Doctoral Capstone Project
Doctoral Capstone
The doctoral capstone is an integral part of the program’s curriculum design. The doctoral capstone consists of two primary parts:
- Doctoral Capstone Project
- Doctoral Capstone Experience
The capstone experience allows students to develop contemporary practice skills beyond those expected for entry-level practice. This experience empowers students to make meaningful, positive impacts on the communities with which we partner.
The curriculum includes three courses: Capstone Project Design I, II, III (OTP 690, OTP 790, OTP 795). These courses guide students through the introduction, planning, and development of the capstone project, which they implement during their capstone doctoral residency.
In these three courses, the student collaborates with a faculty mentor and designs a project aligned with the program’s curriculum. The project design includes:
- Specific objectives
- Literature review
- A needs assessment
- An evaluation plan
- A timeline of activities
- A mentoring plan outlining the type and degree of supervision required to achieve project goals
Each student selects a project in one of the following areas:
- Advanced clinical practice
- Advocacy projects
- Leadership and Administration
- Education
- Program and policy development
- Research
Before beginning their doctoral capstone residency, students must complete the Doctoral Certification & Introduction to Residency course (OTP 870). In this course, students finalize all capstone project objectives, timelines, and supervision details in collaboration with their capstone advisors, including faculty and capstone mentors.
Doctoral Capstone Projects
Class of 2024
Class of 2023
Class of 2022
- Lindsay Krug
- Andrea Lowell
- Sandra Patrick
- Michelle Roldan
- Hannah Rukkila
- Nicole Ruprich
- Elizabeth Shamnon
- Kaylee Toren
- Anna Rose Wiencek