Can you explain what a capstone project is in undergraduate programs?

I've been hearing a lot about capstone projects in various college programs, and I'm curious about what exactly they are. Are they like a massive research paper or more like a final project that ties everything together? Also, how much of our final grade are these projects typically worth, and do all majors require them? Any examples or personal experiences would be really helpful in understanding what to expect.

In many undergraduate programs, a capstone project is typically a multifaceted assignment that serves as a culminating academic experience for students. This indeed ties together the concepts and skills you've learned throughout your degree program. It's a little bit like a thesis, but instead of contributing novel research to the field, a capstone project helps to demonstrate that you understand the material well enough to apply it to a practical problem or project.

While the exact nature of the capstone can vary widely, it often involves conducting in-depth research on a topic of interest—chosen by the student—and presenting findings through a paper, presentation, or both. For some programs, a capstone might also involve an experiential component, such as an internship or practical work experience.

The weight of a capstone project can significantly vary depending on the program and college. It's not uncommon to find capstone projects worth a substantial amount of one's final grade in a course, given their comprehensive nature. However, they're not always a standard requirement across all majors. Some programs may require them while others offer them as elective options.

For example, a Computer Science student might build a working software application as their capstone project, demonstrating their mastery of coding languages and software development practices. Alternatively, a Political Science student could create a policy proposal addressing a significant societal issue, showcasing their understanding of policy-making processes and research methods.

So while it can be a substantial undertaking, many students find the capstone project to be a rewarding and practical way to showcase what they've learned tangibly.