The capstone project in college is the apogee, or completion marker, of a student's coursework leading to the culmination of their program with a degree in their chosen field of study. It is generally (one of) the final course(s) a student takes before graduation.
• Capstone courses are critical components of high impact educational practices (HIPs). High-impact practices are evidence-based active learning practices that promote learning by increasing student engagement and success across ten learning experiences:
High-impact educational practices share eight common characteristics that promote student success across diverse educational environments.
The honors college proactively instituted a capstone requirement for students on the 2020 or later academic catalog and is, therefore, poised to set the standard for capstone education across the university in advance of the university’s transition to the new core curriculum.
Q: What do these High Impact Educational Practices (HIPs) look like within a capstone course in the Honors College at UA?
A: Several iterations are offered but all share specific elements, which align with the goals of high impact practices.
* Not all deliverables are required in all sections
Reflect upon the entirety of their undergraduate experience in a transdisciplinary way (Critical and Creative Thinkers); Reflect
Synthesize and integrate
Develop and apply
Synthesize and integrate prior knowledge and skills from the whole of that experience (Critical and Creative Thinkers);
Develop and apply a novel solution to a complex issue (Ethical and Empathetic Citizens);
Present their findings in a public forum (Collaborative and Inclusive Leaders); and Present
Engage in
Engage in a metacognitive assessment of the capstone experience and its application to the student’s future goals (Critical and Creative Thinkers).
Problem Statement(Week 3)*
Literature Review (Week 7)
Concept Note (Week 8)*
Mid-term poster presentation (Week 9)
End of semester Capstone Showcase (Week 16)
Metacognitive assessment (Week 16)
* Not all deliverables are required in all sections.
A: There are presently three options available to fulfill the requirement.
UH 401
Signature Work
Engaged Scholarship
Experiential Learning
Department-Based Honors
Capstone Courses
Requires completion of previously approved honors capstone course in home department
Department-based non-honors
capstone
Requires prior approval + end of semester Metacognitive Assessment