Capstone Experience

As part of a culminating capstone experience, humanities and communication majors at Cal State Monterey Bay produce an undergraduate research or creative project.

What's Involved

The senior capstone involves two components: 

• a seminar class that explores an interdisciplinary theme through readings and discussion
• an individual project connected to that theme, which can take the shape of an essay, research paper or creative work. 

You’ll work closely with a faculty mentor to develop and complete your project over the course of your final semester at CSUMB. 

Present Your Work

At the end of the semester, you’ll participate in our Senior Capstone Festival. This gives you a chance to share your work with the broader CSUMB community and celebrate alongside your peers. 

Build Transferrable Skills

The senior capstone is more than a culminating academic experience. It also helps you develop essential research, analytical, writing and communication skills that are valuable in the workplace and provide a solid foundation for graduate studies. 

Example Seminar Themes

Each year, seniors choose from several available capstone seminars. Themes vary each year, but past seminars have explored topics like: 

• Pop culture and identity
• Environmental justice
• Food ethics
• Privilege and place
• Trauma and healing

Example Capstone Projects

Our students dive into a wide variety of issues and topics inspired by their seminar theme. Here are just a few examples of thought-provoking papers and creative works from the past few years: 

• Privacy in the Age of Platforms: How Digital Advancements Are Outrunning Our Constitution
• Food and Culture in Challenged Books
• Genetically Modified Organisms: Progress or Blight?
• Roots and Recipes: A Family Cookbook
• Derailed Fortunes: California’s Forgotten Railroads
• Fueling Performance: Tailored Nutrition Strategies for Female Athletes