1. Master of Criminal Justice Capstone Orientation
Professor Lorine Hughes

2. WHAT TO EXPECT…
Capstone students partner with a government agency, non-profit program, or private organization to conduct a client-based research project in which to demonstrate the ability to integrate knowledge and skills gained from courses in the MCJ program. Capstone students utilize research methods skills by developing and implementing a research design to answer a research question for their client. Capstone projects highlight students’ critical problem solving and data analysis skills.

3. THE CAPSTONE
Similar to an independent study course and requires individual self direction
Project should be of significant and practical use to your client agency or organization
Project must be completed in 8-10 weeks, not including preparing the oral presentation
Project may NOT be conducted as part of ongoing work responsibilities

4. CAPSTONE PROJECTS ARE….
Empirical in nature, involving primary or secondary data collection and analysis.
You will ask and answer a research question.
What is the impact of A on B?
What is the relationship between A and B?
Which factors are related to treatment completion?

5. CAPSTONE PROJECTS ARE NOT….
Manuals developed for any purpose
Policy and procedure guides
Extended literature reviews

6. CONFLICTING CLIENT, STUDENT, AND COURSE GOALS/AGENDAS
Your client may want a project that is much broader in scope than the capstone course requires
Clearly communicate your course expectations to your client
Balance your client’s goals and your course requirements

7. PRIOR TO THE START OF YOUR CAPSTONE SEMESTER…
Identify your client
Develop your research question(s)
Explore possible methodologies to propose to your client to answer your research question(s)
Once you determine your research question(s), you will begin your literature review. Your literature review builds the foundation for your research question(s)

8. COURSE REQUIREMENTS TO PUT ON YOUR RADAR NOW…..
3 Class Meetings - 1/23, 1/30, and 2/6 in Classroom 450; 5:00-7:30
Prospectus Development
Capstone Committee

9. MAJOR COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Presentation Scheduling
Canvas Shell Review
First Draft
Second Draft
Final Draft
Capstone Presentation

10. 3rd WEEK OF CLASS (2/6) Prospectus Presentations in Class
Five-ten minute presentation
Short description of project
Description of your client
Snapshot of the literature on which your project is based
Research question(s)
Proposed methodology to answer research question, including your analysis plan

11. YOUR CAPSTONE COMMITTEE
3-Member Committee. I am your first reader, a SPA CCJ faculty member is your second reader, and your client is your third reader.
Lecturers may not serve as readers.
Each reader must be available to attend your final presentation (in person or zoom)

12. TARGETED RESOURCES
Getting started (course shell)
Writing and statistical support (SPA)
Potential client list (SPA)
Capstone examples (course shell)
Capstone presentation examples (SPA & course shell)
MCJ Capstone Resources Page (SPA)

13. SPA ACADEMIC RESOURCES
Academic Integrity
APA Citation and Format
Grammar and Syntax
Literature Reviews
Methods/Stats Assistance
UCD Writing Center (303)