Capstone Projects
Overview
Graduate students in the Media Arts & Science program may choose a project (instead of thesis) to fulfill graduation requirements. Unlike the thesis – which is research-based – the capstone project is typically a skills-oriented application.
Examples
Capstone projects vary in methods and tools used. Following are some examples of past capstone projects:
- Web applications
- Interactive CD-ROMs
- Immersive environments
- Innovative user interfaces
Projects are not intended as a shortcut to graduation. They will require as much planning and work as research. Project reports are equivalent in scope and effort to theses.
Project Advisor
The project advisor is the immediate supervisor of the student's graduate project. This can be anyone approved by the academic advisor. This person need not be a faculty member in the School of Informatics. The academic advisor can also be a student's project advisor, if appropriate.
Process for Project Work
- The student should select a project advisor, after the completion of 9 credits in the program.
- In conjunction with the project advisor, the student should prepare a project proposal, by the completion of 18 credits.
- Once approved by the project advisor, the student should complete the research project by the completion of 24 credits.
- Towards the end of the project, the student should prepare his/her report.
- At the end of the project, the student should submit the report to his/her project advisor.
- Once approved by the project advisor, the student should give a 20 minute public presentation of his/her work. This will happen towards the end of the student's final semester.
- After the presentation, the student should submit copies of the final report in Word format and the presentation in PowerPoint format to both the project advisor and the School of Informatics recorder.
