For more details about Capstone Projects, see the Complete Overview of the Honors Capstone Project.

Can I combine my honors Capstone Project with my senior project for my major?

You can, but the Capstone Project must should be at a higher level of intellectual and creative sophistication than is minimally required of students doing senior projects in those departments that routinely require such projects. Most, but not all, departmental Distinction Projects can "double" as Honors Capstone Projects. You will need Honors Program approval as well as departmental approval.

When do I begin my Capstone Project?

You begin planning at the end of the sophomore year and submit your proposal in the 1 st semester of your junior year.

Who is eligible to be my Capstone Project advisor?

Any full-time member of the Syracuse University faculty can be a Capstone Project Advisor.  The Advisor must be a faculty member in the student's major.  Occasionally, under special circumstances, part-time or adjunct faculty members serve as Capstone Project Advisors with the prior approval of the Chair of the Student's Program of Study and of the Director of the Honors Program.

What is the length requirement for a Capstone Project?

There is no specific length, but an Honors Capstone Project is usually about 60-70 pages, although some, particularly in the natural sciences and mathematics, may be shorter, and many in the humanities and social sciences are longer. You should try not to exceed 100 pages. Work with our Writing Consultant if you find your project is becoming excessively long.

Can a Capstone Project be something other than a traditional research paper?

Yes, it can be a creative, performance or multimedia project but must include a written component.

Are specific courses required with a Capstone Project?

Specific courses are not required. Your Capstone Project Advisor will recommend appropriate courses to support your project; we strongly encourage you to take graduate courses if any are offered that are relevant to your topic.

Do I need to reduce my course load in order to do a Capstone Project?

Consult with your faculty advisor & Capstone Project Advisor to plan a reasonable workload in your junior and senior year. We recommend taking an independent study in the fall of your senior year to help you complete your research, if your schedule will allow it.

When will my Capstone Project be due?

Plan for mid- or late April.

Where can I find examples of Capstone Projects?

The Library in the Honors suite holds bound copies of Honors Capstone Projects and Thesis Projects since the 1970s. Multimedia thesis materials (videos, artwork, and computer graphics, for example) are also housed here.

How do I get started exploring Capstone Project topics?

•  Look at what other students have done;

•  Think about topics and questions that excite you;

•  Talk to faculty members -- including your departmental Honors Advisor in your department -- about the possibilities;

•  Talk to Honors staff advisors in Bowne Hall.

•  See our webpage on Getting Started.

Who can I talk to in Honors about the Capstone Project?

Carolyn Ostrander
Steve Wright
Eric Holzwarth

Can I do a Capstone Project outside of my major?

You really need the background that the major provides to create a successful Capstone Project. If you think you can make a compelling case for undertaking a project outside of your major, we're willing to listen. Speak to Eric Holzwarth, Deputy Director.

How often should I meet with my Capstone Project Advisor?

You and your advisor should agree to a schedule of meetings, and what you should have accomplished by each meeting. Early in the process we generally recommend meeting once a month. In the senior year, however, the meetings are often by-weekly, and at times, even weekly.

When should I meet with an honors staff advisor?

Whenever you have questions or need additional assistance in working on your project. We're happy to meet with you, and always enjoy hearing about your projects, and helping you solve problems you encounter. You can learn more about us on the Honors Staff Advising page.

Is there funding available for research and supplies for a Capstone Project?

Yes there are. See our page on Capstone Project Funding.

For more details about Capstone Projects, see the Complete Overview of the Honors Capstone Project.