examples of leadership capstone projects

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149 Capstone Project Ideas & Examples – 2024

June 6, 2024

The word “capstone” originally referred to the decorative, final piece of masonry that would be affixed to the top of a new building. But in terms of schooling, what is a capstone project? Academically, “capstone” is a fitting metaphor, as a capstone project serves as a culminating, crowning illustration of your scholarly work. The capstone project synthesizes the learning you have done in various fields, demonstrates your level of expertise in your specific area of study, and often marks the end or milestone moment of a current study path. In short, it’s a big achievement! In this article, we’ve outlined a few tips for cultivating your perfect capstone thesis and have included a list of capstone project ideas to get you started.

General Capstone Writing Tips

As you select a topic for your capstone project, be sure to consider the following criteria:

Personal Interest . A capstone project is meant to be the culmination of or milestone representing your specific path of study; as such, it should be a project that actually interests you! Perhaps you’ve already been working on a passion project or long-term scholarly paper on a topic that excites you. Or maybe you’ve heard about a specific branch of inquiry within your field that you find compelling and want to explore further. Whether you’re new to a specific capstone subject or have been working on it for a while, it’s important to know that your actual interest in a subject can increase your productivity and learning. [i]

Existing Research . For any new piece of scholarship, it’s crucial to thoroughly understand and acknowledge the current knowledge and findings that exist around your thesis. As an advancing practitioner in your field of study or profession, you should already have a sense of what other scholars and experts have said about your capstone project idea, but this is a moment to fully explore: Who are the major players in this professional or scholarly conversation? What are the most important pieces of research that ground this field of study? What recent innovations have been made in this topic?

Stakes . If you’ve ever been involved in a debate or had to write a persuasive speech , you know that an important question to answer is: “So what?” Why is this capstone project idea important? What will be affected if the ideas in your capstone do or do not come to pass? What exactly is at stake here?

Examples Continued

Stakeholders . The stakeholders of a capstone are those who will be affected by the information in your project. Perhaps you’ve already engaged in community service and have seen a gap that can be filled by your particular area of expertise. Maybe you are one of the stakeholders in your research. In every capstone project, your readers should know who will be most important to your work.

Identify a gap or problem . If you’ve done your research properly, then you now know what current holes or gaps exist in your field. Make sure you frame your capstone so that your audience is aware of the work that needs to be done.

Fill the gap . This is your moment to shine! What is your specific hypothesis? What kind of research will you conduct to prove it? Specifically, how is your work contributing to this field of study? To this profession?

Feasibility and Scope . The last question you need to ask yourself is: Can I actually do this project? Do you have the time and resources to complete the work you’re proposing? Is your capstone actually doable? If you find that your project seems too big, don’t despair! Many capstone project ideas can be narrowed down for specificity and feasibility. Take a look at the example below:

Very broad:

“What are some recent developments in women’s health research?”

More specific and feasible:

“What are the most current findings on early diagnostic testing and maternal health outcomes amongst American women?”

Capstone Project Examples

Below, we’ve listed 150 capstone project examples in various fields. Think of all of these focus questions and ideas as jumping-off points. Some are very broad, while others are much more specific. Your capstone project will most likely fall under the “specific” category (see “feasibility and scope” above), but broader topics and focus questions can get you started down the path of your own particular branch of research.

Computer Science Capstone Project Ideas

1) In what ways does social media influence current developments in information systems and marketing?

2) What recent developments have we seen in natural language processing? What innovations do we hope to see?

3) How is cybersecurity an essential consideration in political and public policy?

4) What is the potential for virtual reality within the fields of mental healthcare and / or physical rehabilitation?

5) How can cybersecurity better function in the healthcare industry?

6) What are current and developing applications for machine learning algorithms?

7) How can we develop more secure data encryption?

8) What are the current needs for development in image processing and design?

9) How does artificial intelligence promise to elevate, innovate, revolutionize, or render obsolete various fields and / or methodologies inside and outside of computer science?

10) What current developments exist in the field of neural networks?

11) In what ways can we develop more efficient data encryption algorithms?

12) What specific roles does computer science play in national defense?

13) Exploring automated testing systems.

14) In what ways have smartphone interfaces changed human behavior? Can we predict future changes?

15) What recent innovations have we seen in cloud computing and what changes can we expect to see in this field?

16) How can we improve specific algorithms that conduct market-based analysis?

17) What are the current most important ethical questions surrounding big data and information systems?

18) What are the current expectations around the development and use of cryptocurrency?

19) What specific relationships exist between national policy and internet censorship?

20) Recent innovations and gaps in _________. (Have you already done some research on a very particular topic? This is your moment to delve more deeply into a branch of computer science that specifically interests you !)

Nursing and Medical Capstone Project Ideas

21) What roles might nurses have in administering pain management and anesthesia?

22) In what ways can we address the country’s nursing shortage?

23) In what ways is the field of nursing expected to change in the near future?

24) What innovations can be made in continuing education for nurses?

25) In what ways can nurse practitioners and PAs function more effectively in primary care and specialty settings?

26) Going forward, what roles can nurses play in mobile health and telemedicine?

27) How can clinical settings improve their mental and emotional health outreach for employees?

28) In what ways do nurses and PAs function in specific research roles (e.g. cancer research)?

29) Development of cultural sensitivity training and eliminating health equity disparities in the nursing field.

30) Recent developments in women’s health initiatives and research.

31) In what ways can communication efficacy be addressed in clinical settings?

32) What is the relationship between medical care and specific public policies?

33) Nursing, management, and leadership roles.

34) In what ways can technology improve nursing and healthcare initiatives?

35) Recent innovations and gaps in _________. (Have you already done some research on a very particular topic? This is your moment to delve more deeply into a branch of medicine or scientific inquiry that specifically interests you !)

Humanities and Arts Capstone Project Ideas

36) How does art function in the political and public spheres?

37) What specific developments have we seen in the field of graphic design in the past decade?

38) Analyzing the relationships between marketing, commercial viability and contemporary literature.

39) In what ways do the humanities function in ecocriticism and the Anthropocene?

40) Social media and communication.

41) What are some recent examples of the relationship between popular culture and political propaganda?

42) Current distinctions between pop culture, avant-garde, and highbrow literature and art.

43) What is the role of philosophy in current public debate?

44) In what ways do / have the humanities function(ed) within and / or outside of the public sphere?

45) What is the role of the digital humanities in ancient / early modern / modern history?

46) What recent developments have we seen in the fields of women’s and gender studies?

47) How has a globalized media culture impacted our views on cultural exchange / postcolonialism / hegemonic power structures?

48) In what ways have sustainability initiatives become an essential part of art, theatre, fashion, film, and literary production?

49) Race, class, gender and / or sexuality, and recent developments in the construction of personal identity.

50) How does appropriation function in the realm of cultural production?

51) What is the current role of cinema in public and political culture?

52) Creativity and new genres in the wake of social media, artificial intelligence and monoculture.

53) How can / do museums and public spaces function as sites of cultural production?

54) In what ways has artificial intelligence begun to shape the arts and humanities?

55) Recent innovations and gaps in ____________. (Have you already done some research on a particular topic? This is your moment to delve more deeply into a branch of humanities research that specifically interests you!)

Engineering Capstone Project Ideas

56) What is the role of engineering in specific manufacturing practices?

57) In what ways are environmental and sustainable efforts transforming various industries (transportation, manufacturing, public use, energy, etc.)?

58) How does artificial intelligence promise to function in various engineering fields?

59) What are the functions of drones in supply chains?

60) How does engineering specifically function in the production and management of public health (water purification and distribution, waste management, etc.)?

61) What recent innovations have we seen in the fields of engineering and defense?

62) Assessing the feasibility of solar power, wind power, etc.

63) In what ways can engineering facilitate specific infrastructure innovations in public spaces?

64) What does the privatization of the aerospace industry demonstrate about the relationship between public and commercial scientific research?

65) In what ways does current engineering promise to disrupt fields like the automotive, manufacturing, aerospace, etc. industries?

66) Examining various uses of 3D printing.

67) What are some recent innovations in electric, geothermal and/ or nuclear energy?

68) What is the current relationship between extraction engineering and the public sphere?

69) How does the field of robotics function in medicine and public health?

70) Recent innovations and gaps in _________. (Have you already done some research on a very particular topic? This is your moment to delve more deeply into a branch of engineering or scientific inquiry that specifically interests you !)

Education Capstone Project Ideas

71) How do charter schools currently function in the education system?

72) What current pathways exist for continuing education in the teaching field?

73) What roles does artificial intelligence play in the future of education?

74) Disciplinary practices and education for early childhood, middle school, high school, etc.

75) Addressing income and resource disparities between public school districts.

76) In what ways does gender currently function in STEM education?

77) In what ways can mental health initiatives more thoroughly benefit students, staff, and educators?

78) In what ways is parental involvement a factor in current curriculum models?

79) What are the advantages and disadvantages of various modes of virtual learning, technology in the classroom, asynchronous learning, e-learning, etc.?

80) How can we address the current teacher shortage?

81) What are the current relationships between politics, public policy, school funding and curriculum development?

82) What recent innovations have we seen in outdoor learning, Montessori schooling, forest schools, eco-education, etc.?

82) How can schools facilitate better curricula and funding for special needs programs?

83) What is the current role of the arts in public education? In private education?

84) What is the relationship between public policy and homeschooling?

85) In what ways do race and class currently function in specific conversations around education?

86) What are current concerns and developments in the practices of school safety?

87) What developments are currently underway in curricula involving interdisciplinary and project-based learning?

88) What benefits and drawbacks currently exist in extracurricular programs and initiatives for students of various age groups?

89) Recent innovations and gaps in _________. (Have you already done some research on a very particular topic? This is your moment to delve more deeply into a branch of education or curriculum planning that specifically interests you !)

Biology Capstone Project Ideas

90) What are some recent developments in the ethics of stem cell research and cloning?

91) How has public disease testing changed since the pandemic?

92) What is the role of the biologist in mining, extraction, and geoengineering?

93) What recent innovations have been made in pesticide production, distribution, and wider use?

94) How can biology serve manufacturing industries to prevent contamination and supply chain stalling?

95) How do specific ecosystems currently function in regard to climate change? What changes are predicted to these ecosystems in the next decade and why?

96) In what ways are biologists’ roles evolving in the development of biomechanical medical devices?

97) What roles do biologists play in understandings of human reproduction and DNA?

98) How are pharmaceutical and recreational drugs currently understood and classified?

99) What recent biological innovations have been made in the production of food? What developments do we foresee in this branch of biology?

100) In what ways are biological systems affected by various forms of energy extraction and consumption (electrical power, gas, wind and solar power, etc.)?

101) How does A.I. promise to affect the roles of biologists in various fields?

102) What current biological threats do we face in terms of biological warfare? How are biologists crucial players in national defense?

103) Explore a relationship between the biochemical signatures of the body and mental wellness / illness.

104) In what specific ways is the organic movement both a biological consideration and a marketing strategy?

105) How do biologists play significant roles in the prevention of spreading infectious diseases?

106) What are the relationships between human population growth or decline and natural ecosystems?

107) How is marine life affected by human activity (recent understandings and developments)?

108) How do biologists function in public and political conversations around sustainability?

109) Recent innovations and gaps in _________. (Have you already done some research on a very particular topic? This is your moment to delve more deeply into a branch of biology that specifically interests you !)

Psychology Capstone Project Ideas

110) What recent developments have been made in research around specific social media platforms and mental health?

111) What roles did the pandemic play in social and mental health amongst particular age groups?

112) How are recent developments in digital communication (“ghosting,” “swiping,” “liking”) indicative of disordered psychological behaviors?

113) Considering particular contexts like time and place, explore the relationships between psychological wellness and gender.

114) Investigate stress reduction efficacy amongst particular populations.

115) What is the role of mental health awareness in policies and conversations around public health?

116) What role does psychology play in pain management?

117) In what ways are clinical psychologists and therapists uniquely poised to conduct empirical research?

118) What recent developments exist in research around various types of trauma?

119) What daily interventions need to be explored in the reduction of anxiety and sleep disorders?

120) What is the developing role of telemedicine and online mental healthcare?

121) In what ways are particular prescription drugs more or less effective when paired with traditional types of psychotherapy?

122) In what ways do companies utilize psychology in marketing and branding?

123) What is the role of the child psychologist in public schools?

124) In what ways can HR departments benefit from on-staff mental health workers?

125) Explore distinctions between child psychologists and early childhood educators.

126) What interventions can be made in the realm of public policy to lessen the social stigma of mental health disorders?

127) How can psychology be used to create more efficient workplaces?

128) In what ways can new technology like apps and AI be implemented in the ongoing care of mental health patients?

129) Recent innovations and gaps in _________. (Have you already done some research on a very particular topic? This is your moment to delve more deeply into a branch of psychology that specifically interests you !)

Business and Accounting Capstone Project Ideas

130) What are the current impacts of globalization on business strategy?

131) How can organizations change communication practices?

132) What are the relationships between sales, brand perception, and social justice movements?

133) In what ways are women perceived and compensated in the finance field? How has this developed over the past decade? What developments remain to be seen?

134) What leadership training programs and strategies best serve managers?

135) Exploring sustainable business practices.

136) In what ways can company structure influence business innovation?

137) What are the current trends and best practices for inter-departmental conflict resolution within businesses?

138) Exploring effects of mergers and acquisitions for specific companies.

139) What is the specific role of HR in performance management amongst employees?

140) Recent explorations of forensic accounting in cases of embezzlement.

141) Perform a case study analysis of a particular taxation policy.

142) What are some important features of the ethics of non-profit accounting?

143) In what ways can we measure international accounting standards?

144) Due to the pandemic, how have budgeting and financial planning methods evolved in recent years?

145) What specific impacts can we predict in the accounting field as a result of AI and other advancing technologies?

146) Perform an analysis of marketing strategies that utilize social media.

147) How can companies maximize consumer engagement in saturated markets?

148 Which technologies and designs are most effective in brand management and dispersion?

149) Recent innovations and gaps in _________. (Have you already done some research on a very particular topic? This is your moment to delve more deeply into a branch of business or accounting that specifically interests you !)

Capstone Project Examples – Works Cited

[i] Kahu, Ella., Karen Nelson, Catherine Picton. “Student Interest as a Key Driver of Engagement for First Year Students.” Student Success. Volume 8, Issue 2, pp. 55-66. July 2017.

• College Success
• High School Success

Jamie Smith

For the past decade, Jamie has taught writing and English literature at several universities, including Boston College, the University of Pittsburgh, and Carnegie Mellon University. She earned a Ph.D. in English from Carnegie Mellon, where she currently teaches courses and conducts research on composition, public writing, and British literature.

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Home > School of Leadership and Education Sciences > SOLES Student Scholarship & Creative Works > M.A. in Leadership Studies: Capstone Project Papers

M.A. in Leadership Studies: Capstone Project Papers

The Masters in Leadership Studies Capstone Project Papers were designed to provide Master’s students with an opportunity to demonstrate the integration and application of their learning throughout their program through an applied or research-based project.

Applied projects offer a design, program or process to address a challenge, issue or topic. Applied projects require students to apply the conceptual and practical knowledge they have gained in the program to address a “real-life” problem or issue, without requiring an extensive literature review or research methodology development.

Research projects focus on developing a more in depth understanding of an issue, interest, concern, or phenomenon. The research includes a miniature literature review on the topic and provides explanations of the implications and applications for future practice in the related field.

Project papers were deposited in Digital USD from 2017 to 2019.

Capstone Project Papers from 2019 2019

The Importance of Leadership Development for Elementary-Age Students , Katrina Calvert

Creating Better Bureaucracy Through the Use of Servant Leadership , Charles Davis

The Integration Process of United States Veterans at the University of San Diego , Emily Duncan

Women Not Welcome: A Study of Gender Inequality and Leadership in STEM , Stephanie Eikermann

High School Service Learning as a Student-Directed Club , Jeff Gramme

Bonding Generations Through Team Leader Training , Laela Hannify

Developing Youth Leaders Through Service: An Applied Project to Enhance the Youth Leadership Development for Current High School Volunteers within the Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center Auxiliary , Jamie Inarda

Sexual Violence Prevention Programming for Collegiate Athletes: A Behavior Change Approach to Prevention , Amy Kame

The Correlation Between Online Marketing Strategies and Fundraising Performance of Nonprofit Organizations , Goran Orucevic

Developing Leaders in Schools: Unique Servant Leadership Youth Development Curriculum , Aarti B. Patel

Considering Chaos: Cultivating Change on the Edges of Calamity , Jake Peters

Cultivating Creativity: Leadership, Organizational Culture, and Organizational Support for Design Teams , Nick Porter

Mindful Facilitation - Designing a Workshop Linking Transformative Leadership Theory to Facilitation Techniques to Increase Facilitator Confidence , Cristina Schaffer

Nudge or Puppet? Decision-Making, Ethics, and Leadership in the Information Age , Yihe Yang

The Role of For-profit Educational Leadership Styles in Creating Shared Values , Diyang Yu

Capstone Project Papers from 2018 2018

Re-Imagining Business Enterprise as a Force for Social Good: Exploring Shared Values and the Future of a Sustainable World , Regina Bernal

An analysis of the Effects of Cultural Expectations and Family Obligations on Latina Women Attending College , Valeria Bielma

Self-empowerment of minorities focusing on trans-border communities , Lizbet Carrillo

Volunteer-Reliant Organizations , Andrea Cash

Dreaming Qontigo: Imagining Possibilities , david alejandrx cervantes

Positive Organizational Leadership: Some Recent Findings in Positive Organizational Scholarship , Lawrence Chan

Foster Youth Access to Higher Education , Raul Enciso

Reinventing Mentorship Programs: Values of Co-Mentorship in Organizations , Fabiola Escobedo Torres

Adaptive Leadership and the Maronite Church , Emily Michelle Fattouh

Access and Healthy Communities: How gardening and education can help foster leadership in low-income communities , Alexandria Frazier

Using Leader-Member Exchange Theory and Transformational Leadership to Examine the Cognitive Impact Youth Basketball Participation has on the Development of Children , Patrick Frost

Thought Forge: Investment in Critical Thinking , Christian Hampton

Impacts of Student-Athletes Who Become Pregnant While Competing in Division I Basketball , Maya Hood

Identifying Factors That Impact Female Leadership Presence , Victoria Elizabeth Kendall

Personal and Leadership Development in the Middle School Environment: The School STRONG Initiative , Ashley Kunkle

Generation Z: Utilizing Adaptive and Authentic Leadership to Promote Intergenerational Collaboration at Work , Elizabeth Laudert

Segregation of Student Financial Aid in Higher Education: The Effects on Low-Income Students When EBT Is Not Accepted at University Campuses in San Diego, CA. , Tanisha-Jean Martin

LEAD/HD: A Pilot Leadership Development Workshop , Meaghan McCaughey

For-Profit Educational Institutions , Rogelio McInnis

Culture as a System of Shared Meaning: Exploring Intercultural Leadership Identity Through Practical Application , Emily Patrick

First Generation College Parents: Bridging the Gap Between the American Higher Education System and Latino Families , Georgina Pérez

Mindful Action for Practice of Sustainability , Gary Ransom

Creating a New Culture of Care for Individuals Living With Parkinson's Disease , Dijana Ristic

Native American Education: Building Stronger Families, Communities, and Youth through Cultural Education , Kenia Rodriguez

Natural Athletic Blacks and Intelligent Whites; Race and Sports in the Media , Michel Sproles

Facilitating Conflict Resolution in Organizations: A Curriculum for Managers and Emerging Leaders , Gregory Vega

How Leadership Improves Intercultural Negotiation , Xinrui Wang

Developing Cultural Intelligence and Transformational Leadership Through Participation in Short-Term Study Abroad Programs , Rebecca Whitham

Capstone Project Papers from 2017 2017

Cultivate Conscious Kids: Unique Youth Leadership Development Programming , Ashley Adams

Leadership Style and Employee Turnover A Mythical Relationship or Reality? , Arwa Alkhawaja

Bloom - Youth Empowerment and Development Through a Practice of Emotional Leadership , Andrea Andrade

Ethnic Nationalism and Identity Formation in Cyprus, 1571 to 1974 , Nicholas James Antoniades

The Dynamics of Gender Identity and Implicit Bias Impacting Women's Executive Leadership Development Programs and Female Executive Leadership Coaching , Emelina Belle

Corporate Culture and the Leaderships on the Development of Companies , Jimengmeng Chen

The Vicious Cycle of Mass Polarization and Fear: A Pilot Program Using Comedy and Dialogue to Leverage Political Polarities , Zoë A. Hayman

Turn Off That Device , Kris Iacono

Evenings of Dialogue and Discovery: Am I being an Authentic Woman Leader? , Ashley P. Jones

Examining Hierarchy Structures in Non-Profits; The Keller Model , Scott J. Keller

Transactional and Transformational Leadership and Emotional Intelligence for Athletic Coaches , Justin Maidenberg

Differences in Leadership Between China and US , Xiaomu Pan

It's a Girl Thing Enrichment Club , Jasmine D. Reaves

Retention, Mentorship, and Servant Leadership: An analysis for Retaining 2050’s Generals in Today’s Army , Owen J. Ryckman

Mindfulness Program for Student Athletes , Daniel J. Savory

Toxic leadership in Korea through the case of President Park’s impeachment , Eunho Shin

Nature Unplugged: Cultivating Healthier Boundaries around Technology and Inspiring Reconnection with Nature , Sebastian Slovin and Sonya Mohamed

Community Collaboration: Furthering the Anchor Institution Concept within Linda Vista , Shelby J. Smock

Self Powered: A Guide to Becoming a Self-Leader , Samantha D. Wolf

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Home > HSEL > HSEL Student Capstone Projects

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

Browse this collection of Capstone Projects submitted by students completing their master’s degrees in the Hamline School of Education and Leadership. Capstones are the culminating degree work and include research that draws from the student's formal study as well as professional and personal development. Submissions include a scholarly written description of the project and may include the project artifact (as a supplemental file).

Capstone Projects are documented in Digital Commons as a degree completion option, starting in 2017.

See also: School of Education Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

• Master of Arts in Education (MAEd)
• Master of Arts in Education: Natural Science and Environmental Education (MAED: NSEE)
• Master of Arts in English as a Second Language (MAESL)
• Master of Arts in Literacy Education (MALED)
• Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

Capstone Projects from 2023 2023

On-Ramps for Refugees: A Workplace Safety IET Curriculum for Low-Proficiency English Learners , Annamarie Hansen

Building Resilience Through Nature Connection and Storytelling to Face the Climate Crisis and the Ecological Crisis , Adam Hettler

Implement Translanguaging: Tools For Monolingual Teachers , Shana Hodel

Relating Chemistry to Society to Promote the Understanding of the World for High Schoolers , Ashley Hoefker

Special Education Diploma Acquisition and Transition Planning in Alternative School: An Authentic, Individualized Approach , Margaret Hoehn

How Does Classroom Management Affect Student Behavior? , Lucy Hoelscher

Supporting Dual-Identified Learners’ English Expressive Language Development , Sara Hommes

Understanding Effective Literacy Instruction for Primary Grade Teachers , Erika Hotchkiss

How Can Educators Implement Nature-Based Learning To Increase The Well-Being Of The Whole Child? , Jennifer Hubert

Creating First Grade Math Learning Materials in the Chinese Immersion Learning Environment , Huishu Jia

Dancing Science: Using Dance and Movement as Culturally Responsive Teaching Strategies to Increase Motivation, Interest, and Understanding in Middle School Science Classes , Ellis Johnston

Managing Plagiarism and Artificial Intelligence in a High School Classroom , Grayci Kangas-Olson

Nature’s Classroom: Designing a Practical Environmental Education Curriculum , Kendra Karwacki

A Plurilingual Approach for Secondary EFL Students in Panama , Charlie Kersey

Equity In The Math Classroom How Math Teachers Can Achieve Equity Despite District’s Budget , Tony Edward Kohanek

Implementing Nature-Based Play In Academically Focused Early Childhood Settings , Abbie Krohn

Best Practices: To Supporting and Including SLIFE, Preliterate, Pashtu Students in Secondary, Western, Schools , Claire Madden

Anxiety Disorders In Elementary Students: Interventions For Classroom Use , Jillian Maloney

How does Nutrition, Exercise, Sleep, and Phone Addiction affect Elementary Student Learning? , Madeline (Marston) Ballis

Folktale Friends: An After School Club Curriculum For Building Community And Cultural Competency , Abby Marta

Using Cooperative Groups to Enhance Student Learning in a High School Math Class , Caitlin McCain

Helping Female and Nonbinary Identifying Students Grow Confidence in the Science Classroom , Mari McDonald

English Language Arts Curricular Interventions and Achievement in Advanced First Grade Learners from Underserved Backgrounds , Nicole McKenzie

In what ways are schools, districts and states proactively supporting the mental health of their teachers to reduce teacher turnover and burnout? , Lauren Meyer

Educating Paramedics on the Importance of Postpartum Maternal Health and Related Emergencies , Jeffery Morgan

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5 Organizational Leadership Capstone Project Ideas

• By Jamie B.
• Published June 13, 2019
• Last Updated December 11, 2022
• Equality and Leadership
• Leadership Development in Children and Adolescents
• Intergenerational Leadership
• Emotional Intelligence and Organizational Leadership
• Conflict Resolution from a Leadership Perspective

You have completed the bulk of your organizational leadership degree program. You can see the light at the end of the tunnel, that dream career that you have been working so hard towards. The last big challenge you need to conquer is the capstone project. The most difficult part for many is deciding on the topic of this project. Here are five enticing ideas for an organizational leadership capstone project.

1. Equality and Leadership

Some of the best leaders in society and business have been women of racial minorities. They started in a disadvantaged socioeconomic status. They identify with a minority sexual or gender orientation, and  believe in marginalized faiths. Yet, they still fight a more difficult battle for their earned leadership status. The source and solution for this inequality is a hot topic in organizational leadership right now, and therefore an excellent choice as a capstone project.

2. Leadership Development in Children and Adolescents

That is right, organizational leadership starts early. Children and adolescents who are given guidance on the appropriate ways to enact and comply with leadership are believed to perform better academically and socially. This carries into successful adult careers and personal relationships. Forbes offers an insightful perspective on guiding children and youth towards building a brighter future for themselves and future generations.

3. Intergenerational Leadership

On the other side of the coin is the notion of learning from our elders and allowing them to remain in positions of leadership. In this society so focused on the value of youth, older generations often become ostracized and patronized. They might not be as well-versed in the modern languages of technology and colloquialism. But that does not mean they have nothing to contribute to modern society. There is a powerful, and necessary,  form of leadership which can only come with the wisdom gained through lived experience.

4. Emotional Intelligence and Organizational Leadership

One of the key components of successful leadership is a high level of emotional intelligence. This refers to the ability to appropriately express one’s own emotions and respond to those of others. There is a great deal of research about emotional intelligence and organizational leadership. However, more research is needed to fully understand their relationship to each other. This relationship, therefore, holds a great deal of potential for a capstone project.

5. Conflict Resolution from a Leadership Perspective

It is both difficult and easy to imagine a world free of conflict. Difficult in that we are surrounded by  myriad conflicts every day. Easy in those moments of peace, therefore, shine brightly in between. What is not easy is answering the question of how to resolve and reduce conflicts in our various organizational systems. One thing we know is that it begins with strong leadership by those with good intentions. Parsing out the roles of leaders in conflict resolution, and what is currently missing from those roles, would make a valuable capstone project.

Related Resource: Top 10 Best Value Bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership Degrees Online

Organizational leadership is a highly relevant field of study right now, as most of our society’s systems are hierarchical. Good leadership is therefore essential for the success and health of all individuals and systems. Organizational leadership capstone project topics such as these five will help students contribute meaningfully to the field. In addition they’ll fulfill one of the final requirements for graduation.

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MS in Business and Organizational Leadership

Capstone Research Projects

Integrity is a key leadership trait, msn.com article.

Warren Buffett Says You Can Spot a Great Leader by Simply Looking for This Trait

About the BOL Program

Disclaimer: Now formally known as the MS in Business and Organizational Leadership

Novelist Leo Tolstoy said: “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” As Tolstoy wisely observed, change must begin from within. Personal transformation is the focus of the Master of Science in Business and Organizational Leadership program . The goal of the program is in keeping with Greek philosopher Plutarch, who said: “The purpose of education is not to filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire” – a fire that ignites an unquenchable thirst for lifelong learning. And the light from that fire, is meant to be shared with others. Throughout the program, students connect coursework with personal development and professional practice, and are encouraged to choose research topics that benefit their companies, their communities, or the environment. This is consonant with the principles of Neumann’s Franciscan Tradition of social and ethical responsibility, stewardship, and servant leadership, which are embedded in the OSL program.

Student Scholarship: Capstone Research Projects

The Business and Organizational Leadership Capstone Research Project is a culminating experience designed to provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate mastery of the field of Business and Organizational Leadership. The Capstone Service Research Project (CSRP) is an action-based creative expression of leadership that includes a “deliverable” – or, “end product,” purpose, or intended use of the research data – to a sponsoring organization; or a realistic service template that represents a scholarly contribution to the leadership field of study. It may also involve: the creation of a business model or plan; a strategic plan or analysis; a clear set of recommendations; a social, educational, or public service; a financial scholarship program; or a public awareness campaign regarding a timely and compelling issue. But whatever the topic, it must have socially redeeming value in keeping with the Franciscan Principles and Tradition.

The strategic leadership program was just what I was looking for with the creation of this camp READ MORE Patricia Demiranda ’14 MS in Business and Organizational Leadership

Enhancing Inclusive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Planning Through Community Inclusion: A Program Plan for the Delaware County Department of Emergency Services

Overcoming barriers to Disaster Preparedness and Recovery information and services is a core component for enhancing community resiliency. Traditional metrics for determining potential barriers to Disaster Preparedness and Recovery information and services, called Access and Functional Needs, within the fields of Emergency Management, Public Health, and Human Services have not been universally used in a coordinated manner at a national level and do not yet include lessons learned during the COVID-19 Pandemic response. Updating these metrics to develop a new system inclusive of themes from each independent field and the pandemic response will enhance capacity for Inclusive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Planning (IDPRP) to better determine needs within communities targeted for planning and services. Incorporating members of the community will expand capability both to determine, and overcome barriers identified. Two proven methods for the incorporation of community leaders and do this work are Functional Assessment Service Teams and Community Ambassador Programs.

Danielle Koerner

The Use of Stay Interviews to Curtail the Emergency Medical Services Staffing Crisis

Fred W. Wurster III

This Capstone will highlight the current staffing crisis that is impacting Emergency Medical Service (EMS) organizations across the United States. According to the Ambulance Association of America (AAA) and the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT), EMS organizations are facing some of the most challenging times as it relates to recruitment and more importantly, retention. Retention of personnel in an EMS organization is the critical structure that allows for ambulances to respond to and arrive at emergency situations in a timely fashion. Imagine calling 911 for a medical emergency and an ambulance takes hours to arrive or even worse an ambulance not showing up all. Unfortunately, one or both instances are occurring in areas across the United States today. Some areas such as North Carolina, are plagued with such shortages that they have requested ambulances from the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) to simply staff ambulances for 911 calls (Donnelly-DeRoven, 2022).

Advancing Diversionary Programs to Maintain Low Level Juvenile Recidivism Rates

This Capstone Research Project was intended to enhance current juvenile diversionary programs to reduce juvenile crime and recidivism rates. After conducting research this Capstone Research Project focused on the need for advancing referrals to juvenile diversionary programs and minimizing out of home placements for juvenile delinquents. The research first examined the average number of times a juvenile delinquent has been arrested and the number of pre-determined risk factors the delinquent has been exposed to. The researcher then examined pre-determined risk factors that predominantly affect at risk youth.

Sara Howell

Community Paramedicine and Mobile Integrated Health: An Innovative Approach to Medicine to Provide Care for Patients With Social Determinants of Health

Elizabeth C. McCall

Community Paramedics provide healthcare for patients who suffer from various social determinants of health. According to Dr. Gina Agarwal, an associate professor in the Department of Family Medicine at McMaster University, the patients typically include homeless persons, people living in poverty, those suffering from addiction and mental health disorders, patients seen as frequent users of both Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the emergency room (E.R.), and chronically ill persons who are considered high-risk for readmission to the hospital.

Keeping Low Income Families in Their Homes: by removing the burden of costly home repairs

For citizens living only just above the national poverty line, a simple home repair may become a large problem, especially when other stressors have occurred in their lives that may require an unforeseen financial burden. According to the Population Reference Bureau (2022), “The Census Bureau reported that 37.2 million people, or 11.4% of the U.S. population, were living in poverty in 2020, based on official poverty threshold.” In an article written by Susannah Snider and Emma Kerr for U. S. News publication, they refer to a study conducted in 2018 by the Pew Research Center located in Washington D.C., Pew defined the economic breakdown as follows; for a family of 3 an annual income of less than $40,100 was considered low income, $41,000 - $120,400 was considered middle and more than $120,400 was considered upper income varying by region and state. (Snider & Kerr, 2020) The researchers’ findings suggested that many people describe themselves as middle class, however, many of them may fall outside of this definition.

Jacquelyn Krom

Next Step Leadership Initiative: A Plan for Urban Youth

Connor Quealy

This Capstone will highlight several key issues impacting the lives of youth in lowincome/urban areas, such as the impacts of violence on youth and the current state of education and where it is failing, as well as poverty. Constant violence against or around youth leads to personal issues to trouble in school. Education has often been a way out of poverty for those less fortunate. Still, with recent budget cuts in schools across the United States, the cycle of poverty is continuing in these communities. Throughout the Capstone, the two cities to be examined will be Philadelphia, PA, and Camden, NJ, because both cities have been experiencing significant issues in the discussed areas. The year 2020 marked one of the deadliest years in Philadelphia. Camden also experiences, on average, a significantly higher number of murders for the size of the city. The Capstone will also examine two youth development programs in Camden and how they help lead youth to brighter and successful futures.

Improving Leadership and Communication within Government Organizations: A Qualitative Pilot Study

Effective, efficient, clear, and concise communication throughout any organizational leadership hierarchy is a quintessential component to sustainable long-term success. The purpose of this qualitative study, which consisted of a sample size of five total participants, was to discover where communicative deficiencies exist, what impact these deficiencies have on the dissemination of pertinent workplace knowledge and information, which leadership style(s) contribute to the deterioration, or improvement of, communicative solidarity, and to develop a communicative needs assessment and set of ethical communicative guidelines.

Steven Serrano

A Program Model to Recruit and Retain More Black Teachers into the Educator Pipeline to Accelerate Achievement for Black Students in Pennsylvania

Shayna Terrell

Substantial research has been conducted to measure the disproportionate rates of achievement gaps between Black and White students. Studies performed to investigate the existing gaps have measured Black teachers' impact on Black students and the impact the lack of teacher diversity has on student achievement. There is limited research that combines all three variables to make a case for building a focused strategy specifically for recruiting Black teachers into the profession. This analysis intends to highlight the benefits of having a Black teacher for Black students and address the lack of diversity in the teacher workforce, specifically in Pennsylvania. The researcher will use data collected and analyzed as evidence for the need to develop a focused strategy for recruiting more Black teachers into the teacher pipeline.

DISCOVERING THE TRUTH BEHIND THE NUMBERS

The research conducted in this Capstone is focused on Black American students and their college graduation rates to examine how tertiary institutions might better support and retain students of color. In 2018, 16,616,400 students enrolled in a 4-year degree granting institution 2,012,854 of those students graduated within 4 years and only 195,656 were Black students. The researcher analyzed other factors that could influence Black student graduation rates in the U.S. Those factors include but are not limited to the following: lack of sufficient financial assistance, a deficiency of Black diversity and cultural competency among instructors, administrators, and academic advisors, student under-achievement specifically among Black students. The researcher constructed a list of recommendations for administrators of undergraduate 4-year degree granting institutions in the U.S. to evaluate and implement to increase Black Student Graduation rates are as follows; increase Title IX funding for Black students, additional forms of financial assistance, increase academic support and increase Black instructors.

Discovering The Truth Behind The Numbers For More Equitable Education

Chadwick Johnson

Planning for the Future: The Importance of Leadership Development and Succession Planning

James V. Cartafalsa

Planning for the Future

Succession Planning and Leadership Development allow an organization to plan for the future. This paper will provide the steps needed to create an effective Leadership Development Plan. The researcher will identify the benefits of succession planning over outsourcing and other means of replacing leaders. Research on the importance of leadership development and succession planning is vital because, in the current climate of persistent and rapid change, insights are needed into established areas of successful organizational projections, such as longterm and short-term, financial, and staffing which is essential to the sustainable management of organizations.

Recommendations for State Representative Morgan Cephas and the Tustin Recreation Center

It is well documented throughout literature that poverty bestows a plethora of adverse effects on persons who endure it such as homelessness, food insecurity, toxic stress, and insufficient education, just to name a few. It is also well documented that poverty negatively affects the aesthetic of and infrastructures within a community in which it inhabits. Poverty, writes Psychologists Adamkovi and Martončik (2017) of the Institute of Psychology at the University of Prešov in Prešov, Slovakia, is a dangerous phenomenon because it fosters inequality by limiting opportunity.

Michaiah Young

Medical Care for the Homeless: Utilizing Convenient Care Clinics to Supplement Current Treatment Options

Anthony Brogno

Anthony Brogno on Reflections on Leadership Practice:

“As John Adair, an action-centered leadership thinker (2016) explained, leadership is broken down into three general functions: building and maintaining teams, motivating and developing individuals and achieving common tasks. This sums up the major components of leadership as they revolve around teams and people, and leadership is irrelevant if not for the human element. Numerous publications are available that discuss leadership and the qualities leaders should possess; however, I feel my leadership qualities are driven from within my heart and stems from the compassion I have for success and relationships.”

Richard Souders on Neumann University’s Business and Organizational Leadership (BOL)

“ Neumann University’s Business and Organizational Leadership (BOL) master’s degree program was very informative and educational. Throughout the OSL courses students were charged to reflect upon their own values and principles. Ethics and examples thereof were provided to clearly illustrate the conduct a professional should strive for. According to Neumann University’s website, the Franciscan tradition entails 'respect for individuals, concern for the environment and social responsibility.' These are good traits for an individual to possess regardless of their career or role. Since these traits are positive, humanitarian qualities they contain much value in any scenario. For this reason, it is effortless to relate these principles to strategic learning and a learning organization.”

Business Plan to Replace Hard Phones with Softphones for Ascensus for Cost-Effective and Efficient Communication

Rich Souders

Single-use Plastics: Personal and Corporate Behaviors and Attitudes towards Stewardship and Solving the Pollution Problem

Jose H. Paulino

Jose Paulino on Stewardship:

“Underlying the responsibility of caring for the environment, is the idea that as humans sharing the Earth with the vast ecosystems, we are charged with the tall and honorable task of caring for what we are borrowing on a temporary basis, and leaving the world not only inhabitable, but more suitable than we found it.”

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• Peabody College Leadership and Learning in Organizations

Leadership and Learning in Organizations Capstone Projects

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Capstone projects of the Peabody College Online Doctor of Education in Leadership and Learning in Organizations at Vanderbilt University. Authors retain copyright to their work.

Recent Submissions

• Exploring Factors that impact the Persistence of Black Male Students at Nashville State Community College  Coleman, Latesia ; Degrafinreid II, Alfred ( 2024-05 ) This study explores the factors associated with the persistence of Black males at Nashville State Community College by examining the relationships between student engagement, college GPA, and persistence using longitudinal ...
• From Grief to Advocacy: My Inquiry into the Impact of Saul's Light Foundation on Black NICU Mothers  Begg-Roberson, Maria ( 2023-12 ) This capstone project investigates the compelling work of Saul’s Light Foundation. This New Orleans-based organization is committed to helping families as they traverse the myriad of experiences in the NICU (Neonatal ...
• An Equity-Focused and Stakeholder-Inclusive Roadmap for Superintendents' Entry Plans  McDaniel, Elizabeth ; Coughlin, Danielle ; Rice, Beth ( 2023-12 ) Bellwether, a national non-profit organization, develops equitable education systems and lifelong opportunities for marginalized youth. Bellwether aims to support district superintendents as a new market segment through ...
• The Collective Wisdom of Women and Men Healthcare Executives: Advancing Women in the C-Suite Talent Pipeline  Whittington, Carol C. ; Edelstein, Carol M. ( 2023-12 ) This dissertation in practice focuses on the rich lived experiences of women in the C-suite talent pipeline within a large not-for-profit healthcare system, with the goal to identify the barriers and supports that impact ...
• Improving the Clinical Education Model for Speech-Language Pathologists for Comprehensive Skills Training in Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing, or (FEES)  Pattay, Susan M. ( 2023-12 ) This capstone project focused on exploring what factors, processes or characteristics may facilitate better implementation of a comprehensive clinical education program for Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing ...
• Creating More Just Communities through Intentional Partnerships Between Anchor Institutions and Black and Brown Business Leaders: A Quality Improvement Project for the St. Louis Anchor Action Network  Hemmy, Ashley ; Kern, Chrystine ; Umbach, Paul ( 2023-12 ) Our capstone seeks to provide recommendations for quality improvement to the University of Missouri–St. Louis, an urban-serving, public research university acting as the catalyst for the St. Louis Anchor Action Network. ...
• The Seven Year Itch: Sustaining and Scaling a Cognitively Guided Instruction Initiative  Ward, Elizabeth A. ( 2023-12 ) University of California, Los Angeles Mathematics Project supports pre-kindergarten - grade 12 school administrators and teachers in high-quality math instruction within low-income urban school districts with an emphasis ...
• Library+: Branding the Future  Jeffcoat, Holly E. ; Mindich, Bradley M. ( 2023-12 ) Our partner organization is a Medium Sized Private University (MSPU) located in the Southern United States. Founded in the early 20th century, the university offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional ...
• Reducing Subscription Churn at BioTRUST Nutrition: Exploring Reasons, Best Practices and Solutions  Coppley, Madelyn L ( 2023-12 ) BioTRUST Nutrition, a supplement brand under Wellbeam Consumer Health, experienced a 19% decrease in active subscriptions between April 1, 2022, and April 31, 2023, resulting in a revenue churn of $0.6 million and an 11% ...
• Bongo Drums and a Misunderstanding: An Exploratory Study on the Constraints of Growing a Music Therapy Business in a Midwestern Community  New, Katie ; Huff, Beth ( 2023-12 ) Quad Cities Music Therapy is a small business providing music therapy and music enrichment services in the Quad Cities. Despite an overall positive growth trajectory, QCMT has experienced disproportionate growth between ...
• Staying Connected: Non-Profit Alumni Engagement  Feiden Baddoo, Ann Marie ( 2023-12 ) The Project for Equitable Schools is a pseudonym for a small non-profit organization in the Midwest that serves education stakeholders from PK-12 through higher education. The main focus of the organization is to address ...
• Uncovering Opportunities for Support: A Gap Analysis of Integrated Systems in Assisting PA Students at Risk of Academic Failure  Littel, Corey ; Bartolf, D'Marie ( 2023-12 ) The Physician Assistant Graduate Institute (pseudonym) is currently on accreditation probation by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). This investigation delves deep into ...
• Workplace loneliness in a flexible work environment, its effects and its moderators  Williams, Patrick ( 2023-12 ) This study aims to understand Loneliness in the Workplace (LIW) and potential moderators at Instacart, a publicly traded technology company operating primarily in the United States and Canada, approximately one year after ...
• Culturally Relevant Leadership  Smith, Michael ; Ingram, Le'Angela ( 2023-12 ) The African American Behavioral Health Center of Excellence at Morehouse School of Medicine (AABH CoE), established in 2020, aims to address behavioral health disparities among African Americans. Recognizing the challenges ...
• Measuring Sustainability Competencies in Transforming A’o, a Multi-faceted, Transdisciplinary Professional Development Experience  Street, James ( 2023-12 ) This project looked at evidence of sustainability competencies in the context of a multi-disciplinary, experiential learning experience called Transforming A’o (teaching, learning) for faculty at Punahou School in Honolulu, ...
• Thriving: Addressing the Programmatic Needs of Transgender and Gender-Nonconforming Youth  Arthur-Gray, Matthew ; Updegraff Wyatt, Melissa ( 2023-12 ) This qualitative study examines the needs of transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals living in survival mode. For members of the trans community, survival mode is initiated by several potential factors, including ...
• Understanding Organizational Culture to Inform the Design of a Performance Framework Rooted in Liberation and Anti-racist Pedagogy  O'Neal, Shamira D. ( 2023-12 ) FoodCorps’ goal is for every child to have access to food education and nourishing food in school by 2030. FoodCorps leaders have acknowledged that they have not been exempt from issues rooted in race and equity (FoodCorps, ...
• Investigating Partnership Success Between A Faith-Based Organization And Public Schools In Florida To Support Program Sustainability And Growth In Complicated Times  Forrer, Jeremy M. ; Ribeiro Basile, Priscilla ( 2023-12 ) Live the Life South Florida (LTLSF) is a faith-based nonprofit headquartered in Tallahassee, Florida. The organization focuses on creating healthy relationships through education programs for adults and teenagers. Our area ...
• Fostering a Sense of Belonging: The House System at Trinity Christian School  Jenkins, Kelly A ( 2023-12 ) Trinity Christian School (TCS) is a K-12 private school in the Northern Virginia suburb of Fairfax. Over the last four years at Trinity, increased student enrollment combined with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, ...
• Supporting the Arkansas Department of Education in Understanding the Characteristics of Effective Statewide Teacher Residency Programs  Wilson-Crawford, Korie R. ; Ranusch, Tori A. ; Elders, Shannon E. ( 2023-12 ) We partnered with the Arkansas Department of Education to investigate contexts around teacher preparation programs and their ability to implement a statewide residency model in accordance with the requirements of the ...

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Critical Challenge Project

• Master's in Healthcare Leadership

Take the Next Step

Address real-time challenges with applied learning that draws upon your interests and experience..

The Critical Challenge Project (CCP) is central to the learning experience and will become the focus of an independent study. You will identify a challenge related to your field and interests, drawing from your own experience and vision for the future. Each student works collaboratively with their peers, professional colleagues, course faculty, and advisors, integrating various perspectives across healthcare sectors into the project.

The CCP allows you to address problems in real-time and apply the knowledge and skills learned throughout the program, with emphasis on integrating healthcare, business and policy factors, and collaborating across healthcare sectors. Projects should consider ethical implications and have practical applicability to the field of healthcare — taking into account multiple stakeholders and cross-sector perspectives as you develop innovative and viable solutions.

Key principles students use to define their CCPs include:

• Relevant:  Meaningful to the student in terms of background, interests, current job, future aspirations, and/or organization
• Consequential:  Project is broad enough scope to have an impact on stakeholders across the healthcare industry, including patients, providers, and payers
• Realistic:  Feasible and viable set of steps and expectations within the 12-month program (the overarching challenge does not need to be resolved within the program, but measurable progress toward the defined CCP must be reasonable and appropriate)
• Measurable:  Contains measurable outcomes of success

Soof Solutions Inc: Giving a Voice to the Speechless

Through the Critical Challenge Project, Dr. Maheen Mausoof Adamson turned her medical technology idea into a healthcare company devoted to providing a happier life to older adults, like her father, by giving them a voice.

Recent Capstone Projects

Sample Project Titles

• The Use of Telemedicine to Increase Access to Healthcare for the Residents of the Bahamas Out-Islands
• Utilizing Critical Access Hospital Infrastructure to Provide Opioid Use Disorder Services to Rural Communities
• A Proposed Alternative Care Model to Reduce Unnecessary Emergency Department Utilization in an Elderly Medicare Advantage Population
• Homelessness and Stabilization Unit Stays: Analyzing Current Discharge Planning Processes

View Critical Challenge Project Examples    Download More Information

• Business Essentials
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Credential of Leadership, Impact, and Management in Business (CLIMB)

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Credential of Leadership, Impact, and Management in Business

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Earn by: completing seven courses and a capstone project

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Earn by: completing courses in leadership, strategy, and finance, plus an open elective

Why two sections?

Introduction, dynamic teaming.

• Psychological Safety
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Leadership Principles

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Featured Exercises

Elective (term 2), elective (term 3), leading in the digital world.

• Leading Innovation
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Conclusion & Capstone

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Organizational Leadership

• Leading at Scale and Scope
• Leader as Beacon: Understanding and Setting Direction
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• Leader as Architect: Designing to Deliver Value
• Project Week
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Strategy Execution

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• Measuring and Monitoring Performance
• Identifying and Managing Risks
• Balancing Innovation and Control

Learn More About CLIMB and Its Impact on Your Career

Our difference, about the professors.

Amy Edmondson Credential of Leadership, Impact, and Management in Business

Linda Hill Credential of Leadership, Impact, and Management in Business

Jill Avery Credential of Leadership, Impact, and Management in Business

Joshua Margolis Credential of Leadership, Impact, and Management in Business

Anthony Mayo Credential of Leadership, Impact, and Management in Business

V.G. Narayanan Credential of Leadership, Impact, and Management in Business

Mihir Desai Credential of Leadership, Impact, and Management in Business

Felix Oberholzer-Gee Credential of Leadership, Impact, and Management in Business

Robert Simons Credential of Leadership, Impact, and Management in Business

Dates & eligibility.

No current course offerings for this selection.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age, proficient in English, and committed to learning and engaging with fellow participants throughout the course.

Learn about bringing this course to your organization .

Learner Stories

What do I receive by completing CLIMB?

Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive a Credential of Leadership, Impact, and Management in Business. In addition, participants will also receive a Certificate of Completion for all four long courses (in leadership, strategy, finance, and an additional elective) they complete as part of their CLIMB requirements.

The credential and the certificates are available as digital and printed documents.

Participants will also be able to add a credential verification link to their digital resumes or LinkedIn profiles.

Will I be in the same cohort all year long?

Participants will complete the required courses (two long and three short courses) with their CLIMB cohort. During their elective terms, learners will select their electives from available HBS Online certificate courses.

What will the cohort experience be like?

An essential part of CLIMB is the peer learning experience. Not only will your section be filled with peers at similar points in their careers, but you’ll be put into peer learning teams that you interact with throughout the program. Peer learning teams will rotate once per term so that you can develop meaningful relationships with several professionals throughout the program.

What kind of access will I have to faculty?

Our courses have been developed by some of the most renowned Harvard faculty and guest experts. Although professors and guest experts will not have direct, real-time interactions with learners, you will hear from them via short videos that explain key concepts and guide you through cases, exercises, and other interactive learning elements to create a highly engaging educational experience. In addition, we encourage you to collaborate with your peers to find answers to any questions you may have.

We appreciate your understanding that HBS Online faculty and guest experts featured in our courses are not available to communicate with learners directly or participate in learner-organized events. However, you may visit the HBS Online Business Insights Blog and HBS Online Facebook page for information about upcoming conferences and webinars featuring faculty, or join the HBS Online Community to build your network and connect with other business professionals in your area.

What are the admissions criteria?

The application includes personal information, educational and professional background, and two short answer questions. We expect participants to have some professional experience, commit to a yearlong program, engage with their peers, and answer the application questions thoughtfully.

This program does not require a GRE or GMAT score to apply. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

What is the difference between CLIMB and an MBA?

The CLIMB curriculum consists of courses that have been developed by HBS faculty and covers similar topics (leadership, strategy, and finance) to what you’d find in an MBA program. CLIMB was designed to provide both breadth and depth, so you learn essential business topics in addition to having the ability to choose electives in the span of the one-year program.

The CLIMB curriculum is not as comprehensive as an MBA program and differs in a few other key dimensions, including price, length, and modality. CLIMB is a lower price point than most full-time MBA programs. CLIMB is approximately one year in duration, online, and asynchronous, whereas most full-time MBA programs are two years and in-person with set schedules. An online program like CLIMB provides flexibility and convenience to take courses and develop business skills within your schedule. Lastly, those who graduate from an MBA program earn an MBA degree whereas CLIMB participants earn the CLIMB credential and four individual certificates of completion for the long courses included in the program.

What’s the difference between the New Leaders and Experienced Leaders paths?

One of the benefits of CLIMB is being able to collaborate and develop a network with peers at similar stages of their careers. To support this, CLIMB is divided into two paths: New Leaders and Experienced Leaders.

The New Leaders path is designed for people with zero to three years of managerial experience and five or more years of overall professional experience. The Experienced Leaders path is designed for people four or more years of managerial experience and seven or more years of overall professional experience.

If you have fewer years of experience but are still interested in the program, please submit an inquiry to our program advising team .

What kind of time commitment is required to complete CLIMB?

CLIMB consists of four long and three short courses and a capstone project. Required long courses range from six to eight weeks and typically require five to eight hours of work per week.

Elective long courses range from three to eight weeks and typically require five to nine hours of work per week.

Short courses are two weeks each and typically require five to seven hours of work per week.

In total, CLIMB will take approximately a year to complete. The program is asynchronous, so participants can complete the work on their own time while meeting weekly course deadlines. There are no live class sessions with faculty. For exact time estimates per course, please refer to the individual course listings in our course catalog .

What is the format of CLIMB?

CLIMB is a 12-month program consisting of four terms of content (three months each) and a capstone project. During those 12 months, participants complete four long courses (three to eight weeks each) and three short courses (two to three weeks each) in addition to the capstone project and peer learning activities.

How and when do I select my electives?

You’ll select your electives when you enroll and pay for the terms in which you take the electives.

If you need help selecting your electives, you can reach out to a Program Advisor who can provide you with more information based on your needs.

How do I pay for CLIMB?

Payments will be made quarterly (four payments of $3,750 throughout the program). There’s no discount for past participants. Scholarships aren’t currently available for CLIMB, but we are working to expand our financial aid offerings to assist a wider range of participants domestically and abroad. For more information and any updates related to financial aid or scholarships, please visit our Payment and Financial Aid page .

Can I use employer reimbursement to pay for CLIMB?

Many employers support their staff in continuing education opportunities by covering the costs of online business courses. To learn more, please visit our Employer Reimbursement page .

What if I need to drop out of the program?

If you can’t continue the program, you can choose not to enroll for the next quarter of content. Participants can re-join the next time the appropriate quarter of content is offered (three to nine months later).

Participants must complete CLIMB within two years.

What are the learning requirements to earn a Credential of Leadership, Impact, and Management in Business?

To earn a Credential of Leadership, Impact, and Management in Business, learners must successfully complete all four long courses, all three short courses, a capstone project, and peer learning activities.

Participants are expected to fully complete all coursework for each program in a thoughtful and timely manner. They must meet each week’s course module deadlines and fully answer the questions posed therein. In addition to module and assignment completion, learners should offer feedback on others’ reflections and contribute to conversations on the course platform. Participants who fail to complete each course’s requirements or the capstone will not receive a Credential of Leadership, Impact, and Management.

How is CLIMB different from other offerings from HBS Online?

CLIMB is a selective cohort-based learning experience and HBS Online’s most comprehensive offering. The program enables new and experienced leaders to ignite their careers with a combination of essential and forward-looking business skills, self-reflection, and membership in a diverse global network of peers. Some professional experience is required for admission into the program, and participants will complete seven courses and a capstone project during the year-long program. Upon successful completion, participants will earn a Credential of Leadership, Impact, and Management in Business.

CORe is a business fundamentals program that combines Business Analytics, Economics for Managers, and Financial Accounting with a final exam. There is no experience requirement, and upon successful completion participants earn a Credential of Readiness.

Learning Tracks enable participants to take three courses within a specific subject area to gain expertise in that topic. Learning Tracks are a deeper dive into a subject area than a single course but less comprehensive than CLIMB, and participants earn a Certificate of Specialization .

Courses are HBS Online’s most targeted learning experience for those interested in a specific subject and shortest time frame (three to eight weeks). Participants earn a Certificate of Completion .

Will the long courses I take as part of the CLIMB curriculum count toward Learning Track requirements?

Yes, successfully completed long courses will count toward achieving a Certificate of Specialization from a Learning Track .

I’ve already completed a required course in the CLIMB curriculum. Do I have to retake it?

Participants who have already taken one or both of the required long courses (Leadership Principles and Business Strategy for the New Leaders path, and Organizational Leadership and Strategy Execution for the Experienced Leaders path) don’t have to retake the course. However, those participants will have access to the content if they’d like to review or redo any of the course. All participants, regardless of whether they’ve previously taken the course, will be expected to participate in peer learning team activities during that course. Please note that you will not earn an additional Certificate of Completion for a required long course that you completed separately before your CLIMB enrollment. There is no discount for CLIMB participants who have taken one or both of the required long courses listed above – all participants will pay the full CLIMB fee.

I’ve already completed one of the elective finance courses. Can I apply that toward my CLIMB curriculum?

Participants must select a finance elective that they have not already taken. If you’ve already completed all of the finance elective options but would still like to participate in the program, please contact our program advising team .

How should I list my Credential of Leadership, Impact, and Management in Business on my resume?

Once you've earned your Credential of Leadership, Impact, and Management in Business, list it on your resume like this:

Harvard Business School Online Credential of Leadership, Impact, and Management in Business Successfully completed Dynamic Teaming, Leading in the Digital World, Personal Branding, [and List Four Long Courses Taken] [Completion Year]

List your credential on your LinkedIn profile under "Education" as follows:

School: Harvard Business School Online Dates Attended: [The year you completed CLIMB] Degree: Other; Credential of Leadership, Impact, and Management in Business Field of Study: Leave blank Grade: “Complete” Activities and Societies: Leave blank

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How to Write a Capstone Project Outline Guide with Examples

Updated 13 Jun 2024

Embarking on a capstone project is a thrilling and pivotal moment in your academic journey. It culminates years of hard work, knowledge acquisition, and intellectual growth. 

The capstone project outline serves as your project's roadmap, guiding you through the research, analysis, and presentation of your findings. It brings clarity to your objectives, ensuring that you stay focused on the core purpose of your project. Moreover, it acts as a communication tool, enabling effective collaboration with your project advisor and providing a framework for valuable feedback and guidance.

Throughout this blog post, we will delve into the key components of a capstone project outline, offering insights into each section's purpose and the content they should contain. We will also discuss common mistakes to avoid, ensuring that your outline remains focused, comprehensive, and aligned with your project's objectives.

Why is creating a capstone project outline a good idea?

What is a capstone project in general? It is a final academic endeavor where students apply their knowledge and skills to tackle real-world issues or delve into specific areas of interest. To get the most out of it, you need to take some time and create an outline, as it holds significant importance. Here is why a capstone project outline is so important:

Organization and Structure.  It acts as a guide, helping you navigate the vast amount of information, research, and ideas you have gathered. By outlining the structure and flow of your project, you can ensure that your work remains focused and organized. It lets you break down your project into manageable sections, making the entire process more approachable.

Clarity of Objectives.  By clearly stating your research question or problem statement, you can maintain a clear focus and direction throughout your project. This clarity ensures that you stay on track and that every aspect of your work aligns with your intended purpose.

Communication and Feedback.  Think of the capstone project outline as a communication tool. It allows you to collaborate with your project advisor or supervisor effectively. Sharing your outline early on enables them to provide valuable feedback, ensuring that your project meets the academic requirements and aligns with the expected standards. Their guidance can help refine your ideas, suggest additional sources or methodologies, and prevent pitfalls.

Time Management.  You can effectively plan and prioritize your work by breaking down your project into smaller sections within allocated time frames. This approach helps you avoid the stress of last-minute rushing and ensures a more balanced and systematic project progression.

Evaluation and Assessment.  It acts as a reference point for both yourself and your evaluator to gauge the progress and development of your work. It allows you to cover all the aspects of your project and meet the required standards.

Capstone project outline in a nutshell 

While writing a capstone paper outline, there are several key components to include:

• Introduction: Begin your outline with an introduction that provides an overview of the project. State the problem statement or research question you aim to address and explain why the topic is so important. 
• Objectives: Clearly define the objectives of your capstone project. What specific outcomes or goals do you intend to achieve? List them concisely and ensure they align with the project's overall purpose.
• Literature Review: Include a section dedicated to the literature review in your outline. Outline the main theories, concepts, and prior research relevant to your topic. This section should demonstrate your understanding of the existing knowledge in the field.
• Methodology: Describe the methodology you will employ to answer your research question or solve the problem. Outline the data collection methods, analysis techniques, and any other relevant procedures you will use.
• Results and Analysis: Outline how you will present and analyze the data or information you have collected. Specify the techniques, tools, or models you will utilize to interpret the results and draw meaningful conclusions.
• Discussion: Dedicate a section to discussing your findings about your research objectives. Analyze the implications, limitations, and potential applications of your results. Engage in critical thinking and consider alternative perspectives.
• Conclusion: Summarize the main findings and conclusions of your capstone project. Highlight the significance of your work and its contribution to the field. Emphasize any recommendations or future research directions that emerge from your study.
• References: Include a list of the sources you have cited throughout your outline. Follow a consistent citation style (e.g., APA, MLA) and ensure the accuracy and completeness of the references.

Remember, this outline is a flexible framework that will guide you as you write your capstone project. It provides a structure to help you stay focused and organized throughout the process. Adapt it based on your specific project's requirements and your advisor's guidance.

Creating a capstone project outline 

Many students have questions about how to write a capstone project outline. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Understand what you’re asked to write 

Start by thoroughly understanding the requirements and guidelines provided by your institution or capstone project supervisor. Familiarize yourself with the expectations, formatting guidelines, and any specific elements they want you to include in the outline. 

💡 Extra tip: Pay close attention to any sections or subsections that must be included. Understanding the requirements from the outset will help you structure your outline effectively.

Step 2: Determine the Key Sections

Identify the main sections that must be included in your capstone project outline. Common sections typically involve an introduction, literature review, methodology, results and analysis, discussion, and conclusion. However, this may vary depending on your field and project requirements.

💡 Extra tip: You can start by researching examples of capstone project outlines within your field to understand the typical sections included. Adapt and customize them to fit the specific needs of your project. 

Step 3: Craft precise section headings

Create clear and concise headings for each section of your outline. These headings should accurately reflect the content and purpose of each section.

💡 Extra tip:  Use clear and descriptive language in your headings to provide a snapshot of each section's cover. It will make it easier for you and others to navigate through the outline.

Step 4: Break down each section

Break down each section into subsections or bullet points to further detail the content you plan to include. This step helps you organize your thoughts and ensures comprehensive project coverage.

💡 Extra tip: Prioritize logical flow and coherence when breaking down each section. Arrange the subsections to enhance the understanding of your project's progression and argument.

Step 5: Provide brief descriptions or key points

Under each sub-section, include brief descriptions or key points that outline the main ideas or arguments you intend to present. These descriptions serve as a roadmap for your writing process.

💡 Extra tip:  Be concise and specific when outlining key points. Aim for clarity and avoid being overly general or vague. These descriptions will guide your writing and ensure that you address all necessary aspects of your project.

Step 6: Consider the Order and Hierarchy

Consider the order and hierarchy of your sub-sections to create a logical and coherent structure. Ensure that the sections flow smoothly and build upon one another.

💡 Extra tip: Consider the most logical progression of ideas and arguments. Arrange your sub-sections to strengthen the overall coherence and readability of your project.

Step 7: Go over your paper one more time 

Review and make necessary revisions to your paper. Check for clarity, completeness, and coherence. Ensure that your outline reflects the scope and depth of your project.

💡 Extra tip:  Seek feedback from your capstone project supervisor, peers, or mentors. Their perspectives can provide valuable insights and help you refine your outline. Be open to making adjustments based on their suggestions.

Step 8: Finalize and follow the outline

Once you are satisfied with your work, finalize it and use it as a guide throughout your project. Follow the structure and content outlined in your outline while conducting research, collecting data, and writing.

💡 Extra tip: Regularly refer to your outline as your project progresses. It will help you stay focused and cover all the necessary aspects outlined in your plan.

Writing a capstone project outline may initially seem overwhelming, but following these steps and incorporating the insights provided can create a well-structured and comprehensive paper. Remember, the outline serves as the foundation for your project, guiding your research and writing process. Take your time, seek guidance when needed, and approach each step with intention and focus. If you just start working on your project, you can gather education сapstone project ideas , which will help you in kicking off an outline. 

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Capstone project outline example & formatting tips 

Your job is to maintain consistency, clarity, and readability. Here are some guidelines on how to format your capstone project outline:

Use a consistent heading hierarchy.  Start with the main title of your capstone project at the top of the page, followed by section headings in a hierarchical format. Use different levels of headings (e.g., Heading 1, Heading 2, Heading 3) to indicate your outline's main sections and subsections.

Do not neglect bullet points or numbering.  Use bullet points or numbering to list the key points or ideas you plan to include within each section and subsection. 

Indentation and spacing.  Use indentation to distinguish between different levels of headings and subheadings visually. It helps to create a clear hierarchy and improves readability. Maintain consistent spacing between sections and subsections for clarity and visual separation.

Formatting style

Use a consistent formatting style throughout your outline. It includes font type, font size, and alignment. Times New Roman or Arial, font size 12, are commonly used for academic documents. Align your text to the left for a professional and clean look.

Here's a general sample of a formatted capstone project outline:

• Introduction
• Background and context
• Problem statement
• Research objectives
• Literature Review
• Key theories and concepts
• Previous research findings
• Gaps in existing knowledge

III. Methodology

• Research design
• Data collection methods
• Data analysis techniques
• Results and Analysis
• Presentation of data
• Data analysis and interpretation
• Discussion of findings
• Implications of findings
• Limitations of the study
• Recommendations for further research
• Summary of main findings
• Contribution to the field
• Final remarks

VII. References

(Include a list of cited sources in the chosen citation style)

Common pitfalls to avoid 

• Avoid using vague or ambiguous language that might lead to confusion regarding the content or objectives of your project.
• Don't overlook the importance of a comprehensive literature review. Avoid a shallow or limited exploration of existing research and theories. Strive to include relevant and up-to-date sources that support your project's objectives.
• Ensure that your outline demonstrates a logical flow of ideas and information and has a connection between different sections. Maintain a coherent narrative throughout your outline.
• While your outline should be concise, it should also provide enough detail to understand the content you plan to include clearly. Avoid being overly vague or omitting important supporting points.
• If you receive feedback or suggestions from your advisor or peers, take the time to consider and incorporate constructive input into your outline. It will help strengthen your project and address any potential issues early on.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you feel like dealing with the project too much, you can buy capstone project and benefit from the expert assistance. 
• Regularly refer back to your project's objectives and ensure that every section of your outline is aligned with these goals. Avoid including irrelevant or tangential information that does not contribute to the overall purpose of your project.
• Don't delay creating your outline until the last minute. Starting early allows you ample time to refine and revise your outline, seek feedback, and make necessary adjustments before diving into the actual project.

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5 Capstone ideas for a Master’s in Organizational Behavior

• Published February 20, 2019
• Last Updated March 1, 2019

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Master’s in Organizational Behavior Capstone Projects

• Theory into Practice
• Diversity- Benefits and Obstacles
• Policy and Procedure: Introducing Change
• The Use of Assumption-Planning for New Businesses
• Benefits of Servant-Leadership

Most Master’s in Organizational Behavior programs require a culminating project. At the end of an intensive period of learning it may be difficult to think of a creative and purposeful presentation, let alone to decide how to organize and present the project. Since the purpose of the venture is to display graduate competencies, it must not be too involved, nor too simplistic. Here are five ideas for projects in organizational behavior.

Related Resource:  50 Most Affordable Master’s in Organizational Behavior Degree Programs

1. Theory into Practice

The most direct of culminating projects might be to simply select a theory of Organizational Behavior and show how utilizing the policy affects businesses. Students might even select one isolated case study. The study might include attitudes and cultural differences related to the policy that employees bring to the workplace; groups that form; the influence of managerial attitudes; and the kinds of resources that are available to enforce the policy. One possibility for such a project might be a company policy on addictions and treatment.

2. Diversity-Benefits and Obstacles

This project would be possible studying organizations in large cities with diverse populations, small homogenous companies in rural areas, or contrasting the two. Demonstrated benefits of diversity are increased company morale, a broader base for interaction with the community which improves community relations, and differing perspectives on problem-solving. Obstacles to diversity impact company employee attitudes and behaviors as well. Some of these might be bigotry, misunderstandings arising out of poor communication and resistance to change.  Smallbusiness.chron.com  says that diversity includes racial differences, but also gender, age, religion, and sexual orientation. A good capstone might look at these issues, suggest ways to implement diversity, and then proceed to interview employees and to look at spreadsheets of financial health following the implementation to assess the impact of diversity.

3. Policy and Procedure: Introducing Change

Similar to the Theory into Practice project, this capstone would identify one policy instituted in an organization, discuss why it was initiated, and investigate the effectiveness related to employee satisfaction and profit gain or loss. Students might only deal with the policy as it is implemented or suggest changes that might make it more successful. Additionally, a good project would look at resistance to the policy, if there was any, and suggest ways of making transitions easier in the company culture.

4. The Use of Assumption-Planning for New Businesses

Most corporate bodies plan for the future by looking at past performance. New businesses don’t have statistical or anecdotal information upon which to base future plans. This project would look at the type of assumptions which are used to build plans like trends, market competition, product comparisons and others, and then follow the assumptions to procedures and outcomes. Which assumptions work, and which don’t? How did the changes impact the always-volatile finances of a start-up?

5. Benefits of Servant Leadership

The term “servant-leader” is trending in today’s business world. It refers to a leader who takes the needs of the group into account before he considers his own needs. The model began as a religious concept and today is being taught in universities and business courses worldwide. What are some of the differences that distinguish this type of leadership and how does it affect workplace relationships? Students taking on this project might consider interviews of managers, owners, and employees as resources for the benefits of this style of leadership.

Many different issues affect the way organizations function including workplace relationships. The ideas in this article could be used as presented, or they might act as springboards to other projects. Ultimately, the success of a capstone in a Master’s in Organizational Behavior depends upon the understanding and competence of the student presenting it.

What are Capstone Projects? The Complete Guide to Capstone Projects in High School & Middle School

In athletics, there are competitive matches; in the performing arts, there are stage performances. If you imagine school as a series of practices, capstones are the “big game”.

They provide an opportunity for learners to get their ideas out into the world by working on a project they are passionate about while making an impact on their community.

Already know about Capstones? Skip to Capstone Project Ideas

Looking for advice skip to capstone project tips, what are capstone projects, capstone project definition.

A middle school or high school capstone is a culminating experience where students design and execute a significant and impactful project, often in their final academic year. This project requires students to apply knowledge and skills from various subjects while addressing real-world issues.

A typical capstone project includes the following stages: research, planning, execution, iteration, and presentation. It aims to showcase a student’s critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills while fostering a deep understanding of the subject matter and its practical applications.

Projects can take various forms, such as a product or service prototype, a community service initiative, an action research paper, a multimedia presentation, or a performance, depending on the educational context and the student's interests.

Why Capstones?

The value of capstone projects extends beyond academic requirements. They provide a platform for students to delve into their passions and take ownership of their educational experience. As students immerse themselves in these projects, they not only contribute to their personal growth as well-rounded students, but they also make valuable contributions to their communities.

Capstones provide an opportunity for students to learn for the sake of learning, where research is rooted in what they are actually interested in, and where all of the foundational skills built in prior years suddenly have relevance. They serve as a bridge between classroom learning and real-world application, empowering students to demonstrate their readiness to embark on their next chapter, whether that be in higher education or the workforce.

How Capstones Improve Learning

Capstones create meaning in a learner’s life that can be transformational. Our philosophy at Unrulr is: when learners see the relevancy of learning a technical skill— and it's documented, shared, and celebrated—they're going to learn it at a much faster rate than had they not seen the relevancy. Also, the data shows that capstones or senior projects can help 12th graders avoid "senioritis" by providing students with a reason to remain engaged.

The main goal of capstone projects is to promote comprehensive learning. They aim to nurture a wide range of 21st century skills that go beyond subject-specific knowledge:

Application of Learning: Capstone projects bridge the gap between theory and practice. They encourage high school students to apply what they've learned in various subjects to real-world situations, enhancing their understanding and retention of knowledge.

Deepened Understanding: By immersing themselves in a specific topic of interest, students gain a deeper understanding of complex issues and nuances that traditional classroom settings may not fully capture.

Interdisciplinary Learning: Capstone projects often require high school students to draw from multiple disciplines to address multifaceted challenges. This interdisciplinary approach nurtures a holistic view of problems and solutions.

Research Skills: Students develop research skills, from conducting literature reviews to collecting and analyzing data to interviewing key stakeholders, fostering a foundation for academic and professional pursuits.

Critical Thinking: The complexities of capstone projects demand critical thinking. Students learn to evaluate information, assess perspectives, and make well-reasoned decisions.

Problem-Solving: Engaging in capstone projects hones problem-solving abilities. Students encounter obstacles, experiment with solutions, and adapt strategies as needed.

Creativity: Students have the opportunity to explore creative solutions and innovative approaches, encouraging imaginative thinking and originality. Additionally, students have the opportunity to work on creative projects, such as art installations or performances.

Communication: Capstone projects teach students to effectively convey ideas, findings, and progress. Students refine skills in expressing complex concepts, adapting messages, collaborating in teams, and delivering confident presentations. Additionally, regular reflection moments foster self-awareness and a deeper understanding of their journey.

How Capstones Help Students Get Into College

In an increasingly competitive landscape, college admissions seek students who exhibit not only academic prowess but also a commitment to growth and a willingness to embrace challenges. High school capstone projects provide a perfect platform for students to stand out.

Learners are able to showcase evidence of who they are and what they've worked on. Regardless of GPA or SAT score, when a college can see who a learner is and what they're capable of— what they care about— it’s so much more valuable than just a narrative essay.

When detailed in college applications, capstone projects showcase a student's dedication, initiative, and ability to see a long-term project through to completion. Admissions officers recognize that these projects demand a level of commitment and resilience that goes beyond standardized testing, and indicate a student's potential for success in college and beyond.

How Capstones Prepare Students for Life After Graduation

High school capstone projects have a significant advantage: they mirror the demands of the real world. From project planning and research to time management and effective communication, students gain practical skills that extend far beyond their classrooms. The collaborative nature of many capstone projects also cultivates teamwork and interpersonal skills, essential in today's interconnected world.

Also, capstone projects often require students to engage with their communities. This engagement nurtures civic responsibility and a deep understanding of the societal impact of their work. As they identify and address real issues, students learn the value of empathy, cultural awareness, and ethical decision-making—these are critical SEL skills.

We’ve seen capstones and the work that's come out of them be used for jobs and internships. A learner is able to showcase what they've built and how they worked on it. When projects are documented, this kind of evidence is appealing to potential employers, and can be more impactful than a generic resume that blends in with the rest.

Capstones can build confidence for learners by providing an opportunity to test out ideas in the safe environment of a school. Learners can launch entrepreneurial ventures, lead impactful campaigns, or champion social justice initiatives, and then they can carry that forward after graduation and into their future careers.

Real-World Capstone Example: Student Farmers Market

“Don’t let your age stop you." - Chris Blake (Trinity's teacher)

Trinity embarked on an environmental science capstone project during her senior year. Her challenge was to enhance the school's sustainability. She identified a major issue faced by her school and the larger community: the heavy reliance on imported food in Hawaiʻi.

Empowered by the agency to choose her own direction, Trinity initiated an on-campus, student-led farmer's market. Through this endeavor, she honed various skills, even delving into web design to create a  website for the market. This experience ignited her passion for sustainability and farmers markets. It also boosted her self-confidence and taught her to leverage her age to her own benefit.

After graduating and attending a youth entrepreneurship summer camp, Trinity co-founded Mauka Market , the world’s first regenerative e-commerce and pop-up marketplace. Trinity's journey has culminated in her sole ownership of Mauka Market.

To learn more about Trinity's inspiring journey, listen to our podcast episode .

Capstone Project Ideas

Here are a few more examples of middle school or high school capstone project ideas that highlight some of the possibilities:

1. Design a Sustainable Energy Solution for the School | STEM

Students in this project might investigate renewable energy sources, conduct energy audits, and propose innovative ways to reduce the school's carbon footprint and stem environmental degradation. They could then design and build wind turbines or set up solar panels and analyze the cost-effectiveness of their solutions.

2. Create a Social Impact Documentary | Humanities

Students interested in social issues might create a documentary that sheds light on a particular challenge in their community, such as mental health challenges or food insecurity. They would conduct interviews, gather data, and present their findings through a compelling film that raises awareness and encourages change.

3. Curate an Art Exhibition | Arts

Artistic students could curate an art exhibition that explores a specific theme, technique, or art movement. They would select artworks, write artist statements, and design the exhibition space to convey a narrative to visitors. Student could be encouraged to collaborate with their peers to coordinate a larger art show, providing the opportunity to develop their communication and cooperative planning skills.

4. Establish a Community or School Garden | Community Service

Students interested in a community service project might initiate a project to establish a local community or school garden. They would plan the garden layout, engage the community (or school), and document the garden's development, from seed planting to harvest. For an added STEM component, students could try different methods of gardening across multiple plots and collect and analyze data on growth rates.

5. Launch a Student-Run Business | Business & Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurial students might start a business within their school, such as a student-run café or an online store. They would handle all aspects, from market research and product development to marketing and financial management.

Personalizing Student Projects

Keep in mind, projects should be personalized to the interests and skillset of each student, while also taking into account your learning community's unique learning objects or portrait of a graduate. A well-planned capstone experience will help prepare students for college and their professional careers. Devoting class time to guide students through introspection and identity reflection will significantly aid in preparing them to generate project ideas that hold personal meaning and captivate their interest.

How to implement capstone projects

Successfully integrating capstone projects with your learners involves several crucial stages:

1. Ideation Encourage learners to explore their interests, identifying topics that resonate with them. In addition, have students consider what impact they want to create in their community. This phase is about sparking curiosity and allowing them to select projects that will hold their attention over the course of a semester or year. For a helpful exercise you can run with your students, check out our Heart, Head, and Purpose lesson plan .

2. Research: Guide students in conducting thorough research related to their chosen topics. This phase is essential for building a strong foundation of knowledge and understanding, which will inform the entire capstone journey.

3. Project Management & Planning: Teach project management skills that enable students to break their projects into manageable steps. Encourage students to create a quarter, semester, or year-long plan, depending on the duration of the capstone project. This stage emphasizes effective organization and time management, ensuring that progress remains steady.

4. Project Implementation & Documentation: This is the heart of the capstone journey. Students actively work on their projects, translating ideas into tangible outcomes. Simultaneously, they document and reflect on their progress, challenges, and successes to create a comprehensive record to draw from during their final presentations.

5. Final Presentation/Showcase: Offer students the opportunity to present their finished projects to an audience of key stakeholders at a culminating showcase event. This stage hones communication and public speaking skills, allowing learners to articulate their findings, insights, and the learning journey itself.

6. Reflection & Assessment: After completing their projects, encourage students to reflect on the entire experience. This process aids in recognizing personal growth, skill development, and the challenges overcome. Use these reflections to assess the overall effectiveness of the capstone process.

By carefully guiding learners through these stages, you create a structured and meaningful capstone experience that fosters skill development, critical thinking, and self-confidence.

Tips for running capstone projects

Sold on capstones? Here are our tips for running successful capstone projects:

Tip #1: Cultivate skills ahead of senior year (or 8th grade)

Begin laying the groundwork for capstone success by nurturing essential skills well before students reach their final year.

By initiating skill development at an earlier stage, educators can effectively equip learners with the capabilities and confidence needed to excel in their culminating project.

Tip #2: Implement weekly check-ins for clear progress tracking

Consider incorporating a weekly check-in system to keep tabs on your learners' progress. It will be the first time that many students will be embarking on a long-term project or being tasked with transforming their ideas into tangible realities. This transition can be overwhelming. To smooth this process, offer supportive scaffolding and introduce project management concepts.

By establishing weekly check-ins, you create a valuable framework for following your learners' progress and providing timely guidance.

Tip #3: Embrace your learners' identities, skills, and passions

A crucial aspect of capstone success is aligning it with your learners' unique identities, backgrounds, and life experiences. To do this, foster a culture of openness and trust through thorough ideation and an emphasis on vulnerability. Give ample space for learners to explore their interests, skills, and capacities, as well as the problems they aspire to solve in the world.

By dedicating time to these aspects, you enhance the overall value of the capstone experience.

Tip #4: Foster a capstone community

It’s important to engage essential players within the school ecosystem as you shape your program. This includes collaborating with college counseling, admissions teams, and the advancement office to facilitate mentorship opportunities for students. Equally vital is the participation of department heads (e.g. English and Social Studies) to co-create rubrics and align essential components of the capstone experience. By seamlessly weaving these elements into the fabric of existing courses, you create a continuous connection from ninth grade to twelfth grade.

Consider organizing several exhibition days throughout the capstone journey, rather than just at the end, to ensure that key stakeholders in a learner's academic journey remain informed and involved in the capstone experience. Capstones possess the remarkable potential to transform learning into a truly community-driven endeavor.

Unrulr: The ultimate capstone tool

Unrulr addresses a common challenge for capstone educators: how to monitor students' progress without overwhelming them with assignments and rigid milestones.

Unrulr empowers students to shape their capstone narratives and share their ongoing progress by documenting the evolution of their projects and capturing their reflections throughout their learning journey.

Learners can delve into each other's posts and reflections and add comments, transforming their capstone experience into an active and collaborative community.

Book a demo or create an Unrulr account today.

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Students in the Master’s in Conservation Leadership program have worked in various locations throughout Colorado and the interior mountain west, as well as nearly 20 other countries around the world, for their Capstone Projects. Locations and organizational partners vary from year to year depending on the needs and capacity of organizations, and the interests of students.

Is your organization interested in becoming a Capstone Project Partner? Check our  Partnering Information webpage , and apply  here .

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The Master’s in Conservation Leadership program has worked with dozens of conservation partners to provide Capstone projects for students. Spanning nearly 20 countries and dozens of conservation issues, our partners have included:

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Home > Colleges & Schools > School of Nursing > Nursing > NURSING_MSN

MSN Capstone Projects

Our nationally recognized Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program is grounded in a foundation of evidence-based practice and prepares our students to improve patient outcomes in the healthcare system. This collection allows MSN students to showcase their work as it relates to their selected role.

Submissions from 2024 2024

Patient Throughput in the Emergency Department , Daniel Alanis

Clinician Education Program: Promoting the Use of Care Bundles in Reducing the Hospital Length of Stay and Readmission Rates of Adult COPD Patients , Nordita R. Bascon

Adding Ofirmev: The Effectiveness of Multimodal Treatment , Kimberly R. Bilal-Williams

Nursing Care of Individuals Engaging in Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: Impact of Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Reinforcement , Lucas Bridgens

The Case for Crisaborole , Chelsea Carnes

The Reduction of Pain Perception Through Music Therapy in Surgical Patients , David Collier

Evidence-Based Practice - Oral Mucositis Prevention in Chemotherapy Patients: A Benchmark Project , Carrie Davenport

Investigating the Impact of Outpatient Mental Health Follow-up Care on Continued Adolescent Suicidality: An Evidence-Based Change Project Proposal , Kimberly Feifel

The Effect of a Positive Work Culture in Emergency Service Nurses: An EBP Proposal , Brianna M. Fitzgerald

Reducing Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI) with Chlorhexidine-Impregnated Dressings , Sara Garcia

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to Prevent Nurse Burnout In sub-Saharan Africa , Anna C. Johnson

The Impact of Kangaroo Care on Exclusive Breastfeeding in Premature Infants , Colleen Larue

Reducing Central Line Infections in Pediatric Critical Care Patients , Callie Lazarine

Stepping into Mindfulness: Enhancing Mental Health for Nursing Student Athletes , Amanda A. Marek

Best Practice: Implementation of a Central Line Bundle to Reduce Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections , Alexis N. Montero

A Plan to Improve Sleep During Critical Care Hospital Stay , Andrea Nutting

A BENCHMARK PROJECT ON EARLY MOBILITY IN THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT , Millicent Odhiambo

Educational Campaign: Using Exercise to Prevent Postpartum Depression , Ruth Platt

Increased Venous Access with Ultrasound Guided Ultralong IV Placement , Daniel Purifoy

Discharge Preparedness for the Type 1 Diabetic Patient , Nathan W. Sewell

BRAIN MATTERS: COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL THERAPY AND ANTIDEPRESSANTS FOR POST-STROKE DEPRESSION , Lindsey Anne Smith

Impact of Baby Friendly on Exclusive Breastfeeding: Befriending Baby Friendly , Constance Z. Townson

Implementation of Telemedicine in a Level III NICU to Reduce Transfer of Infants , Jennifer L. Welch

Submissions from 2023 2023

The Impact of Shared Governance on Work Engagement and Job Satisfaction , Mikayla Adkins

The Effects of Music Therapy in the Postoperative Setting A Benchmark Study , Akrum Alameldin

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https://www.nist.gov/blogs/blogrige/baldrige-executive-fellows-capstone-projects-and-a3-problem-solving-tool

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The Baldrige Executive Fellows, Capstone Projects, and the A3 Problem-Solving Tool

The Baldrige Executive Fellows are an annual cohort of executives learning about leading their organizations using the Baldrige Excellence Framework® as a guide. As part of the collaborative experience, each executive fellow undertakes a capstone project of strategic significance to their organization. For more than a decade, the fellows have used the A3 problem-solving tool to guide their capstone project definition, planning, and execution. It has proven to be an extremely valuable tool. It is worth considering by all organizations with problems to solve.

The A3 tool was first introduced to the fellows by Pattie Skriba, former VP of business excellence for Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital, with more recent instruction provided by Nick Lavieri, assistant VP in the Lean Transformation Office of WellStar Health System, and his colleagues . I will describe the tool and discuss how it helps avoid some frequent pitfalls in problem-solving.

The A3 Tool—Problem Definition

The tool used by the fellows is a 9-box problem-solving tool. This blog contains a brief overview of each box. 

Box 1 contains the problem statement. What problem are you trying to solve, and why is it important? A common pitfall is a problem statement that proposes a solution before the root cause of the problem is understood.

An example of a problem statement with this pitfall: First-line managers need to better coach their employees to improve employee engagement . The actual problem statement might be this: Employee engagement scores are low; raising engagement might address our high turnover rate. The latter statement allows exploration of ways to improve engagement. It does not assume that the answer is to have more effective coaching.

Box 2 defines the current state. What are the symptoms of the current problem? What measures indicate your current poor performance? Are there trend data indicating declining performance? Are there relevant comparisons that indicate your poor performance relative to competitors or benchmarks? If the problem is an ineffective or inefficient process, you could include a current process map.

Box 3 identifies your desired future state. What will success look like in qualitative and quantitative terms? How will your organization perform when the problem is solved? What will performance metrics look like when the problem is satisfactorily resolved? Will the measures you identified in box 2 have results that are 100% better than now, for example?

The A3 Tool—Planning the Improvement

Box 4 contains your root cause or gap analysis. What are the possible causes for the gap between boxes 2 and 3? What are the potential root causes of the problem you identified in box 1? Helpful tools for performing this analysis might be the five whys, fishbone diagrams, or Pareto charts. Remember that there may be more than one root cause that needs addressing or one root cause that should be a focus for your improvement.

Box 5 contains potential solutions to test. Box 5 is about hypotheses. Identify potential solutions for each root cause. Several root causes may have the same potential solution. Some solutions may yield much greater improvement than others. Some solutions may need to be executed in parallel to gain the benefit desired.

The A3 Tool—Problem Solution

Box 6 contains rapid experiments. Plan an experiment for each proposed solution. Design experiments with measurable results to see if they are positive predictors of achieving your desired (Box 3) state. Learn from your experiments and conduct additional rapid experiments, if needed. If none of your experiments yield positive results, return to boxes 5 and 6 to seek additional root causes or potential solutions. Communicate and share the results of your experiments with those who will benefit from solving the problem.

Box 7 is your completion plan to solve the problem. It is based on the positive experimental outcomes from box 6. Include an action plan with a timeline indicating: what will be done, who will be responsible and involved, how progress will be measured, and completion dates for each action. Your completion plan should include a communication plan and a plan for sustaining the outcome.

The most common pitfall is jumping from box 1 to box 7. We are always eager to solve problems, and the temptation is great to skip boxes 2–5, thinking we know the answer. This could lead to a lot of wasted effort and resources, and result in great disappointment.

Box 8 is about confirmation of achieving the desired outcome/state. It summarizes what you have accomplished: metrics for the initial state, the target state, the actual result, and multiple confirmations of sustaining the performance (e.g., 30-, 60-, and 90-day results measures). If results are not sustained, you will need to re-examine earlier boxes.

The A3 Tool—Learning

Box 9 contains insights and lessons learned. What went well? What might you do differently next time you use the A3 tool? What impact has the outcome had on key internal and external stakeholders? What have you learned about change and resistance to change?

If you are asking why you should use the A3 tool, let me give you a real-life example. A hotel was experiencing customer complaints due to cold and late delivery of room-service food. The average delivery time was measured (current state). The desired delivery time after food preparation was known (desired state), and the temptation was to explore the food preparation and delivery process and fix it (jumping to box 7). By using the five whys (box 4), the real problem was identified, solutions were tested, and the problem was solved. The root cause was a shortage of bed linens. Let's look at the five whys: Why was food late and cold? Because delivery staff were waiting long times for an elevator. Why were they waiting long times for an elevator? Because the elevators were being locked on the floor with the laundry. Why were they being locked on the floor with the laundry? So linens could be delivered to rooms with guests waiting to check in as rapidly as possible. Why were guests waiting to check in? Because there was an insufficient supply of linens; they had to be washed, pressed, and immediately returned to guest rooms. The solution to late and cold food? Buy additional linens!

What are your organization’s vexing problems? What are the real solutions to those problems?  

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Harry Hertz “The Baldrige Cheermudgeon”

I am Harry Hertz, the Baldrige Cheermudgeon, and Director Emeritus of the Baldrige Program. I joined the Program in 1992 after a decade in management in the analytical chemistry and chemical sciences laboratories at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the home of the Baldrige Program. I started my career at NIST (NBS) as a bench analytical chemist.

My favorite aspects of the Baldrige Program are: (1) the opportunity to interact with leading thinkers from all sectors of the U.S. economy who serve as volunteers in the Baldrige Program, who participate in the Baldrige Executive Fellows Program, and who represent Award applicants at the forefront of the continuous journey to performance excellence, and (2) the intellectual challenge of synthesizing ideas from leading thinkers and from personal research into Insights on the Road to Performance Excellence and other blogs that tackle challenges at the “leading edge of validated leadership and performance practice,” and contribute to the continuous revision of the Baldrige Performance Excellence Framework.

Outside of work I spend my time with family (including three beautiful granddaughters), exercising, baking bread, traveling, educating tomorrow’s leaders, and participating on various boards and board committees.

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50+ Capstone Project Ideas and Topics to Explore in 2024 

by  Antony W

June 6, 2024

The first step to do a capstone project is to choose the right topic. In this article, we present to you 50+ capstone project ideas in different areas of studies, so you can choose according and save time on brainstorming.

In this post, you’ll find capstone project ideas related to nursing, senior high school, technology, business and finance, and psychology. Additionally, we give you a checklist for a good capstone project idea, and then we show you exactly how to choose the best capstone project topic.

Nursing Capstone Project Ideas

Choose an interesting nursing capstone project idea , so you can have an easy time exploring the topic. Examples of interesting themes in nursing include women’s health, leadership, general healthcare, life’s quality, and cervical cancer.

The length of a capstone project in nursing will vary depending on the topic you choose. Just keep in mind that it can be as short as 4,000 words or as long as 15,000 words long.

• Best strategies for treating children with diabetes
• Shortage of nurses in (public) health care institutions
• Critical care practices for terminally ill patients
• Changing behavioral practices in society to combat non-communicable diseases e.g. HIV, Cancer, Diabetes
• Educating students on sexual health to prevent teenage STDs and pregnancies
• Patients with mental health issues - addressing stigma and care for those without autonomous decision-making skills
• Compassion fatigue among operating room nurses
• Unconventional art therapy for managing depression in youths
• Nurse safety in psychiatric care centers
• Lyme diseases
• Technology in nursing: reliance on ventilators during the
• Coronavirus pandemic
• Point-of-care testing

Senior High School Capstone Project Ideas

You may have to complete a high school capstone project before graduating high school. The problem can be in the form of an essay, a creative project, or a research paper in areas such as engineering, arts literature, science, technology, and literature.

A high school capstone project can be optional or mandatory depending on your school.

The most important thing to remember about capstone project in high school is that your work requires in-depth research. In addition, you should be able to demonstrate a clear understanding in your specific area of study.

• Tax breaks to religious organizations: should they be withdrawn?
• Do students spend too much time at school? Track your own school schedule and document its impact on your social and personal development
• Gender inequality in sports . Tell the story of how you or a friend has been affected by gender discrimination in sports
• Puerto Rico’s bid to become a US state
• The role of robots in medicine/factories/our homes today
• Fashion trends through history and how they have changed the human perception of clothing
• Music therapy and its benefits in treating teenage depression.
• Study the effects of Shakespeare on culture and write your own play/poem/short story
• Tell a story in photos, e.g, a favorite rock band, or the development of air transportation 
• Explore how technology in photography has transformed over time

Technology Capstone Project Ideas

Doing a technology capstone project has some significant benefits attached to it. As you work on the project, you’ll learn to think critically, solve problems, communicate effectively, and level up your research and presentation skills.

Think about what interests you based on what you’ve learned in a technology class, and then use that as the starting point to choose a relevant topic to investigate.

You’ll more than likely have multiple topics in mind. However, the project requires you to narrow down to a single idea, so make sure you choose a topic that you find the most interesting.

• Smart object recognition in surveillance systems
• Software testing and quality assurance
• Text and voice recognition algorithms
• Use of customer management systems in e-commerce
• Recovery of deleted commercial information
• Online testing and evaluation
• Stock prediction systems
• Secure collection, analysis, recording, and storage of client data online
• Safeguarding against digital identity theft

Business Capstone Project Ideas

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of capstone project ideas in business , and it’s up to you to choose which topic to explore if your instructor hasn’t given you one yet.

You can write a research paper, a dissertation, a case study, a business plan, or a market research. You may also focus on a business presentation, data analysis, or a general business essay.

Regardless of the topic and form you choose, your business capstone project should demonstrate a clear application of theoretical concepts to real-world problems.

Keep in mind that even a capstone project in business requires more than just having a brilliant idea to investigate. You have to conduct in-depth research, do comprehensive analysis, and propose relevant solutions to business problems.

• Franchising and management of franchises from the parent company perspective
• Marketing strategies of non-profit organizations. Integration of e-commerce and traditional brick and mortar businesses
• How cash flow/liquidity impacts a company’s profitability. Cross-cultural/multinational company management and policy driving
• Work ethic in Japan/China/US
• Conglomeration of major business (Walt Disney and 21st Century, for example) and the effect on consumers
• Role of advertising in changing consumer perceptions
• Analysis of the commercial, regulatory (tax), and legal business environment of a country of your choice
• Running business/business accounting ethically
• Issues faced when outsourcing business processes
• Managing diversity and conflict in large organizations/companies

Psychology Capstone Project Ideas

You can write a psychology capstone project   in the form of a research paper, an essay, lab report, or scientific experiment.

Examples of areas to focus on include personality, cognitive psychology, human development, and forensic psychology.

Every capstone project idea in psychology requires in-depth research, analysis, and reflection. Moreover, your work should reflect a higher level of knowledge in the coursework based on solid findings and objective conclusions.

How to Choose a Topic for Your Capstone Project

You’re here because your professor gave you the freedom to choose a capstone project topic. This is your chance to choose an interesting topic that falls under an area you’ve always wanted to investigate.

When it comes to topic selection: 

• Brainstorm at least 10 topics covered in your coursework. You can also get preliminary ideas from your classmates, online sources, and graduates form your school.
• Narrow down the topics based on the checklist we’ve provided in the next section.
• Conduct preliminary research for each capstone project topic remaining on your list. Doing so allows you to determine if the topic is easy or challenging.
• Opt to work on the topic that allows you to identify a problem and suggest solutions. Here’s where you create an opportunity for further exploration. By taking a unique angle, you end up doing a unique capstone project guaranteed to earn you top grades.

Once you have an interesting topic, develop a hypothesis and write a capstone project proposal , which you’ll submit to your instructor for review and approval. 

Capstone Project Ideas Checklist

The best way to determine whether your capstone project idea would be good enough for research is to ask yourself a few fundamental questions.

• Will the topic meet your degree’s requirements?
• Can the topic cover a significant and preferably an interdisciplinary portion of your studies?
• Is the capstone project topic relevant to the profession of your choice?
• Is the topic interesting enough to capture the attention of your audience (instructor) and keep them motivated to read your work?
• Does the capstone project idea have enough research, data, and supporting material already published in reliable and trustworthy scholarly sources ?

Keep in mind that a novel idea may seem good at a first glance. However, you’re likely to have a difficult time with a topic if you don’t answer all of these questions.

Professional Capstone Project Writing

You can hire a capstone project writer on Help for Assessment to complete the work for you if you don’t have the time to do so yourself.

We’ll assign your order to an available writer, an expert subject writer, or one of our top writers depending on your assignment brief. The writer will follow our step-by-step process to complete the capstone project for you.  

We charge $12.99 to $40 per page depending on the urgency of the paper. It can take us anywhere from 7 days to 12 weeks (3 months) to complete your capstone project, mostly depending on the urgency.

You also get up to 10% discount if you’re new to Help for Assessment.

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

7 MCP Capstone Projects Funded and Published

Congratulations to City and Regional Planning Master of City Planning students Jacquelyn Broader, Angie Chen, Mallika Gupta, Katie Heuser, Andre Soucy, Sandra Romero, and Winnie Zhuang (MS/MCP) on receiving fellowship funds from the Institute of Transportation Studies (ITS) Berkeley and the Pacific Southwest Region University Transportation Center (PSR), the Regional University Transportation Center, to conduct research for their capstone project.

“ITS Berkeley is pleased to support these seven students with their capstone research,” says ITS Berkeley Director Daniel Rodriguez. “We had a number of tremendous applications and are excited to see the results during capstone presentations.”

The fellowship award program is administered by ITS Berkeley and supported by federal funding from the US Department of Transportation through PSR, the US Region 9 center comprised of California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, and the Pacific Islands. PSR is led by the METRANS Transportation Center, University of Southern California and includes the following partners: California State University, Long Beach, Northern Arizona University, Pima Community College, University of California, Berkeley, University of California, Davis, University of California, Irvine, University of California, Los Angeles, University of Hawaii, and University of Nevada, Las Vegas. 

Fellowship receivers are UC Berkeley graduate students in the Master’s in City Planning degree program in their second or third year of study and conducting research on their capstone project. Research related to topics consistent with PSR-UTC and UC-ITS priorities: Accessibility and Mobility for All; Sustainable and Resilient Supply Chains; Labor in a Changing Transportation Landscape; and Housing and Transportation Linkages were encouraged and prioritized, though not be limited to.

Click on a person below to see their published paper.

Jacquelyn Broader

Advisor: Karen Trapenberg Frick; MCP Project Title: Tapping In: Leveraging Open-Loop Fare Payments to Increase Financial Inclusion

Advisor: Daniel Rodriguez; MCP Project Title: A Safe System Approach to Pedestrian High Injury Network Development in Oakland, California

Mallika Gupta

Advisor: Daniel Rodriguez; MCP Project Title: Power to Pedal: A Gendered Analysis of the Barriers and Joys of Cycling in Oakland

Katie Heuser

Advisor: Karen Trapenberg Frick; MCP Project Title: “Don’t Keep Us Out of the Revolution:” Understanding Desires for Accessibility for Autonomous Vehicle Rideshare in California

Andre Soucy

Advisor: Charisma Acey; MCP Project Title: East Oakland Mobility Justice: A Case Study of the International Boulevard Bus Rapid Transit Project Safety and Displacement

Sandra Romero

Advisor: Dan Chatman; MCP Project TItle: Universal Basic Mobility Pilots in Oakland and Los Angeles: Striking a Balance Between Accessibility and Sustainability

Winnie Zhuang

Advisor: Marta Gonzalez; MCP Project Title: Transit to California’s National Parks: An Assessment of Accessibility and Policy-Level Barriers

More From Forbes

The right way to choose content for your emerging leader program.

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How do you choose the right content for your emerging leader program?

How do you choose the right topics for your emerging leader program? Throughout hundreds of conversations with heads of leadership development, “content” consistently shows up as one of the biggest stumbling blocks.

This problem is unique to emerging leader programs. Other leadership development programs tend to be more straightforward when it comes to topic selection. For new managers, you choose content like “transition to manager” and “one-on-one meetings.” For middle managers, you choose content like “strategic thinking” and “innovation.” For emerging leader programs, however, your options are a bit less obvious.

Here’s an example from a medium-sized biotech company was an emerging leader program that focused on “people leader” topics. The problem? Emerging leaders had no direct reports to practice with. Their learning remained theoretical. Here’s a second example, which suffered from the exact opposite problem. A large retail company developed a curriculum of self-leadership skills for a cohort of emerging leaders who would all step into management positions in a matter of months. The self-leadership skills were all useful, but the cohort of emerging leaders soon found themselves leading people without a taste for what that entailed. The day-in, day-out demands hit them like a ton of bricks. Both programs were well-intentioned, but their content selection got in the way.

To avoid letting the same happen to you, think of emerging leader programs as falling into two main buckets.

Type 1: Self-Leadership Skills

Target self-leadership skills when your audience is broad and the timeline toward a people leadership role is long or unknown. That way your participants can immediately take the skills you train and practice them on the job. Here’s an example of what a self-leadership curriculum might look like:

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Self-leadership skills can be applied on the job right away by individual contributors.

Each topic on the example curriculum map here is immediately applicable on the job and it will be a valuable skill when that person steps into people leadership.

Self-awareness— Developing self-awareness helps emerging leaders understand their behavioral tendencies and how they come across to others. As leaders, self-awareness is a foundational skill for thoughtful communication, emotional regulation, and decision-making.

Growth mindset— This mental framework helps emerging leaders learn and grow faster. It also decreases stress. As leaders, a growth mindset will help them communicate about success and failure with their team members in a more motivating way.

Confidence– Confidence empowers emerging leaders to step up, take on additional responsibilities, earn a seat at the table with their leader, and not let self-doubt hijack them. As leaders, confidence is critical to their ability to make sound decisions and lead their teams through challenges.

Active listening– Active listening will improve your emerging leaders’ communication skills. As leaders, active listening will help them understand what their direct reports are really feeling so they can inspire, motivate, and care for team members.

Results-focused— Instead of getting caught up in day-to-day routines, your emerging leaders will be able to zoom out and see what work will have the biggest impact. As they step into leadership positions, this mindset equates to more empowered and more agile teams.

Influence without authority– This will help your emerging leaders understand how to communicate in an influential way. As leaders, they won’t just rely on their authority for influence.

Of course, the above curriculum is just one example. This curriculum can easily be lengthened and the topics can be adjusted. The main idea is to show a sample selection of skills that are immediately applicable and hold value in the transition to people leader.

Type 2: Includes “Leading Others” Skills Like “One-on-One Meetings”

The second type of emerging leader program is where your cohort will go on to become first-line leaders in a short period of time. In this type of program, you want your content to include critical for first-time leaders. Here’s an example six-month curriculum:

This program blends foundation self-leadership skills with foundational people leadership skills.

In this example, you’re giving your emerging leaders a few self-leadership skills they can take and apply immediately: self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and growth mindset. At the same time, you also give them a foundational overview of three of the most critical people leadership skills: One-on-one meetings, delegation, and GROW coaching.

One note of warning for type 2 programs: The same problem still exists with this audience. Even though the timeline to leadership is shorter, these emerging leaders still don’t have direct reports to practice people leadership skills with. To overcome this problem, implement a repertoire of experiential learning and practicable exercises. You might consider implementing one of the following ten tactics:

• Simulations— Run emerging leaders through realistic first-line leader scenarios. Record their responses. Have them re-watch and self-critique. Bring in feedback from current first-line leaders, their manager, their peers, and your leadership development team.
• Group coaching— Give emerging leaders the opportunity to explore challenges, share experiences, ask questions, and practice. All with an expert coach.
• Peer role plays and feedback —Have emerging leaders practice with each other. Record, re-watch, and reflect.
• Personalized nudges: Send specific behavioral nudges to reinforce key insights and behaviors. Nudges should be highly actionable and link to handy resources (e.g. fillable PDFs, pithy videos, and worksheets).
• LiveCoach —Give your emerging leaders platform-based access to a human coach. They can work with this coach to do roleplays, ask detailed questions, and get additional resources.
• Formalized conversations with managers —Have emerging leaders work through formalized conversations with their managers. Managers work through a pre-set list of questions and examples that will help emerging leaders see what these skills look like on the job. For example, emerging leaders can talk with their managers about the GROW coaching model and how they use it in their one-on-ones.
• Job shadowing —Give emerging leaders direct exposure to first-line leadership. Use guided questions to facilitate reflection on the specific skills that your emerging leaders are learning.
• Community of practice— Create a virtual community where your emerging leaders can share ideas, challenges, and questions with each other. As an added bonus, keep alumni in the community. That way, alumni in first-line leadership positions can help share their experience.
• Job aids, worksheets, reflection exercises, and observational exercises— Use each of these tools to immerse your emerging leaders in key ideas. Each engagement with an exercise will help solidify new habits.
• Digital badges linked to practice— As a mandatory part of program completion, include a set number of application exercises and practice. Make sure this is trackable. For example, your emerging leaders may need to complete at least 60% of all practice exercises, one simulation, one conversation with their manager, and start and engage with at least five conversations in your community of practice.

While you could apply all ten of these tactics to any leadership development program, they become especially important when “on the job application” isn’t yet possible.

Three Additional Content Considerations: Competencies, Functional Content, and Your Grand Finale

Here are three other important content considerations:

Should your topics be based on your company’s competencies? If so, you should still align your competencies with one of the two “types” previously mentioned.

Should you include functional content? I advise you to “tease” functional content with shadowing, mentorship, and manager conversations. However, I don’t like to push too much of it prior to actual people leadership.

How do you want to conclude your program? I won’t get too in-depth here, but considerations include:

• A capstone project— This is a great way to show your program’s impact, create a tangible end-product, and finish your program on a memorable note. In Olympus’s emerging leader program, for example, participants took real business ideas and developed a business plan. They then presented this plan to over thirty senior leaders. Four were selected to move forward.
• An inspirational story from an alumni— You can leave participants with a real story of how your leadership training impacted someone’s life. Whether it’s personal or tied directly to the business, stories like this stick with people and motivate them to keep practicing. At Lippert , the leadership development team found that asking graduates to share a personal story of success around their goals acted as a spark for reflection and engagement.
• A graduation award —Awards can help market your program and foster your culture in a genuine way. For example, at Collectors , a company that authenticates collectible items, graduates were awarded a custom baseball card with their picture on the front and personal stats on the back of the card.

From Insights to Action

The most important thing to remember from this article is to make an active decision about whether you’re tailoring your content to a type 1 or type 2 audience. With that in mind, everything else should fall into place.

Kevin Kruse is the Founder + CEO of LEADx , a leadership development company that specializes in emerging leader programs. Kevin is also a New York Times bestselling author of Great Leaders Have No Rules , 15 Secrets Successful People Know About Time Management , and Employee Engagement 2.0 .

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Environmental Science Capstone Projects

Students develop a written proposal during the fall quarter and then a final project report during spring quarter.

• All Programs
• Environmental Science, BS
• Capstone Projects: Real Projects, Industry Sponsors

Examples of Recent Projects

For each project, a professional liaison from a sponsoring organization works with a team of three to five students and a faculty advisor over the course of an academic year. Projects have been supported by groups such as King County, Seattle City Light, Seattle Public Utilities, and the Northwest Avalanche Center.

The Impacts of Pond Levelers on Beaver Dam Overtopping and Fish Passage

Sponsor:  Snoqualmie Valley Watershed Improvement District Description: This project explored the impacts of pond levelers on beaver dam overtopping and fish passage.  Through fieldwork, data collection and research, students assessed the ability of fish to pass through beaver dams by analyzing overtopping frequency, required leap heights, and water depth at four sites in King County.

Evaluating the Use of Large Wood in Duwamish River Salmon Habitat Restoration

Sponsored by the USDA Forest Service, the team evaluated the use of large wood for restoration in the Lower Duwamish River. They conducted a field survey and inventoried the size, location, placement, and elevation of natural and implemented wood. They made recommendations as to the benefits of future studies that focus on the use of large wood in non-industrialized estuaries. 

Watershed Hydrology Modeling, Rio Ochomogo, Nicaragua

In collaboration with students from the University of Central America, the team installed a gage on Rio Ochomogo, a tributary to Lake Nicaragua that has been identified as a significant source of sediment and agricultural pollutants.  The team developed a relationship between flow and water level at the site and developed a three-month long record of river discharge.  The team also created a numerical model for runoff and sediment production using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT).

Identifying and Mapping Non-Native Maples Near Newhalem, Washington

Sponsored by Seattle City Light, the team mapped non-native trees that have colonized portions of the riparian area along the Skagit River near the town of Newhalem, Washington. The team evaluated the ecological impact of non-native species in various habitat types, considering dispersal distances and colonization pathways of the major non-native species. It also included a discussion of management implications and possible controls.