Quick answer
The Capstone is the required final project of MUST University's master's programs, focused on the practical application of what you learned in the program to solve a real problem. It moves through stages such as choosing a topic, methodology, research and writing, ending with a presentation to the examining committee via Zoom.
How it works
The word Capstone literally means "capping stone", the one that finishes and crowns a building. In an academic context, the Capstone represents the culminating point of your master's program, bringing together the knowledge and experience you gained throughout your studies.
It is a multifaceted project that can involve scientific investigation, reports, portfolios, applied products and presentations, always with the goal of contributing to the scientific and professional community.
Capstone versus thesis
| Work | Main focus |
|---|---|
| Capstone | Practical application of the knowledge gained throughout the program to solve real problems. |
| Thesis | Production of new knowledge through hypothesis formulation and scientific research. |
Skills you develop
Throughout the Capstone, you develop skills such as:
- Critical thinking
- Problem solving
- Oral and written communication
- Planning and organization
- Setting goals and deadlines
Support materials in the LMS
In the Capstone course area of the Learning Management System (LMS), you will find:
- Capstone Regulation
- Ebook 1: Research and Science
- Ebook 2: Research Project
- Introduction to the TCF (PDF)
- Form 1 (Topic and Timeline)
- Form 2 (Research Project)
- Official templates
- Committee presentation guide
Support during the course
During the Capstone, you have support from your tutor, your program coordinator and your Capstone advisor, plus video lessons, PDFs and additional research materials available in the LMS.
Step by step
- Choose your research line. Select an area of professional or social interest. Organize your study environment, set a disciplined routine and create a folder on your computer to gather all your MUST materials for the project.
- Define your topic, objectives and timeline. This will guide your entire research. Keep track of the timeline and the deadlines set for each deliverable.
- Choose your methodology. Based on your topic, select how the research will be conducted.
- Bibliographic and practical research. Investigate reliable sources and, when applicable, collect data. Bookmark the research sites you use and highlight the most relevant passages in the books and articles you consult.
- Analysis and writing. Write your final paper according to MUST University's standards.
- Presentation to the examining committee. This is the final stage. You present your research via Zoom to doctoral professors in the field.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Capstone?
It is the final project that brings together the knowledge and experience you gained throughout your master's program, a multifaceted work that can involve scientific investigation, reports, portfolios, applied products and presentations.
What is the difference between the Capstone and a traditional thesis?
The Capstone focuses on the practical application of what you learned to solve a real problem. A thesis, on the other hand, aims to produce new knowledge through hypothesis formulation and scientific research.
What skills does the Capstone help you develop?
Critical thinking, problem solving, oral and written communication, planning and organization, and the ability to set goals and deadlines.
What support materials are available for the Capstone?
In the course's LMS area you will find the Capstone Regulation, the Research and Science and Research Project ebooks, the Introduction to the TCF PDF, the Topic/Timeline and Research Project forms, official templates and the committee presentation guide.
Who can help me during the Capstone?
Your tutor, your program coordinator and your Capstone advisor, plus the video lessons and additional materials available in the LMS.
Where can I find information about credits, duration and prerequisites for my program's Capstone?
In the Knowledge Base article "TCF/Capstone", which lists the number of credits per program, the length of the course and the prerequisite rule.
Didn't work? Do this
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| I can't find the Capstone support materials in the LMS | Go back into the Capstone course in the Learning Management System, or open a ticket with the Registrar's Office describing the problem. |
| I have questions about my project's topic, methodology or structure | Talk to your Capstone advisor or your course tutor. |
| I don't know how many credits my program's Capstone is worth, or when I can enroll | Check the "TCF/Capstone" article in the Knowledge Base, or open a ticket with the Registrar's Office stating your program. |
| Nothing worked | Open a ticket with the Registrar's Office at registrar@mustedu.com, describing your Capstone question. |
See also
In the Knowledge Base
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