the project and the final outcomes to be developed from. ...
- Literature Review or Annotated Work to Support the Project. ...
- Methods of Project. ...
- Timeline. ...
- Final Product. ...
- Dissemination. ...
- References.
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.
Can you fail a capstone project? ›
If students do not meet the learning outcomes and assessment requirements, they will fail the capstone.
How many hours should a capstone project take? ›
Students are not required to track the time they spend on their capstones. However, the expectation is that students spend no less than 30 hours working on the project. Ultimately, a capstone is meant to be a significant endeavor to produce a high-quality product--not something that can be done in a few evenings.
Which is harder capstone or thesis? ›
Thesis and capstone projects synthesize your overall learning, taking the knowledge you've gained throughout your program and applying it to your own research. A thesis, which often requires more intensive research than a capstone, may span multiple years depending on the level of the psychology program.
How many sources should a capstone paper have? ›
Your capstone project should be at least 45 pages in length with an adequate amount of references, about 12–14 sources.
What does a capstone paper look like? ›
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.
Is capstone project hard? ›
Taking on a big, longer-term academic or professional project can be very challenging. So when you complete a capstone project, it can provide a confidence boost by demonstrating to yourself and your peers, professors and future employers what you're capable of accomplishing in your field of study.
They usually underline a student's academic career and can offer valuable experience and skills for their future endeavors.
- Choose Your Capstone Topic and Submit Your Project Proposal. ...
- Get all the Necessary Research. ...
- Create a Structure. ...
- Start Writing. ...
- Get Ready to Defend Your Project.
An APA paper includes:
- Title page.
- Abstract (optional for student papers)
- Text of paper. Introduction. Body. Conclusion.
- Reference List.
- Tables.
- Figures.
- Appendices.
An APA-style paper includes the following sections: title page, abstract, introduction, method, results, discussion, and references. Your paper may also include one or more tables and/or figures.
How do you write an abstract for a capstone project? ›
Content
- Opening statement on the state of research on the topic and general introduction of the problem. ...
- Identification of the problem and why it is relevant. ...
- Summary findings from existing research and what is missing (i.e., the gap) ...
- Purpose of the study. ...
- Theoretical or conceptual framework. ...
- Method and research design.
The capstone project will typically be a digital project related to the student's area of study, accompanied by a 20-25 page double-spaced white paper.
How many pages is an undergraduate capstone? ›
A capstone paper may be 25 pages, whereas a thesis could be 100 or more.
Should a capstone paper be double spaced? ›
Body of Thesis/Capstone
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.
