Capstone

The capstone is a culminating project that provides each MUP student the opportunity to apply what they have learned through their coursework to a specific planning problem or issue, and therefore to demonstrate their level of professional competence to both the faculty and potential employers. The MUP capstone requirement can be satisified one of five ways. The five options are intended to allow students to formulate a capstone project that best fits within the context of their overall program and professional interests. Students should work closely with their faculty advisor in deciding on an approach to the capstone.

Capstone Options

UP 598. Master's Project (8 hours)
This includes the following two possibilities:

Independent client-oriented project.  This would be split into 4 hours in each semester of the second year.  Typically, a student, perhaps with faculty assistance, would take the initiative to arrange a project for a client.  In order to enroll in the Fall, the student would need to present a detailed proposal and work plan, which must be approved, in writing, by both the faculty advisor and the client.  It is possible that a project undertaken as part of an internship could be designed to satisfy this requirement.  One faculty and one client would constitute the committee.  If you can arrange an appropriate project, this option can be the most satisfying to complete, and can also result in a product that would be attractive to prospective employers.

Group client-oriented project.  This is the same as the Independent client-oriented project, but involves a small group of generally two to four students.  Typically such projects come about as a result of a request from the client to the Department, and usually involve payment for expenses and a portion of the labor.

UP 595. Advanced Planning Workshop (6 hours)
Each year we will offer at least one UP 595 workshop for second-year students.  These client-oriented workshops will be designed for five to ten students, with each student required to demonstrate an individual contribution to the whole.  Faculty will act to initiate client contact, coordinate activities, and review intermediate products.  Students will be responsible for organizing all tasks, including data collection, client and community meetings, work plan design, and intermediate and final products.

UP 599. Thesis (8 hours)
This would be split into 4 hours in each semester of the second year. A student would take the initiative to define and prepare an original piece of research related to a planning topic of their choosing. In order to enroll in the Fall, the student would need to present a detailed proposal, work plan, and initial bibliography of five to ten references. Two faculty members would constitute the committee. The chair must be a UP faculty member. The thesis would meet all the University’s thesis requirements.  This option is best suited to a student intending to pursue a research-oriented career.

UP 596.  Concentration Paper (4 hours)
Research and preparation of an integrative paper on an important current topic in the student’s area of concentration. In order to enroll, the student would need to submit a problem statement, work plan, and preliminary identification of approximately five references. The final product, approximately 30 to 40 pages in length, must be of a high quality before final credit can be given. This would normally be done in the final semester. One faculty member would supervise. This option is best-suited to a student preferring to take additional courses in the second year.

Procedures

When to Decide
You should start to think about your capstone preference in April of your first year. At that time we will provide an informational meeting. This will include advice for how to initiate a UP 598 Masters Project, for those who are considering this option. We will also ask you to state your tentative choice of capstone option at that time.

In the Fall of your second year, we will ask you to state your intent for capstone option and topic.

How to Enroll

UP 595.  Simply enroll, as you would for any course.  We will cap enrollment of students, in order to maintain the experience of a small workshop.

UP 596.  Before you can enroll, you must prepare a problem statement, work plan, and preliminary identification of approximately five references. You must then submit a form identifying the topic, signed by your faculty advisor for the paper, academic advisor, and the MUP Coordinator.

UP 598.  Before you can enroll, you must submit a form identifying the topic and client, signed by your project advisor, academic advisor, and the MUP Coordinator.

UP 599. Before you can enroll, you must prepare a detailed proposal, work plan, and initial bibliography of five to ten references.  You must then submit a form identifying the topic and committee (thesis advisor and one other faculty) and verifying that you have completed the proposal.  This form must be signed by your thesis advisor, academic advisor, and the MUP Coordinator.

Note:  Capstone work receives a maximum of 8 hours credit. It cannot be augmented by additional independent study hours involving the same topic.