The Capstone Experience is the culmination of students’ academic work and includes professional development, an internship and public presentations for students to share their research.

Students majoring in Environmental Studies gain valuable professional experience and explore potential career paths through a 3-quarter Capstone course series (ENVIR 490, 491, & 492) that includes a quarter-long internship and research project. Students produce a written deliverable and tie this professional and hands-on component with their academic study.

The Capstone experience is centered around an internship with a community site partner. Potential Capstone sites range from local nonprofits and government agencies to faculty research projects and private sector initiatives. Students have the opportunity to meet with potential site partners, after which they tailor their resume and cover letters to apply for projects of interest during ENVIR 490.

Capstone projects are typically done individually, but are sometimes collaborative efforts with other students depending on the needs of the site partner. With the mentorship of your faculty advisor and site supervisor, you will gain hands-on experience, explore career possibilities and build professional communication skills. This makes the Capstone Experience academically rigorous, extremely practical and personally meaningful.

 

Capstone Experience

Students must successfully complete all Core Classes prior to starting the Capstone Experience. The following three courses must be taken as one contiguous sequence. Note: study abroad programs are not an option during the Capstone Experience with the exception of Early Fall opportunities.

• ENVIR 490: Environmental Studies Capstone – Preparation
  • This seminar class introduces students to the job search process, with sessions on resume and cover letter writing and ways to practice and present their pitch for an interview. Towards the end of the quarter, students will interview with a selection of site partners, draft a project proposal, and begin planning for their internship quarter.
• ENVIR 491: Environmental Studies Capstone – Internship and Research
  • Students develop research questions to guide their hands-on learning and gain project management skills, reporting regularly to their site supervisor. Students won’t attend class, but will earn credits through work completed for their internship.
• ENVIR 492: Environmental Studies Capstone – Synthesis and Communication
  • Students reflect on their experience through journal reflections, an analysis paper reporting their research findings, and informal discussion on a class blog. Students also present their research at the culminating Capstone Symposium, either as a poster or a lightening talk.

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Capstone Symposium 

We hold a Capstone Symposium each spring and autumn. Check the News & Events section of the website for Symposia schedules, and view the Capstone Database for an archive of all past projects. This event is open to the public. We encourage students interested in learning about the Capstone as well as members of our community to join us!

Previous capstone symposia have had presentations on topics including food and healthcare sustainability, environmental education and outreach, corporate social responsibility, and policy regulation for environmental pollutants.