What is the difference between a capstone and a project?

A capstone and a project are both substantial academic endeavors typically undertaken by students to demonstrate their mastery of a subject or field of study, but they have some key differences:

1. Purpose and Goals:

   • Capstone: A Capstone project ideas is typically the culmination of a student's academic program and is designed to showcase their overall learning and the application of knowledge gained throughout their coursework. It often serves as a bridge between academic learning and real-world application.
   • Project: A project can refer to various academic assignments or tasks. While some projects may serve as a culminating experience, many projects are individual assignments or group tasks completed during a course and may not necessarily represent the culmination of an entire academic program.

2. Scope:

   • Capstone: Capstone projects are usually comprehensive and in-depth. They often require students to integrate knowledge from multiple courses or areas of study, conduct research, and produce a significant report, presentation, or tangible outcome.
   • Project: Projects can vary widely in scope. Some projects may be relatively small and focused, while others may be larger and more complex. The scope of a project often depends on the specific assignment or course.

3. Timing:

   • Capstone: Capstone projects are typically completed toward the end of a student's academic program, often in the senior year of undergraduate studies or during a master's program.
   • Project: Projects can be assigned at any point during a course or program, and their timing may vary depending on the instructor and the curriculum.

4. Assessment:

   • Capstone: Capstone projects are usually assessed holistically, taking into account the quality of the final deliverable, the depth of research, the application of knowledge, and the overall contribution to the field of study.
   • Project: Projects are typically assessed based on specific criteria related to the objectives of the assignment or course. Assessment may focus on the completion of tasks, meeting deadlines, and following instructions.

5. Examples:

   • Capstone: Examples of capstone projects include a senior thesis, a comprehensive research paper, a business plan, a design project, or a community service project that integrates classroom learning with practical application.
   • Project: Examples of projects can include research papers, group presentations, laboratory experiments, coding assignments, case studies, or any other task or assignment related to a specific course.

In summary, while both capstones and projects are academic endeavors, the main differences lie in their purpose, scope, timing, assessment, and their role within a student's academic journey. Capstone projects tend to be more comprehensive and serve as a culminating experience, while projects can encompass a wide range of assignments and tasks completed during a course or program.