UMass Amherst

Independent Capstone

Self-initiated Independent Capstones afford students the opportunity to focus intensively on an issue or problem of special interest to them, arising out of their major study or across two or more disciplines. Students pursue independent research and scholarly, scientific, or creative work under the supervision of a faculty "guidance committee." Their efforts culminate in the production and presentation of the student's own substantial thesis or project (for example: screenplay, collection of original poetry, musical score, engineering design, or marketing case study).

Independent Capstones require an approved registration contract, proposal, and guidance committee. They terminate in an oral defense. Students who are seeking graduation with higher Latin honors (magna or summa cum laude) must submit a Capstone experience manuscript to Commonwealth College for forwarding to the W.E.B. DuBois Library archives.

Registration: Students are registered into Independent Capstones by Commonwealth College upon approval of their proposal and contract. Traditional course registration deadlines apply.

photograph by Justin Lane

Independent Capstones
afford time for intensive study and research.