Doctoral Capstone Project and Experience
The Doctoral Capstone Project and Experience is the final stage in your journey to earning your doctoral degree.
You will be immersed in a 14-week experience at a community site of your choosing.
The purpose is to develop in-depth knowledge related to occupational practice and prepare you for your career. During the 14-week period you will collaborate with a community partner to create a meaningful, evidence-based project.
The two key factors of the Capstone are:
- The project which you develop with your Faculty Capstone Advisor.
- The experience you gain at the community site.
Timeline of the Capstone Project and Experience
The Capstone Project and Experience occurs during your third year in the program (third fall semester, third spring semester and third summer semester).
You'll plan your project in the fall, finalize your proposal in the spring and complete your experience in the summer.
Fall III: OTE 880
Doctoral Capstone I Project Planning
Students will identify an area of focus, examine the literature, identify a problem and purpose, plan and refine the capstone process, and set goals and objectives for the Capstone Project and Experience.
Spring III: OTE 881
Doctoral Capstone II: Project Proposal
Students design a scholarly proposal related to the Doctoral Capstone Project and Experience and identify a scholarly question, relevant literature, sample, design, measurement, and data analysis (quantitative or qualitative).
The project proposal is developed in preparation for an in-depth capstone experience in one or more of the following areas: clinical practice skills, research skills, administration, Program development and evaluation, policy development, advocacy, education, or leadership.
Summer III: OTE 980
Experience and Project
This course provides students with an in-depth experience to pursue an individually designed doctoral-level project that synthesizes knowledge, attitudes, and skills, enabling them to achieve specific competencies related to advanced practice.
The project builds upon knowledge gained throughout the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program, including:
- The use of research evidence to make clinical decisions.
- Leadership and change within systems and treatment contexts.
- Development of theory-based innovative programs to meet the needs in a variety of practice areas and society at large.
Once the final doctoral project is completed, project findings will be disseminated per course requirements.
For questions or more information
We're here to guide you through the process so you'll have a successful experience.
