Capstone projects at Carleton University are culminating projects undertaken by students in their final year of study across many different programs and disciplines. They are designed to allow students to demonstrate the synthesis and application of their disciplinary knowledge and skills through an original piece of work. Given their significance as a culminating demonstration of undergraduate learning, capstone projects undergo a rigorous evaluation process at Carleton.
The evaluation of capstone projects takes into account multiple factors and occurs through a multi-stage process involving both faculty assessment and external review where applicable. At the outset, students work closely with a faculty advisor or project supervisor to develop a proposal outlining their capstone project goals, methodology, timeline and deliverables. The proposal is evaluated to ensure the project is appropriately ambitious and scoped given the time and resources available. Feedback is provided to refine project parameters as needed before work commences.
Once the proposal is approved, students embark on undertaking their capstone work according to the agreed upon timeline. They maintain regular contact with their advisor/supervisor through scheduled check-ins to receive guidance and discuss progress. Mid-way through, an interim assessment is conducted where students may be asked to present initial findings or demonstrate work completed to date. This allows issues to be addressed early and adjustments made if the project has gone off track. It also motivates students to stay on schedule.
Nearing completion, students produce a final deliverable encompassing the full scope of their capstone work. The specific format and expectations for the final deliverable vary depending on the discipline and nature of the project, but common examples include research papers, technical reports, software/hardware prototypes, business plans, multimedia projects, exhibitions and performances. Faculty advisors/supervisors thoroughly evaluate the final deliverable based on pre-defined assessment criteria.
Areas typically assessed in the final evaluation include:
Demonstration of specialized knowledge and skills gained from the program of study. Students must show they can independently apply what they have learned.
Use of appropriate research methodologies, analytical techniques, technologies or creative processes based on the project type. Sound methods are important.
Rigor of analysis, problem-solving or critical thinking demonstrated. Projects should move beyond description to interpretation or synthesis.
Organization, clarity and quality of writing. Deliverables must effectively communicate the project to varied audiences.
Meeting specified technical requirements or design constraints if applicable. Projects addressing real-world issues require applicable solutions.
Acknowledging sources and ethical conduct. Academic integrity is crucial for any scholarly work.
Meeting agreed upon timeline and delivering on stated goals/objectives. Successful projects accomplish what was proposed.
Faculty provide written feedback and assign a letter grade or qualitative assessment of the final deliverable based on how well students addressed the above and additional program-specific criteria.
Some departments also implement external reviews where capstone work is assessed by additional experts beyond the faculty advisor, such as industry professionals for applied projects or jurors for artistic exhibitions. External perspectives help evaluate real-world relevance.
Some programs organize poster sessions, symposia or other events where students can publicly present their capstone work to the university community. Peer and public feedback received offers additional validation beyond isolated faculty assessment.
Through progressive evaluation at the proposal, interim and final stages – with guidance from faculty and sometimes external experts – Carleton University aims to ensure capstone projects demonstrate leadership-level mastery of each student’s field before conferring their degree. The multi-faceted assessment process tests not just content knowledge but also skills like communication, problem-solving and self-directed research.