The Capstone Graduation Project is a requirement for all students. It may take the form of a thesis of 45 to 50 pages which examines an issue or topic of interdisciplinary scope. It may be a case study; an investigative work based on field research; an analysis and interpretation of a contemporary issue, trend or historical event; a critique of art or fiction; an examination or position paper on theories and practices in science and technology. It could also be an aesthetic project in art, music, dance, theatre, film, photography, poetry or electronic media, accompanied by a process paper of 20-25 pages. There are many options, but the project must be approved by the director of the program as the Thesis Research semester begins.

Once the core and elective courses are near completion, a student chooses a faculty mentor for the Capstone Project. It may be a MALS faculty member with whom the student has studied while in the program, or a member of the Ramapo College faculty at large. The student takes two semesters to complete the thesis: a thesis research semester and a thesis writing semester. The student works with the mentor in an individualized and professional relationship. This experience enhances maturity of scholarship and creative expression; it encourages students to be productive in new and innovative ways.

The mentor is an important guide in the Capstone Project process. The mentor approves the Preliminary Thesis or Creative Project Proposal, evaluates the validity of the methodology and research criteria, and makes recommendations to the student about all aspects of the project. The mentor certifies that the project is complete and acceptable by assigning it a grade of “Pass” at the end of the Thesis Writing semester, when the project is complete.

Students present the results of the research they have done for the Capstone project at a public MALS reception evening in the Fall and Spring of each year. All MALS students and faculty, and the family of the presenters are invited to these presentations, which provide an opportunity for interaction between students, faculty and staff.

The Ramapo Library and the MALS Graduate Office will archive permanently bound copies of the written project and appropriate visual or audio records of performance.