HONORS CAPSTONE REQUIREMENTS
What is a capstone?
The Honors Senior Capstone is the culmination of your undergraduate Honors work. The capstone allows you to work closely with a professor - your capstone advisor - to create a scholarly project that builds on your knowledge and interest in a field of study. Capstone projects may include but are not limited to conducting a major research project, writing a novel, preparing a recital or performance, developing a website, curating an exhibit or directing a theater production under faculty supervision.
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Is there funding available from the Honors Program for students pursuing their capstone? NEW!
Yes! The University Honors Program has recently designated funds to award grants to students for research and other projects leading toward the completion of their Senior Honors Capstone. Awards will be determined on the basis of the capstone project’s merit and feasibility, in addition to the impact of the grant on the completion of the capstone. Click here to access the Honors Capstone Grant application.
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Where can I find examples of previous capstone projects?
A copy of all the completed capstones from the past year are available in the University Honors Office. All Honors Senior Capstone projects are kept in the University Archives, on the third floor of Bender Library, as a permanent part of the University's academic resources. In addition, you can see the capstones of the award recipients of last year's Honors Capstone Conference on-line by clicking here.
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How does the capstone fit into the University Honors requirements?
All students must complete an Honors capstone. The capstone will count towards the 12 upper-level Honors credits required by the program. Students have the option of graduating with University Honors in the Major or with General University Honors based in part on how they fulfill their capstone requirement.
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If I want to graduate with University Honors in my Major, what are the requirements for my capstone?
If you plan on graduating with University Honors in a Major, check out the credit and course requirements for your major. Depending on the department guidelines, capstones may be 3 to 6 credit hours. They may require a designated senior seminar, an independent study, a senior-level course designated as Honors, or a combination of requirements (for example, a seminar and an independent study).
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If I want to graduate with General University Honors, what are the requirements for my capstone?
To receive the General University Honors designation, students must complete a capstone in any approved area of study with an AU faculty member based in DC. Capstones may range from 3 to 6 credit hours.
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How does one begin the capstone process?
1. Familiarize yourself with the capstone requirements. While you can look at the requirements on-line, we strongly encourage you to make an appointment with or simply stop by the University Honors Center in Hurst 206 to see an Honors Counselor. During your counseling session we can help you decide whether graduating with University Honors in the Major or General University Honors is a better option for you. An Honors counselor can also explain your options for registering for your capstone.
2. Choose a professor to be your capstone advisor and set up an appointment with him/her. Students often appreciate the one-on-one discussions with their capstone advisor. Therefore, choose your advisor carefully. Before meeting with your professor, spend some time thinking about your proposed capstone project, how you can approach your topic. Prepare a timeframe for completing the project. Capstone advisors may be any AU faculty member based in DC, including adjunct faculty.
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What forms do I have to complete?
All students must complete the Honors capstone form. You will need to obtain the signatures of your capstone advisor and your Department Honors Coordinator. (Department Honors Coordinators are listed below the description of requirements for each major here.) You should then return the form to the University Honors Center for the signature of the University Honors Program Director.
Please note that the Honors Capstone form does NOT register you for your capstone. See the section below on how to register for your capstone and any registration paperwork you may need complete.
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How do I register for my capstone?
Depending on your capstone requirements, you have the option of registering for your capstone in one of the following ways.
1) Register on-line for an upper level (300- or above) course. Either follow your department guidelines as to which upper level class for which you'll need to register if you're graduating with University Honors in your Major. Or, sign up for any upper level course if you'll be graduating with General University Honors. Regardless, just sign up on-line for an upper-level class, complete the Honors Capstone Form, attach your capstone proposal, obtain the necessary signatures, and submit the form to the University Honors Center in Hurst 206.
2) Register for an independent study. The easiest way to register for an independent study is to sign up for HNRS 490, the Honors independent study course, however you may also sign up for your department's independent study (ie, COMM 490). Bear in mind that you cannot register for an independent study on-line, but must instead fill out the necessary paperwork. Also, keep in mind that independent study credit hours can range from 1 to 6 credits. However, independent studies for which you'll be completing your capstone must be at least 3 credit hours but may be as much as 6 credits.
To register for an independent study, you'll need to fill out the Registrar's Independent Study form and submit it to the Registrar's office in Asbury. You'll indicate how many credit hours your independent study will be on the Registrar's Independent Study form. In addition, remember to complete the Honors Capstone Form, attach your capstone proposal, obtain the necessary signatures, and submit the form to the University Honors Center in Hurst 206.
Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an Honors counselor to discuss the capstone requirements before registering for their capstone course(s).
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