Capstone

The Capstone Project is the culminating academic experience for the Master of Science in Nutrition graduate program. The scope and presentation of the project must demonstrate the student’s skills in a variety of areas including, formal academic/technical writing, the research process, and the application of nutrition principles in the public health arena. 

Students must complete a 6 credit hour capstone project to meet graduation requirements. 

Selecting a Capstone Project

Pick a Topic

• Is there an area that you have a great interest in/passion for?
• Does the topic have practical value within the field?
• Is it a topic of contemporary interest for the profession?

Do a Literature Search

• Search the peer reviewed literature
• Find out how much is already known about the topic
• Is there a lack of research on the topic?
• Identify gaps in knowledge—may be some listed in recommendations for further research provided in journal articles

Evaluate Your Choice of Topic

• Has it been overdone? If there is lots of research that has already been done, pick another topic.
• Is it doable in the timeframe? If too broad, how can you narrow it?
• Do you have access to the population that you want to study?
• Are you able to put personal bias aside and maintain the objectivity required of a researcher?