What are the requirements of an Honors Capstone?
Requirement 1: An Honors Capstone Project
What problem do you want to solve? What interests you most?
explore capstone IdeasRequirement 2: An Oral Presentation of the Results of your Project
What were the results of your project? What impact did it have on you or others?
Requirement 3: A Capstone Mentor's Evaluation of your Project
Were the Honors Capstone Learning Outcomes met by your project?
What will I learn by doing my capstone?
- Students will define a question that their project will address, responding to a problem, concern, or need. (The project can be scholarly, creative, service-oriented, or entrepreneurial).
- Students will develop a plan for carrying out the project that incorporates the following elements, as appropriate to the nature of the project: relevant skills, methodologies, bodies of knowledge, and field-specific and/or interdisciplinary conventions.
- Students will analyze and interpret the material in their project, whether this be data, evidence, creative output, etc.
- Students will engage in a process of sharing work with their mentor/s, receiving feedback, and incorporating feedback in the development of the project.
- Students will create a tangible product that demonstrates critical thinking and insight in responding to the initial question.
- Students will communicate their project at an Honors-approved venue (usually Undergraduate Research and Inquiry Day) through an oral presentation addressing the nature and significance of the project, as well as its implications/impact.
- Students will reflect metacognitively on the project (i.e. articulate what they learned and how they grew from doing the project).
How do I get started on my capstone?
Undertaking any big project can feel overwhelming. Follow these steps to create a meaningful, impactful, and robust project that is uniquely yours—and that can serve as a stepping stone or launch pad toward your academic and professional goals.
Step 1: Brainstorm an idea
Focus on an idea that has the potential to make an impact that is a research, creative, community-engaged, or entrepreneurial project. When choosing a pathway, ask yourself: “What kind of impact do I want to make—in the classroom, in the world, or in the community? What issues or questions inspire me, and how can I use this project to address them? How do I turn that vision into reality?"
Time to complete: First-year/Sophomore year
Step 2: Choose a capstone mentor
Your mentor could be any faculty member or community expert who agrees to guide you. Most students have one mentor, but co-mentors are possible—just list them on your Capstone Initiation Form.
Unsure whom to ask? Email honorscapstone@uwyo.edu or reach out to a member of our support team.
Time to complete: 12 months prior to capstone completion goal
Step 3: Complete the Capstone Initiation Form
After you submit the form, your proposal will automatically be emailed to your capstone mentor for their approval.
Time to complete: 6-12 months prior to capstone completion goal
Step 5: Present your project orally
This oral presentation should be completed at Undergraduate Research Day or an Honors-approved venue.
Optional: You have the opportunity to publish your work in the Wyoscholar Repository through the UW Libraries. Publishing your work is a great opportunity but it is not required.
Time to complete: Prior to graduation
Step 4: Complete your project
Planning to graduate in the same semester you complete your capstone? If so, please let Honors know your expected graduation date, as it determines your capstone timeline to ensure you finish before graduation.
Honors College: Declare to Graduate Form
Time to complete: Prior to graduation
Step 6: Submit project for review
Your capstone mentor will use the Capstone Mentor Evaluation Form to evaluate your project according to the Honors Capstone Learning Outcomes.
Semester Deadlines for 2025-2026: Fall: November 29 | Spring: May 5 | Summer: August 8
What resources are available to help me complete my capstone?
Explore capstone projects completed by students just like you.
What is an oral presentation of a capstone project like? Prepare ahead and get a glimpse of what to expect!
Stay on track and meet college deadlines to complete your capstone project by graduation.
Need supplies or travel funding for your capstone? We offer grants, scholarships, and awards to help bring your vision to life.
Got questions? We have got answers to help you successfully complete your capstone project.
Who can help me get started? Your capstone coordinators
Dr. Joslyn Cassady and Dr. Tom Grant co-coordinate the Honors Capstone program, guiding students from brainstorming and understanding requirements to finalizing their projects. Need help getting started? Reach out to Dr. Cassady or Dr. Grant.
