Capstone Projects
Students should identify an area of interest for their Capstone Project during their first active semester in the MBC program. The Capstone Proposal must be submitted early in the semester prior to the BSCI 7980-Capstone Course. The purpose of the Capstone Project is to demonstrate the student's ability to independently explore a new topic, demonstrate appropriate application of the materials, and successfully communicate the information in a professional and academically rigorous format. The proposal should indicate that these expectations will be met.
By Spring semester, most graduate students have had the opportunity to interact with a majority of the faculty, and are capable of choosing a major professor and committee of faculty members with whom to work on this project. Students are expected to work with their major professor on the development of this proposal.
The Capstone Proposal consists of a cover page and two-page proposal. Once complete, the chairperson should sign the proposal form indicating his/her approval. Once signed by the chairperson, the proposal should be turned in to the Admin Support Specialist in the School of Building Science office, for approval by the GPO, then filing.
The major professor will guide the student on research, analysis, writing, and other scholarly aspects of the work. Members of the student's committee contribute, but the primary responsibility is that of the major professor.
Last Day to Turn in Capstone Proposal will be set each Spring semester by the Graduate Program Officer, in accordance with the guidelines set by the School, and in conjunction with the the policies of the Graduate School.
Last Day To Turn in Completed Capstone Project corresponds to the Mid-Semester date as printed in the AU Bulletin of the student's final (graduating) semester. Any major revisions or corrections to the Capstone after submission to the committee will result in the student not graduating that semester. All revisions to the Capstone Paper will be incorporated prior to printing the required bound copies. One copy should be given to each committee member, one copy for the school, and additional personal copies, if desired. A Sample recommended organization is available on the BSCI website. Formatting requirements are in accordance with the APA Publication Manual, available in the graduate resource library.
Date of Capstone Defense/Presentation corresponds to the Last Day for Doctoral and Non-Thesis Final Oral Exams date as printed in the AU Bulletin. However, in most instances, the Capstone Defense is scheduled approximately a week prior to this date. The Capstone Defense will be conducted during the student's final (graduating) semester. The defense includes a one hour presentation of the Capstone Project and results. If the committee is satisfied with the project and all final copies have been submitted, a Form 8 Recommendation for Graduation will be signed by the committee chair and GPO. All graduate students are required to attend Capstone Defense presentations.
Responsibilities of The Major Professor and the Committee
The major professor will guide the student on research, analysis, writing, and other scholarly aspects of the work. Members of the student's committee contribute, but the primary responsibility is that of the major professor. Submission of a Capstone is defined as the time at which the first complete draft of such is submitted to the major professor for review. The major professor and all committee members read the manuscript critically. Each may suggest improvements and refuse approval pending additional work. When committee members and the major professor sign the Approval Page, they certify that the Capstone is clear and accurate, that it represents an original and worthwhile contribution, that the suggestions made by them are incorporated into the final work, and that the work conforms to the standards of Auburn University and to Graduate School specifications.
No faculty member will sign a Capstone until it is of foremost quality and meets all requirements.
The major professor and committee members must sign their names personally. There can be no temporary substitute members and no other person may sign a committee member's name on an Approval Page, even with the authorization of the committee member involved and the major professor. Any exceptions occasioned by unusual circumstances require Graduate School approval.
Capstone projects are usually presented during the second Summer in the program. However, non-construction undergraduates have an opportunity to gain valuable construction industry experience through a summer internship, which is encouraged by graduate faculty. If the internship option is exercised, the student would enroll Fall semester and present his/her Capstone project prior to the Last Day for Doctoral and Non-Thesis Final Oral Exams date as printed in the AU Bulletin, as well as completing any necessary electives.
Other Capstone Information
Capstone Instructions - Instructions for completing proposal, sample assembly of Capstone project, due dates, proposal form, etc.
ASC Style Guide
How to Organize Your Thesis