About: Master of Criminal Justice (MCJ) and Master of Public Administration (MPA) students complete a capstone project during their final semester. Students work with a client in a public or nonprofit agency to identify a problem and then, using the knowledge and skills they have gained in the program, carry out a project resulting in a paper and presentation that address the problem. Projects take many different forms including program evaluations, surveys and interviews, business or marketing plans, etc. Capstone projects provide students with an opportunity to integrate what they have learned and apply their knowledge and skillset to a real-world problem.
Volunteer expectations: Clients furnish applicable information, provide feedback over the course of the semester, and help evaluate the work.
Time commitment: The time spent on a project can vary with the degree of project or data complexity and the amount of interaction. The client begins defining and refining a project with a student and faculty member prior to the start of a semester and expectations culminate with feedback and evaluation after the project is complete. Capstones are structured to be completed in a single semester (fall or spring).
Impact: Capstone clients are connecting students and academic learning with real world opportunities and are providing a forum to showcase their knowledge. Capstones have resulted in published articles, board and conference presentations, and even new jobs.
