Senior Community Health Capstone

George Mason University’s Bachelors of Community Health undergraduates  can enroll in the major at any time from freshman to junior year which makes it difficult to have an entry-level core public health class. Additionally, students sequence core courses randomly to fit their schedules, so faculty cannot assure that students have assimilated into the major until near the end of their time on campus. The Senior Capstone experience solidifies students’ expertise in public health and gives them key mentoring by dedicated faculty, so by the time they graduate, faculty are assured that students understand core concepts and are prepared for the public health workforce.  
The Senior Capstone, a writing intensive and synthesis course, is intended to improve writing skills; to assist students in postgraduate plans such as job searches or graduate school applications; and to promote discussion of both controversial and non-controversial public health current events. While other core courses may be as large as 50 students, Capstone is limited to 25 students so individuals can get crucial writing feedback and mentoring. At the conclusion of the course, students have a professional resume and sharpened interviewing and presentation skills;  a well constructed personal statement; and, a polished writing sample.  Student feedback has been extremely positive, and the course has been recognized by the Provost for excellence in academic instruction.