Capstone Experience

Capstone in HCOM (HCOM 475) is the hallmark of students’ university careers and a culminating senior experience. In this seminar based course, students lead sustained inquiry around a shared theme while completing a substantial senior project, either a research driven essay or a creative work. Designed to demonstrate intellectual growth, leadership, and scholarly rigor, capstone invites students to contribute meaningfully to collective learning and to produce work that reflects the depth of their academic journey.

What's Involved

The senior capstone involves two components: 

• a seminar class that explores an interdisciplinary theme through readings and discussion. Students are expected to actively contribute to seminar discussions and take shared responsibility for collective learning.
• 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. 

Capstone Learning Outcomes

Through the seminar, senior project, and participation in the Capstone Festival, students demonstrate their ability to:

• Identify and analyze major issues related to a shared theme
• Engage multiple perspectives and points of view
• Develop critical questions that deepen inquiry
• Work collaboratively in discussion based learning
• Work independently on a sustained research or creative project
• Apply knowledge and skills to produce a substantial final work

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. To view past Capstone Festivals, please visit our Capstone Archives page. 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

Capstone Resources

Students should consult the HCOM Senior Project Guide and their HCOM 475 instructor for current project expectations, deadlines, and formatting guidelines.