Applying Knowledge in the Field

Capstone is learning in action. In architecture, the capstone is the crowning piece of an arch, the center stone that holds the arch together. NYU Wagner's Capstone program plays a similar role, providing students with a centerpiece of their graduate school education whereby they are able to experience first-hand turning the theory of their studies into practice in the field.

A requirement of the Master of Public Administration and Master of Urban Planning programs at NYU Wagner, Capstone provides students with both a critical learning experience and an opportunity to perform a public service. Over the course of an academic year, students in Capstone work in teams with faculty oversight to address challenges and identify opportunities for a client organization or to conduct research on a pressing social question. 

Capstone projects require students to get up-to-speed quickly on a specific content or issue area; enhance key process skills such as project management and teamwork; and develop competency in gathering, analyzing, and reporting out on data. For students, it's an opportunity to interweave their learning in all these areas and to do so in real time, in an unpredictable, complex, real-world environment; for organizations, it's a chance to have current and future public service leaders focused on their success.

Acknowledgement

Thank you to FJC: a Foundation of Philanthropic Funds for generous financial support of our Capstone program.

Proposals for 2013-2014

We are now accepting Capstone proposals for the 2013-2014 academic year. The proposal deadline is May 24, 2013.

online application

Clients on Capstone

“We are so pleased with the results. The team of students that we worked with conducted a feasibility assessment on the creation of a MOUSE Alumni Network.”

MOUSE

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Search Projects

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Past Projects

Read about sample Capstone Projects that have been done in the past.

In the Press

06/28/2012
NYU Study Proposes Uses for Crown Heights Armory
- Capstone Program in Brownstoner

01/09/2012
Community Ponders How To Use Old Crown Heights Armory
- Capstone in NY 1

09/26/2011
Wagner Team Helps NGO to Better Aid in Agricultural Development
- Capstone Program in NYU Research Digest [P. 4]