What Is a Capstone Project?

In higher education, the capstone is a project or research paper that is completed during the final year or semester of a graduate degree program, such as an MBA program. There are several different types of capstone projects, and we’ll describe each of them a bit later in our discussion.

In our what is a capstone discussion, it should be understood that a capstone project is intended to do more than merely help prepare you for graduation. It can also help you get ready to join the workforce in a very practical way. A capstone project can help you bridge the gap between the theoretical world of the classroom and the professional world. Whether in a team or individual structure, the capstone project will typically involve workplace skills like problem-solving, effective time management and attention to detail, alongside the industry-specific skills you’ve acquired in the program’s coursework.

The purpose of a capstone project is to demonstrate a student’s understanding of a particular field of study by integrating the knowledge and skills they’ve learned during a degree program.

The hands-on nature of a capstone project allows you to refine specific skills while developing new ones that can be put to work in your professional career. If your capstone project requires you to work in a group, you will be able to gain or sharpen important workplace skills like collaboration, teamwork and verbal communication. 

A capstone project can be very useful in resume building as well. It can provide a tangible example of your work that could be indispensable in your job search and useful in interviews. Some capstone courses have a competitive component, with awards distributed to the creators of the best capstone projects that can also be a great addition to your resume.

It’s important to note that capstone projects can be configured in different ways and can vary widely from one program to another. Here are some common project types:

Another term you may have heard in relation to a master’s degree program is thesis, or a thesis paper. What is involved in a thesis paper and how does it differ from a capstone project?

While both are final assignments intended to prepare graduate students to receive their degrees, and both require a significant amount of research and critical thinking, there are some important differences between the two.

The big-picture difference is that the thesis paper is a traditional, theoretical academic research project focusing on a research question or hypothesis, while a capstone project tends to be more practical and applied.

Thesis papers are often intended to contribute new knowledge to a particular field and entail literature review, data collection, analysis and detailed discussion of research findings. For a reader to agree or disagree with your thesis, they need to understand how you arrived at your claim, and this requires your careful analysis of the evidence. A faculty advisor is typically involved in evaluating and/or approving a student’s thesis topic.

Capstone projects can take on different forms, as discussed in the previous section. They often involve collaboration with other students or professionals, may require the use of various research methods and typically allow students to demonstrate their skills by applying them to real-world problems or challenges they may be likely to encounter in their professional careers. 

Like an academic undertaking, there is bound to be some hard work and dedication involved.

Students should find themselves challenged by a capstone project, but should also feel prepared, having completed the coursework to help them prepare for and navigate it. Such is the case with Juan Varela, who earned his undergraduate degree from DeVry in 2021 and his MBA from Keller in 2023 described the capstone project for his MBA in Global Supply Chain Management as being “as real as it gets.” Varela said the project, a real-world supply chain simulation in which students worked in groups of 4 or 5 and took on the roles of senior-level executives of a computer chip manufacturer, was challenging. He was, however, quick to note how well the program’s coursework prepared him for the capstone, enabling him to put things together and see how things worked together from a management perspective.

Yes, MBA programs typically require students to complete a capstone project as a culminating course experience. Regardless of specialty, Keller MBA programs require MBA candidates to complete a capstone course where they research and develop a new business opportunity, requiring a blend of principles in communications, analyses, marketing, operations, finance, human resources and leadership. This may include a case study, business plan, simulation or approved project for an existing company.

Whether you’re nearing the completion of your bachelor’s degree program or looking to advance your skills, we may have an MBA program that fits your personal and professional goals. At DeVry and our Keller Graduate School of Management, choose a general MBA program or one of 10 specializations in accounting, finance, global supply chain management, project management, marketing and more. Regardless of the specialty you choose, a Keller MBA program can help you prepare to pursue opportunities in a range of careers in accounting and finance, healthcare, technology and business administration.