The Honors Capstone is the culmination of undergraduate Honors work and is usually completed in the senior year. The Capstone allows students to work closely with a professor -- a Capstone advisor -- to create a scholarly or creative project that builds on a student’s knowledge and interest in a field of study.
Honors Capstone projects may include, but are not limited to:
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An archive of Capstone projects is available in the American University Library. Abstracts of Capstone projects from previous years can be found below:
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing an Honors Capstone
1. Explore possible ideas for your Capstone
Toward the end of your junior year (when you have two full semesters remaining before graduation) begin exploring possible Capstone ideas. If you are not already engaged in some research or other project that might serve as the foundation for your Capstone, begin thinking about the kind of Capstone project you might pursue, and consider consulting with faculty and/or an Honors counselor to assist you in the process.
2. Learn about the Capstone process
At the beginning of your second to last semester (usually the fall semester for most students), if not sooner, attend one of the Honors Capstone information sessions and/or schedule an appointment to meet with an Honors counselor to discuss the Capstone and whether you plan to graduate with University Honors (general) or University Honors in [major].
For style and formatting recommendations, visit the Purdue Online Writing Lab.
For examples of Capstone guidelines by academic discipline, visit the Harvard Writing Project or browse the AU library's Capstone Digital Archive.
3. Select a Capstone faculty advisor
Select an Honors Capstone faculty advisor and begin to develop with that individual a Capstone project appropriate to your interests, abilities and graduation requirements. If you need some help generating ideas or understanding what a finished Capstone looks like, you can find examples of previous Capstone projects in the Honors Center in Hughes Hall First Floor South or electronically through the American University Library.
Once you and your Honors Capstone faculty advisor agree on the scope of your Capstone project, the appropriate Honors Coordinator must approve your Capstone proposal.
Note: Any student working with an SIS professor on an Honors Capstone should follow the official SIS Capstone Guidelines.
4. Submit Capstone Forms
Complete and submit the Honors Capstone Form by the deadline specified on it, paying special attention to who must confirm the form and what must be submitted along with it. All students must submit the Honors Capstone Form to receive Honors Capstone credit. Students who are using an independent study as the vehicle to complete their Capstone requirement must also submit an Office of the Registrar Independent Study Form to the Office of the Registrar. Check with your School, College or department about any additional forms that need to be completed and the deadlines for submitting them.
5. Capstone Research Grant
Each semester, the University Honors Program awards grants to Honors students for research and other projects leading to the completion of the senior Honors Capstone. These competitive awards are determined on the basis of Capstone projects’ merit and feasibility, and the expected impact of the grant on the successful completion of the Capstone. Applications are accepted and reviewed twice a year, early in the fall and spring semesters. To be eligible, Honors students must be registered for the Honors Capstone project in the semester in which they apply for grant funding. Applicants are required to obtain a brief letter of support from their Honors Capstone advisor. No award exceeds $500, and most grants typically fall below $300, due to funding limitations.
6. Set a schedule for your Capstone work
To complete your Honors Capstone it is helpful to set a work schedule and remain in close contact with your Honors Capstone advisor to meet deadlines throughout the process. See the Honors Capstone Suggestions sheet for helpful tips and guidelines.
7. Apply for the Honors Capstone Research Conference
The Honors Capstone Research Conference is a great opportunity to showcase your research. Interested students should apply in March to present their Capstone research or creative work at the conference, which is held in April. Forty students are selected to participate, with 20 students giving 10-minute oral presentations and 20 students giving poster presentations. Students do not need to have completed their Capstone to apply or participate in the conference. Complete details about participating in the conference are sent to Honors seniors early in the spring semester. Visit the Honors Capstone Research Conference page for general information.
8. Submit your Capstone to your faculty advisor
By the last day of class of the semester, submit the completed Honors Capstone to your Honors Capstone faculty advisor for grading. Extensions are strongly discouraged and are only granted on a case-by-case basis.
9. Hand it in to Honors
By the last day of final exams, submit an electronic copy of your Capstone, a hard copy of your Capstone and the Capstone Submission Form to the University Honors Program. Electronic copies of the Capstone should be sent to honors@american.edu.
