Capstones are designed to be the culmination of a UCLA undergraduate experience. Capstones range from yearlong sequences of courses or tutorials to a single seminar, and from honors theses to comprehensive seminar projects or internships. They may be based in tutorials, laboratories, advanced courses, or seminars, and may include either individual or team-based projects. Requirements vary among the college and schools. Capstone majors and programs are identified throughout each department. See capstone initiatives for more information.
Four types of capstone options represent different expectations for student engagement and independence. Some students might complete capstones of more than one type. For example, having completed an advanced seminar, a student might decide to engage in independent study or an honors project.
In a multi-term program, students conduct independent research, laboratory, writing, or other work guided or mentored by faculty. The program culminates in a formal thesis or project that can be granted department honors.
Highly motivated students who find that no single major accommodates their specific interest in a given subject may propose their own major. Proposals are designed with faculty guidance and sponsorship, and thoroughly examined for cogency, completeness, and academic merit.
Students may propose an individual project or paper as the culmination of an upper-division contract course they create with their instructors.
Students may enroll in an advanced senior seminar or project course that requires a comprehensive term paper, performance, or product design.
