A successful doctoral capstone expands or applies existing knowledge, research and scholarship to solve real-world professional problems in your field. Capella’s program courses provide resources to focus on your capstone topic, methodology, literature review and project plan to move steadily toward your goals.
A doctoral capstone extends or applies knowledge to deliver a solution to an issue within a real-world setting. That’s why, unlike the dissertation, the doctoral capstone deliverable can take on different forms. For example, it may be writing a manuscript suitable for publication or building a curriculum designed to solve a specific educational problem.
As you advance through the program courses, you will strive for mastery in each of these critical areas:
Identify and cultivate the skills required to implement your project design ethically.
Apply critical-thinking skills to integrate ideas and concepts from previous research – guide and support the development of your project.
Study existing literature to propose a plan that will answer important questions using ethical and sound project design.
Cultivate communication skills in verbal and written interactions necessary to advance scientific research.
Start early and get support throughout your program
A final report describes the scholarly background and process, including the literature and theory that supports the deliverable.
In your program, you’ll complete courses with specific assignments to help you work on your doctoral capstone early and continuously throughout your program.
Set milestones
Break your research down into manageable steps. See what you’ve accomplished, where you are and what’s next in your plan.
Make weekly targets
Set reminders based on your to-do list and receive notifications in your inbox.
Connect with faculty
Stay on the same page. Share your plan. Your faculty will guide you through your checklists, goals and timelines.
Access resources
Our resources can point you in the right direction to meet your goals and keep you on track.
