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CAN YOU PROVIDE EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC CAPSTONE PROJECT FORMATS OR TYPES

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Research Paper:
One of the most common types of capstone project is a research paper. The research paper allows students to deeply explore a topic of their choosing related to their field of study. It involves conducting an extensive literature review to summarize and synthesize existing research on the topic. Students then identify gaps in the research and formulate their own original research questions or hypotheses. An appropriate research methodology is proposed and the intended research is described. Ethics approval may be required if studies involving human or animal subjects are proposed. The paper concludes by discussing potential implications and applications of the research, as well as limitations and directions for future work. The research paper format demonstrates ability to thoroughly investigate an issue, critically analyze previous literature, and identify opportunities for novel contributions.

Applied Project:
An applied project allows students to apply their skills and knowledge to addressing a practical problem or developing a product. For instance, business students may develop a full marketing or business plan for a startup company. Nursing students could develop an educational program for patients or caregivers. Engineering students may design and prototype a tool, medical device, building system, or consumer product to solve an issue. Applied projects require defining the problem clearly, researching best practices and alternative solutions, evaluating feasibility and ethics considerations, developing a proposal or prototype, and discussing implementation strategies. Presenting and demonstrating the proposal or prototype is often a key component. Applied projects showcase translational ability to identify needs and design pragmatic solutions.

Case Study Analysis:
A case study analysis involves an in-depth exploration and evaluation of a real-world scenario or case. Students are provided with a significant amount of information about an actual event, situation, or organization. They analyze details such as the context, key players and their perspectives, important decisions made, and outcome impacts. Students then evaluate strengths and weaknesses of responses or solutions. Recommendations are provided on how the situation could have been handled differently based on course concepts and frameworks. Case studies cultivate skills in synthesizing complex real-world scenarios, making evidence-based judgments, and proposing optimized strategies.

Capstone Course:
Some programs structure the capstone as an entire advanced course taken during the final year of study. It typically involves a combination of assignments such as research projects, applied projects, case study analyses, service learning placements, or portfolios of work. Individual assignments build toward a culminating experience demonstrating command of the major. For instance, education students may do readings on innovative teaching models and develop sample curricula applying these ideas. Business analytics students could complete freelance consulting projects for organizations, analyzing and reporting on data. Capstone courses promote an integrated mastery of a field through diverse experiential applications over the duration of a semester or more.

Portfolio:
A capstone portfolio brings together examples of a student’s best work from their entire college career. It demonstrates the growth and progression of their skills, perspectives, and interests over time. The portfolio includes selective samples of significant class assignments, projects, research papers, internship reflections, community engagement activities, awards and leadership experiences. Students write an integrative analytical narrative articulating how these examples together represent their evolution as a learner in the major. A portfolio highlights diverse competencies attained as well as the ability to thoughtfully curate, package and present academic/professional experience. It celebrates overall collegiate achievement holistically.

Capstone projects offer hands-on culminating experiences for applying interdisciplinary knowledge in substantial and meaningful ways. The examples provided illustrate a diversity of formats that enable students across majors to demonstrate their command of core principles, translation of concepts into practice, critical abilities, and preparedness to continue lifelong learning after graduation.

WHAT ARE SOME COMMON FORMATS FOR CAPSTONE PROJECTS

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Research Paper/Thesis
One of the most traditional capstone project formats is a research paper or thesis. For this type of capstone, students conduct independent research on a topic related to their major or area of study. They formulate a research question and hypothesis, thoroughly review relevant literature, collect and analyze data, draw conclusions, and discuss implications. The final paper is usually 30-100 pages in length following the style guidelines of their field (e.g. APA, MLA). Students must get approval on their topic and research plan from their capstone advisor before beginning research. They then submit multiple drafts and have an oral defense of their completed paper to a committee. This format allows students to delve deeply into a topic and make an original contribution to knowledge in their field through quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods research.

Group Project/Product
Some programs require students to complete capstones involving group work to mimic real-world collaborative projects. For example, business students may develop a new product or service plan including market research, SWOT analysis, financial forecasts, operations and management plans, prototypes or website development. Engineering students might tackle the design, prototyping and testing of a product or system. Groups submit written documentation of the project similar to a business or design plan along with deliverables such as prototypes, financial models, websites, software, etc. Presentations to classmates and industry judges are also common. The collaborative nature prepares students for team-based problem solving after graduation.

Internship/Practicum
A growing number of capstone programs incorporate extended internships, clinical placements or student teaching experiences as the culminating project. Students apply skills and knowledge from their coursework in a professional setting, typically for 300-600 hours over one semester. Internships require securing a placement with an external organization, performing professional responsibilities under supervision, and documenting activities and learning through regular journaling or narrative reports. Evaluations from the site supervisor and a faculty advisor ensure standards are met. At completion, students often give presentations about their experience. This real-world immersion helps with career preparation and networking.

Portfolio
Some creative or design-focused disciplines utilize a portfolio as a capstone format to showcase a student’s body of work. Examples include collections of writing samples, artistic/musical compositions, design projects, video productions or software applications. Portfolios emphasize quality over quantity, carefully selecting each included piece to reflect the student’s growth, technical skills and creative voice. Introductory essays analyze artistic choices, influences, goals and influences. Physical or digital portfolios may be augmented by oral defenses reviewing pieces and future career aspirations. Evaluators consider portfolio contents as well as presentation skills. Portfolios demonstrate how students can market themselves as emerging creative professionals.

Individualized Capstone
At institutions allowing flexible capstone formats, some students pursue individualized projects tailored to their unique goals. These self-directed capstones integrate personal or professional interests outside standard academic parameters. With faculty approval, students design independent studies, community-engaged scholarship or entrepreneurial ventures as long as rigorous standards are applied. Reflective essays must substantiate how the project met high-level learning objectives. Self-motivated students thrive in this setting by stretching boundaries, though detailed planning and oversight are needed to assure quality. Individualized capstones maximize student agency in their culminating undergraduate experience.

Regardless of format selected, effective capstone projects share key elements including a demonstrable mastery of knowledge and competencies through an substantial final product, informed by relevant theory and literature along with reflection on how the experience integrated the student’s overall education. Well-structured capstone courses guide participants through each stage of project development to maximize learning outcomes at the culmination of their undergraduate careers. The skills practiced through any capstone format – research, collaboration, problem-solving and professional work for example – prepare graduates to thrive in their post-college paths.

CAN YOU PROVIDE MORE EXAMPLES OF ALTERNATIVE CAPSTONE FORMATS FOR MPH PROJECTS?

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Policy Brief.

A policy brief clearly outlines and analyzes a public health issue and provides policy recommendations to address it. It is targeted to a non-technical audience such as policymakers and community stakeholders. The brief will typically include an executive summary, background on the issue including relevant data and research, a clear statement of the problem or opportunity, proposed policy solutions, and implementation considerations. Students conduct a thorough literature review and may interview subject matter experts. The brief format cultivates skills in distilling complex information, strategic framing of arguments and recommendations, and written communication for lay audiences.

Program Evaluation.

Students design and conduct a process or outcome evaluation of an existing public health program, practice, or intervention. This involves developing an evaluation plan and logic model, collecting and analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data, and providing a written report on the program’s strengths/weaknesses and recommendations. Students gain experience in evaluation methodology, working with program staff, qualitative and quantitative data collection/analysis, and constructive program feedback. The report format builds skills in evidence-based analysis, respectful communication of findings, and recommendations to strengthen programs.

Toolkit or Manual.

Students develop an implementation toolkit, user manual, or training curriculum around evidence-based public health practices, programs, or policies. This could guide topic areas like creating healthy worksite environments, building coalitions, facilitating community engagement processes, or implementing public health emergency preparedness plans. The deliverable provides step-by-step guidance, tools, resources and training material stakeholders could use. Students thoroughly research best and promising practices and gain skills in instructional design, audience needs assessment, visual communication, and packaging information for end users.

Journal Article.

Modeled after a peer-reviewed public health journal article format, students write an in-depth research paper on a topic of their choice. They perform an exhaustive literature review, analyze both qualitative and quantitative data, draw conclusions and recommendations, and cite sources using APA or other standardized format. The final paper is of publishable quality and potentially submitted to a journal. This cultivates skills in hypothesis testing, rigorous methods, academic writing style, and manuscript development. Students gain an understanding of the peer review process.

Needs Assessment.

Students conduct original primary and secondary data collection to comprehensively assess community health needs or service gaps within an underserved population or geographical area. The analysis identifies and prioritizes issues, explores contributory factors and social determinants of health, engages stakeholders, and makes recommendations. Methodologies may include interviews, focus groups, surveys, asset mapping, and usage/claims data review. Skills developed include stakeholder engagement, cultural competency, quantitative/qualitative analysis, and delivering results in an action-oriented format. The findings can directly inform local programming and policy.

Multimedia Project.

Students produce non-written public health deliverables using visual and technology formats such as videos, interactive websites/exhibits, podcasts, social media campaigns, or mobile applications. The project has an educational or engagement purpose, thorough planning and scripting, and is evaluated for effectiveness. Deliverables require extensive research, creative design, and technology skills. Formats foster skills in visual and participatory communication approaches, reach diverse audiences, and explore new technologies influencing public health. Equivalency is determined based on depth and effort compared to traditional written products.

Those are some ideas beyond traditional written papers or theses that MPH capstone projects could take to provide professionally applicable experiences. Formats emphasizing skills in program evaluation, stakeholder engagement, communication strategies, technology platforms and media are valuable for today’s public health jobs and issues. Well-designed alternative models cultivate competencies beyond academic research to strengthen students’ preparation for real-world practice.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE PRESENTATION FORMATS THAT CAPSTONE STUDENTS USE TO SHARE THEIR WORK?

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PowerPoint Presentation

A PowerPoint presentation is one of the most widely used formats by capstone students. PowerPoint allows students to clearly present their research, findings, conclusions and recommendations in a organized slide format. Some key aspects of a PowerPoint presentation include:

Using a minimalistic design with clear headings, bullet points and visuals/images to showcase main ideas. Typical PowerPoint presentations for capstone projects range from 15-30 slides.

Including an intro slide with the project title, student’s name and objectives. As well as a conclusion slide summarizing main takeaways.

Having slides to explain the background/problem statement, methodology, results/findings, discussion/analysis and proposed solutions or next steps.

Embedding charts, graphs, screenshots and other visual elements to break up text and help illustrate concepts or data trends.

Having a professional, easy to read font like Arial or Calibri in a large enough size like 28-34 points for titles and 24 points for body text.

Rehearsing the presentation and practicing public speaking skills to clearly convey the research in the allotted time, usually 15-25 minutes for a capstone presentation.

Poster Presentation

A poster presentation allows students to visually showcase their capstone work using a large format print out or digital display. Key aspects include:

Organizing content into clear sections using headings and subheadings to guide the viewer’s eyes across the poster in a logical flow.

Including the project title, student name and program/university clearly at the top along with objectives and brief introduction.

Using charts, graphs, photos appropriately to break up blocks of text and highlight important findings.

Employing a large font size around 36 points for headings and 28 points for body text so it’s easily readable from a distance.

Leaving proper margins and whitespace between sections for easy viewing. Posters are typically 3-4 feet wide by 4 feet tall.

Being available by the poster to explain aspects and answer questions as viewers stop to look over the displayed content.

Summarizing conclusions and next steps succinctly since viewers have less time to digest the information versus a longer presentation.

Video Presentation

Some students choose a video format to share their capstone work virtually or as a supplementary file to an in-person presentation. Features include:

Creating a 5-10 minute video to walk through the key elements – background, methods, findings, conclusions and recommendations.

Narrating over slides, visuals, charts to guide the audience through the content in a concise yet comprehensive manner.

Employing good videography and editing techniques like transitions, animated graphics/text to stay visually engaging.

Ensuring proper lighting, audio quality in the recording for a polished final product.

Producing the video with accessible, user-friendly programs like PowerPoint, Keynote, YouTube or Screencast-O-Matic.

Uploading the video file to a learning management system, video hosting site like YouTube for internal or public access.

Providing a video transcript or poster as a reference for viewers in addition to the multi-media file.

Research Paper/Report

For capstone projects requiring a substantial written component, students will produce an extensive research paper or report. Key elements include:

Crafting a 10-30+ page paper following formatting guidelines for research documents in the student’s field/program.

Employing an easy to follow structure with sections for introduction/literature review, methodology, findings/analysis, discussion and conclusion.

Integrating relevant research sources, literature, theories, frameworks as evidence to support claims and analysis.

Utilizing proper academic writing style with in-text citations and a comprehensive reference list.

Ensuring the content adheres to high standards of research quality, depth, rigor and original contribution to the topic.

Going through multiple drafts, reviews and proofreads to produce a well-polished final paper meeting capstone requirements.

Optionally presenting key highlights orally or through slides to augment the substantial written materials.

PowerPoint, posters, videos and research papers are common presentation formats used by capstone students to disseminate their applied research and findings. The format is often chosen based on the student’s field of study, project objectives and requirements set out by their academic institution. All options allow for clearly communicating the capstone work to stakeholders when implemented well.