Development of an Integrated and Applied Undergraduate Capstone Course

The undergraduate capstone course for the Bachelor of Arts in Public Health is taken near the completion, often in the final semester, of the program and focuses on integration of public health knowledge, skills, and practice acquired during the student’s course of study. Students are involved in assessing their level of achievement of educational degree objectives, preparing for graduation and future professional goals, and additionally reflect on, finalize, and present their capstone (applied learning experience) projects.

Three primary assignments help to shape this course: 1) an oral presentation of each student’s personal and academic skills and accomplishments; 2) small group, integrated discussions centered on trending public health topics; and 3) public poster presentations of final capstone projects. Prepared and delivered oral presentations focus on encouraging students to articulate their skill set to a general audience and promote their accomplishments with confidence in professional settings. Small group, integrated discussions are intended to promote critical thinking and application of research skills to hot-topic public health issues. Past discussion topics have included regulation of e-cigarettes, fall prevention among the elderly, and gender equity as a public health concern. Public poster presentations of completed capstone projects serve as an opportunity for students to share their work with community members, faculty, alumni, and peers. Prepared and printed posters additionally provide students with a finished presentation to share at academic conferences and professional venues.

Upon completion of the undergraduate capstone course, students should be prepared to transition into the workforce or into a graduate degree program with a breadth and depth of public health knowledge, a collection of practical skills, and experience integrating and applying academic foundations to better serve the health of populations.