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 2012-2013

We are now accepting Capstone proposals for the 2012-2013 academic year. The deadline for proposal submission is May 25, 2012. All proposals must be submitted through the online application.  

Clients on Capstone

“As a former student, I found the Capstone project to be one of the highlights of the Wagner program both personally and professionally. ”

Malaria No More

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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

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]

08/12/2011
Markowitz Announces Task Force to Transform Fourth Avenue
- Capstone Prgram in Brooklyn Eagle