Capstone Experience
Demonstrate your scientific knowledge, apply hands-on skills and prepare for what comes next in your academic or professional journey.
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The capstone is designed to bring your studies full circle.
Whether you’re sequencing DNA, exploring marine systems, researching microbiology, or analyzing ecosystems, the capstone allows you to apply what you’ve learned in a meaningful, real-world context.
Projects vary depending on your coursework and career goals, with options ranging from lab-based molecular studies to field-based ecological research. Working closely with faculty mentors, you’ll design, carry out and present a project that reflects both your academic growth and your readiness for the future. Each semester, capstone projects are celebrated at the Capstone Festival, where students build professional communication skills by sharing their work with faculty, peers and the broader community.
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Structured Options for Your Focus
Your capstone experience depends on your area of focus. Students may pursue course-based projects in fields such as bioinformatics, ecology, microbiology, molecular biology or physiology.
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Hands-on Research With Faculty Mentors
The capstone is hands-on and guided. You’ll collect and analyze data, design experiments and test solutions to scientific questions, all while receiving mentorship from experienced faculty.
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Presenting at the Capstone Festival
Each semester, students present their projects at CSUMB’s Capstone Festival. Through oral presentations and poster sessions, you’ll share your findings with peers, faculty and the wider community.