Capstone Projects

About

The final project is a key element of the Master of Health and the Public Interest program, as it provides valuable work experience and opportunities for jobs after graduation. Students typically conduct the capstone research project (3 credits) over the summer. Either participating faculty or students, following faculty approval, can arrange the capstone project. Health and the Public Interest students have the option of working on a research study or health services project with a Georgetown or outside mentor, or working with an advocacy group, NGO, state or federal agency, international health organization, social science project, or epidemiological research program.

During my capstone I had the opportunity to work in a fellowship that involved preparing advocacy materials for Congress. The fellowship led to a position working for a Member of Congress as a legislative aide.

Blake Hite ’22, Environmental Protection Specialist

Objectives

• Developing practical skills: Health and the Public Interest students may accomplish this project through immersive involvement with a research team; an internship with a government agency or a non-governmental organization, or through a closely monitored independent investigative project.
• Integrating knowledge gained in the program into a workplace environment.
• Honing writing and communication skills: Students will be required to write a final report of their experiences and will be provided an opportunity to present their experiences to the program.

Capstone or Internship Final Project

There are no comprehensive exams, and students are expected to successfully complete the capstone or internship requirement. To successfully meet the requirement, students must:

• File proposals for either a capstone or Internship project with the Program Directors prior to the start of the project. These proposals must outline plans for their research or fieldwork, complete with deadlines and expectations for the final written product to be submitted to the program. The mentors, placement site, and the directors’ approval of the proposals are required to move forward with the project.
• Produce a written report of no less than 20 pages, describing their research project or their fieldwork
• Write weekly blog posts on their experiences. This requirement fosters both cooperation and community among students who may be in far-flung places and positions. Faculty also monitor and comment on blog posts, and are available to consult with students to ensure the correct application of skills from coursework.
• Regularly check in with project advisors. Students are required to check-in during and end of the semester to ensure they are meeting project requirements and also resolving any challenges that arise.

For my capstone, I worked at the Georgetown Institute of Health Policy, where I worked with health policy researchers. The career center connected me with a bunch of other folks I networked with to land interviews and learn more about different companies.

Mari Tikoyan ’20, Researcher

Evaluation

The primary mentor evaluates capstone projects through an assessment. This assessment is based on progress reports and a final report. For students working primarily with a non-Georgetown mentor, there is an assessment by the assigned Georgetown mentor. and at the end of the capstone, both the external faculty and the student evaluate the experience. The faculty committee gives the final grade for the capstone, taking the paper or report and the external advisor’s evaluation form into consideration. A faculty committee evaluates external capstone proposals, mentors, and sites. Criteria for external mentors include research experience and experience mentoring students.

Past Projects