Capstone Project Master's Paper
 

Topics on this Page:

• Description
• Expectations
• Deadlines

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Description

An original Master’s Paper on a significant public health or community health issue or topic will be the primary component of the Capstone Project. All papers are required to contain a comprehensive literature review. The Master’s Paper can take many forms and may include:

• Program Development. Students work to develop a program in areas such as health promotion or a community intervention.
• Program Evaluation. Students conduct an evaluation of a public or community health program to determine effectiveness and outcomes.
• Community Assessment. Students conduct various aspects of a community health assessment.
• Community Health Planning. Students develop various aspects of a community health plan.
• Public Health Policy. Students research and develop a public policy analysis or an advocacy statement related to a significant public or community health issue.
• Applied Research. Students conduct research on a public or community health topic of interest.

• Presentation:  Working on your Project (PDF)

Expectations

Presentation:  Sections of the Master's Paper (PDF)

The paper should be of publishable quality and include the following:

• Title Page – Include name, title of project, Faculty Advisor’s name, and project’s time frame.
  • Title Page Template (PDF)
• Abstract – Provide an overview of the paper. The abstract should not exceed 300 words.
  • Sample Abstract (PDF)
• Introduction – A brief overview of the paper including a summary of the background leading to the research question or purpose of the paper.
  • Sample Introduction with Purpose Statement (PDF)
• Purpose Statement or Research Question(s) – If more than one purpose or question is applicable, limit the description to one brief paragraph each.
  • Sample Introduction with Purpose Statement (PDF)
• Literature Review – Identify and review literature and previous research applicable to the paper topic. This section should include a synthesis and discussion of the reviewed literature to identify strengths, weaknesses, trends, opportunities, etc. The review should provide the basis for the paper.
• Methods – Describe the methodology utilized in the development of the paper. This might include the design, setting, participants, intervention, and main outcome measures of the Capstone Project, or it might provide details regarding sampling, measurement, data collection, and analysis of research.
  • Sample Methods (PDF)
• Results – Present the results of the Capstone Project. Explain the product of the effort put forth.
  • Sample Results (PDF)
• Discussion – Discuss, in detail, the results. Place the results in the context of the existing base of knowledge on the topic, and discuss limitations.
  • Sample Discussion (PDF)
• Conclusion – Provide discrete conclusions supported by evidence. Express any further study or effort implied by the conclusions, and give equal attention to positive and negative conclusions.
  • Sample Conclusion (PDF)
• References – Properly and consistently cite references in a reputable format of the student’s choice.
  • Citation Guide (Website)
• Appendices – Support materials may include IRB letters, survey/interview instruments, letters of support, data analysis coding sheets, or others.
  • Examples of Previous Students' Abstracts & PowerPoint Presentations

Deadlines

The student is required to submit sections of the Master’s Paper to the Faculty Advisor, Second Reader, and Program Coordinator as outlined on the Capstone Project Timeline of Responsibilities unless otherwise specified and agreed upon in the Capstone Project Proposal.

Unless otherwise specified in the Capstone Project Proposal, the student will submit the following sections as outlined in the timelines below.

First Submission:
- Outline
- Title Page
- Introduction and/or Background
- Statement of Purpose or Research Question(s)
- Methods
- Properly cited sources

Second Submission:
- Revised Outline
- Revised First Submission
- Literature Review
- Results
- Properly cited sources

Third Submission:
- Revised Outline
- Revised First and Second Submissions
- Discussion
- Conclusion
- Abstract
- Properly cited sources

Master's Paper Submission Schedule for Students Enrolling in Summer 2013

Note:  Because the summer semester is only 9 weeks (as compared to 16 in the fall and spring semesters), the Capstone Project is severely condensed.  Therefore, most students would benefit from enrolling in Capstone Project during a fall or spring semester.

Master's Paper Submission Schedule for Students Enrolling in Fall 2013

Master's Paper Submission Schedule for Students Enrolling in Spring 2014

Note: During the Spring semester, submission deadlines are different for graduating students and non-graduating students. Because graduates’ projects must be submitted to the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences several weeks prior to the graduation ceremony, graduating students work on a condensed timeframe during the Spring semester.