Frequently Asked Questions
Who should consider enrolling in the Senior Capstone (GOV 98) instead of writing a senior thesis?
The Senior Capstone is ideal for students who want to pursue a policy-oriented research project with real-world applications, especially those who may not be interested in staying in academia after graduation. It’s a great fit for students in the public policy program, those seeking an extraordinary learning opportunity focused on practical policy analysis, or individuals who feel the senior thesis might be too great an undertaking but still want to complete a serious, rigorous research project.
How time-intensive is the Senior Capstone compared to writing a senior thesis, and what are the expectations for research and analysis?
The Senior Capstone is generally less time intensive than a senior thesis. Students dedicate the entire Spring semester to their capstone project, focusing on conductive substantive policy analysis. By the end of the Spring semester, students are expected to produce a polished policy paper that includes actionable policy recommendations.
Do you get honors with the Senior Capstone?
No, currently the Senior Capstone is not tied to the honors program. However, senior capstone students are invited to present their projects at the annual Undergraduate Poster session.
Do you have an advisor?
The course head of the Senior Capstone will serve as the main advisor.
If I start a senior thesis in the fall but change my mind, can I switch to the Capstone in the spring? How does that process work?
Yes! If you begin the senior thesis in the fall but decide by the end of the semester that it’s not the right fit, you can easily transition and start the capstone project in the spring when it begins