Are financial resources available to Capstone groups?
Each Capstone team can be reimbursed up to $500 for expenses such as reproduction, binding, local travel, and/or preparation of Capstone documents and display materials.
Is it possible to switch from part-time to full-time enrollment?
Yes! You may change your enrollment status from full-time to part-time, or vice versa, without notifying the University.
Visit the website for more information about the possible financial aid implications of changing enrollment status and who to contact about them.
What is the timeline for the Capstone registration process?
Wagner provides information for students to request Capstone registration in late March/early April. Once you have followed these directions, and assuming you have met all of the Capstone prerequisites, you will be registered for Capstone by July 1. Note: In order to check students' Capstone eligibility, program advisors must review each student's academic record.
I work full-time at a position that was not deemed relevant for PER. How can I fulfill this requirement?
We generally recommend that students in your position either seek out stretch assignments at work or do something similar. The purpose of the Professional Experience Requirement is to help bring your specialization coursework to life outside the classroom as well as give you new opportunities to help you professionally once you graduate from Wagner.
How are teams selected in a Capstone program and how many people are there on a team?
Several factors play a role in team composition: interest in various projects, skill sets needed for a given project, diversity of skill sets and experience on each team, and team size. The specific team selection details vary depending on the individual Capstone instructors. A typical Capstone team comprises three to five students.
How do I qualify for half-time equivalency and what is the process for having it added to my record?
The University defines "full time" as taking 12 or more credits in one semester and "half time" as taking 6 or more credits in one semester. A student's enrollment status has potential implications for financial aid, particularly as it pertains to Federal student loans.
How do I apply for Capstone?
You must apply for Capstone because you cannot register yourself for Capstone via Albert. The application process is described in detail in the Applying for Capstone section of the website.
I am required to complete PER. How do I find an internship that is relevant? How do I know whether the internship will qualify?
In order to fulfill the PER, a position must be directly relevant to your career goals as well as your degree program and/or specialization.
Does this credit system conversion have an impact on the value of my degree?
No, nothing about the degree is changing; graduate schools across the US and throughout the world have varying credit structures. You will continue to attend classes for the same amount of time and faculty will cover the same content as before the conversion.
Can I start Capstone in the spring semester?
Capstone is a 3-credit course that occurs only over the fall-spring academic year. Students enroll in 1.5 credits in the fall first, and 1.5 credits in the spring.
Visit the Capstone for Students page for more information.
How do I change my specialization?
MPA and MUP students are required to choose their specialization during the semester in which they complete their 12th credit. For full-time students, this is their first semester and for part-time students, it is usually their second semester.
How do I waive out of a course?
There are two ways you can waive a course: